|
|||||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||
|
googled Articles on benefits of curry: Benefits of curry cited By SHARI ROAN Curry and onions might do much more than spice up a meal. They also could help prevent colon cancer. A new study, published in the August issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, found that a pill containing large doses of curcumin, a chemical found in curry and turmeric, and quercetin, an antioxidant found in onions, helped prevent precancerous polyps in several people at high risk for colon cancer. Five people with an inherited disease called familial adenomatous polyposis, which often leads to colon cancer, took the pill for six months. The average number of polyps the patients developed dropped by more than 60 percent, and the average size of the polyps was reduced by 50 percent, said Dr. Francis M. Giardiello, senior author of the study and a gastroenterologist at the cancer center at Johns Hopkins University. Earlier studies had suggested that people who eat large amounts of curry have lower rates of colon cancer. But to have real effect, the chemicals probably need to be taken in pill form, Giardiello says. ''You can put a lot of turmeric on your food, and it's still only 3 percent to 6 percent of curcumin,'' he says. ''The supplement is multiple times what you eat in a regular diet.'' People with familial adenomatous polyposis typically take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help reduce their cancer risk. But these drugs are associated with side effects; curcumin did not cause serious side effects. A larger, randomized study on curcumin is planned, Giardiello said. The research was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. (c) 2006, Los Angeles Times *************************************************************************************************** Health NewsCinnamon and Cloves Offer Health BenefitsApril 5, 2006 According to two new studies, both cinnamon and cloves offer health benefits such as increasing insulin production and lowering cholesterol. These health benefits are especially beneficial to people who suffer from heart disease and diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes. Previous research that suggested cinnamon has the ability to lower triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose levels by 10 percent to 30 percent. This new study offers additional support to the previous study. Researchers found that cinnamon increases levels of three important proteins crucial to promoting normal insulin-signaling processes, a healthy inflammatory response, and efficient glucose transportation throughout the body. Cloves were also proven to be a "super food." At the end of the study, regardless of the amount of cloves consumed, all those who ingested cloves showed a drop in glucose, triglycerides and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Those who did not ingest cloves experienced no changes. Although these common spices offer health benefits, doctors suggest seeking a means of consuming these spices other than in their powder form. Cinnamon in powder form is rendered ineffective by contact with saliva, and its lack of solubility in water can result in an unwanted build up of the spice in the body. Better ways to consume cinnamon would be using cinnamon sticks in hot water or cinnamon capsules that contain the cinnamon extract.
Cardamom: Precious Pods Most people are familiar with cardamom from fragrant Indian dishes, but this flavorful spice does more than lend flavor to curries and chai: It also has numerous health benefits, such as improving digestion and stimulating the metabolism. Readily available in markets, the precious pods are relatively pricey, as each one must be hand picked. - Detoxifies the body of caffeine - Cleanses kidneys and bladder - Stimulates digestive system and reduces gas - Expectorant action - Improves circulation to the lungs and thus considered good for asthma and bronchitis - Antispasmodic - Can counteract excess acidity in the stomach - Stimulates appetite - Remedy for tendency to infection - Cures halitosis (bad breath)
Black pepper, cinnamon, cayenne pepper – none of these spices are new or unusual to most people. In fact, these are spices that many of us use on a regular basis, especially black pepper. But did you know that these spices also have many health benefits? Did you know that there is more reason to use these spices than to simply add flavor and spice to a meal? Black Pepper In America, black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices. In fact, it is not uncommon for a person to use pepper with every meal – a little on his eggs, a bit on his sandwich and salad, a lot on his steak and corn… Fortunately, as it turns out, this is a good thing. Why? Because black pepper is good for us! Black pepper improves digestion by stimulating the taste buds and thereby alerting the stomach to increase hydrochloric secretion. Black pepper is also an antioxidant, and it has antibacterial effects. But wait – there’s more! You will be very happy to know that the outermost layer of the peppercorn actually helps stimulate the breakdown of fat cells! Black pepper also helps prevent the formation of intestinal gas, promotes urination, and promotes sweating. It is full of manganese, and it also has a good amount of iron and dietary fiber, as well. Cinnamon Cinnamon also has a very healthy dose of manganese, but the health benefits of cinnamon are different than those of black pepper. Cinnamon can help eliminate and prevent the clumping of blood platelets. The scent of cinnamon can boost brain function – in other words, smelling cinnamon can improve your virtual recognition memory, working memory, and more! Cinnamon can also help stop the growth of bacteria. Some even say that cinnamon can be used as spicy alternative to traditional food preservatives. For people with type 2 diabetes, cinnamon is wonderful – it can help them respond to insulin and thereby normalize their blood sugar levels. Cayenne The list of benefits from cayenne pepper seems to go on and on: it fights inflammation, prevents stomach ulcers, boosts immunity, offers pain relief, has cardiovascular benefits, and helps clear congestion. It seems that no matter your ailment, a dose of cayenne will help you out! Cayenne is also full of vitamin A. Who knew that making your food taste good could be so good for you? So, go ahead and add a little spice to your meal. Adding a bit of spice to your life may actually help you increase your lifespan! **************************************************************************************************** Researchers Look at Health Benefits of Curry
Posted: Apr 16, 2007 Researchers are looking at how curry can be used to prevent certain health ailments. Ned Van Dyke is at high risk of developing colon cancer. He has a family history and a colonoscopy revealed polyps.
"My mother had colon cancer late
in life," he said.
"Curcumin is abundantly used in
their diet but also as a food preservative. Whereas here in the
U.S., it's hardly ever used," Guerra said. "India has the lowest rates of colon cancer in the world," Guerra said.
Curcumin seems to lower
inflammation in the body and is being studied for several reasons.
Researchers believe the spice may also ease arthritis, protect
against heart disease and even Alzheimer's disease. "These animal studies have shown that this may be a very effective anti-colorectal cancer agent, and interestingly, a very safe one," Guerra said. Guerra is leading a study to see if the results can be repeated in humans. "We're trying to determine if curcumin induces cell death in cells that are precancerous," he said. Van Dyke said he is not sure if high doses of curcumin will work for him, but he's willing to give it a shot. "Well, if I'm going to try to benefit from medical advances, I have to be willing contribute," he said. Another recent study also showed curcumin may help in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer.
|
| :: Dil Khush P.O Box 4542, Foster City, CA 94404 :: (650) 799 2715 :: dilkhush@gmail.com :: |
