KEY POINTS

  • Cancer is a disease feared by many due to the threat it has on life
  • There are certain foods that could be added to the diet to help you fight against the disease
  • One spice must be added to your regular meals to help you fight cancer

The biggest risk factor of many forms of cancer is age. Data made available by health agencies and organizations reveal that over 75% of people diagnosed as suffering from cancer in the UK are 60 years old or over.

Scientists say this may be because the life-threatening ailment is a disease of genes. Over time, errors accumulate in the DNA code, and it is these errors that trigger the voyage of the cell to become cancerous. Fortunately, recent studies discovered a compound in a popular spice that may prevent this voyage.

An Unassuming Plant

Turmeric is a flowering plant that belongs to the ginger family. Its roots, which are often made to dry, then powdered, are used in cooking for flavor and as a food coloring.

With its appearance similar to ginger, it has been the subject of many studies due to its medicinal and health benefits. Turmeric plays an important role in Ayurvedic medicine.

Today, scientists reveal that this unassuming plant contains curcumin, a compound that can kill a tumor and stop the proliferation of cancer cells. Researchers conclude turmeric may soon become an effective anti-cancer drug due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers of curcumin.

turmeric and cancer
turmeric and cancer stevepb - Pixabay

A Worthy Examination

Scientists analyzed around 5,000 studies and discovered that turmeric helped stop the growth of eight cancer types. Their findings also indicate that turmeric is very effective in the treatment of pancreatic, breast, prostate, bowel, pancreatic, blood, bone marrow, and stomach cancers.

They also proved that the compound found in turmeric is an effective painkiller and can help in lowering the risk of developing heart disease, lung disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also a great aid in reducing the risk of depression.

The authors of the examination published their findings in the journal Nutrients. They said while scientists find the hunt for new drugs that can fight various types of cancer challenging, a glimmer of hope is being provided by this unassuming plant.

They reveal that curcumin has shown great potential in killing cancer cells in particular types of cancer. Scientists, however, stopped short in saying they already found the cure for cancer. They admitted more research is needed to establish the cancer-stopping potential of the turmeric compound firmly.

For now, it appears that curcumin has achieved considerable success in killing cancer cells and stop the unabated growth of rogue cells. It also has shown greater efficacy in dealing with stomach cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and bowel cancer cells.