Curcumin, also known as turmeric, has gained worldwide attention for its biological properties as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral agent and most importantly, potential anticancer properties, as recently reported by News Medical Net.
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It’s even hit the coffee shops. In the past couple of years, the trendy turmeric latte known as golden milk — a potent blend of organic turmeric powder and coconut milk and/or virgin coconut oil — has become quite popular.
Curcumin, the bioactive ingredient in turmeric, has demonstrated preventive and treatment actions against cancer cells, and may help both reduce the negative effects of chemotherapy agents and intensify the cancer-killing abilities of the drugs.
Cancer places a vast financial and emotional burden on the families it touches. Nearly 40% of American men and women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, and more than $125 billion will be spent every year on medical treatment and patient care.
Turmeric, a yellow curry spice used in Indian cuisine, has a long history of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine.
In addition to cancer, curcumin may also be useful in the treatment of diabetes, neurologic conditions, intestinal and bowel issues, and obesity and psychiatric disorders, as well as chronic illnesses affecting your cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, eyes, kidneys, liver and lungs. Curcumin may also help with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimers disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.
Taking a curcumin supplement regularly may help prevent and treat cancer based on the fact that it appears to block the blood supply to cancerous tumors, thereby suppressing the growth and replication of malignant cells. But, because only small amounts of curcumin are found in turmeric and it is poorly absorbed through your gastrointestinal tract, you will achieve the best results by using a curcumin extract.
If you want to use curcumin therapeutically, you can try one of the following three alternatives:
1. Locate a high-quality turmeric extract. Look for an extract containing 100% certified organic ingredients, with at least 95% curcuminoids. The formula should be free of additives, excipients (substances added as a processing or stability aid) and fillers.
2. Make a microemulsion. Combine 1 tablespoon of raw curcumin powder with one or two egg yolks and 1 to 2 teaspoons of melted coconut oil. Use a high-speed hand blender to emulsify it. Keep in mind curcumin contains a strong yellow pigment that can permanently discolor clothing, kitchen tools and surfaces, so take care when using it in powder form.
3. Boil curcumin powder. Another strategy that can help increase absorption is to put 1 tablespoon of raw curcumin powder into 1 quart of boiling water. Be sure the water is boiling when you add the powder — it will not work well if you add the curcumin first and then heat the water. After boiling the mixture for 10 minutes you will have a woody-tasting 12% solution that you can drink once cooled. Be sure to drink it within four hours to achieve the best results.
A typical anticancer dose of curcumin is up to 3 grams of high-quality bioavailable extract, taken three to four times a day.