Turmeric is extracted from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, a plant belonging to the ginger family.

Turmeric is a yellow spice with a mild bitter taste. Turmeric gives curry its yellow color.

---

Turmeric is mainly used in the oriental cuisine to flavor and give color to dishes, such as for example nasi. Furthermore, turmeric is also an integral component of curry.

Others use Turmeric: Turmeric is also used as a natural dye for textiles and paints

---

In Asian countries, turmeric has an ancient medicinal application, especially anti-inflammatory. In countries like India, China and Indonesia, turmeric is used orally and externally for a wide variety of ailments, including inflammation, menstrual problems, jaundice, liver disease, intestinal problems, skin diseases and toothache.

---

A growing research suggests that turmeric protects against disease in general and cancer in particular.

• Turmeric reduces inflammation in the intestines. inflammation that is often a precursor to colon cancer;
• Turmeric has a purifying effect on the intestines, liver and spleen. Turmeric also strengthens the immune system;
• Turmeric inhibits angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), thus inhibiting the growth of a tumor;
• Turmeric promotes apoptosis (cell death) and thus turmeric may help tumor cells to mortify.

Scientists from the Irish Cork Cancer Research Centre have discovered a possible cure for cancer - curry. A molecule in a spice in the Indian dish kill diseased cells within 24 hours.

---