Health Farm

Long before this ancient yellow root spice turned up in your latte, turmeric was the go-to spice first used by healers circa 500 BC, in India, to treat everything from breathing problems to eczema.

But new research has discovered the cancer fighting potential of curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, highlighting new avenues for preventing and treating certain cancers. Bowel cancer could top the list, with cancer treatment combining curcumin and chemotherapy recording better results than chemotherapy alone.

Better still, loading up on turmeric might be your meal ticket to avoiding bowel cancer altogther. Citizens of India – the world’s largest consumer of turmeric – have a lower incidence of colon cancer.

Reduce inflammation, reduce disease

Curcumin’s all powerful health benefits come from its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is linked to a range of chronic conditions and diseases, so researchers argue that reducing inflammation in the body is likely to reduce disease.

Time to ditch hotdogs and load up on your favourite curry. Your bowel will love you for it, as might your brain and your heart.

Butter-chicken, anyone?