Turmeric, a well-known traditional herb, contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits.. Curcumin is the orange pigment in turmeric (the primary ingredient in curry), and is a potent antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits, including supporting joint health and cardiovascular function, and helping to maintain the body's normal inflammatory response.

The potential health benefits of curcumin are the subject of numerous ongoing clinical studies. What makes curcumin so beneficial to the human body - its molecular structure - also makes it difficult to be absorbed into the bloodstream. If the curcumin isn't absorbed, it can't get to the body's cells that need it. Therefore, using an absorbable tumeric is very important. To improve absorption, scientists have found a way to attach curcumin to phosphatidylcholine which is readily absorbed. This results in curcumin reaching the cells that can benefit from it.

Some of the health benefits of turmeric/curcumin include:

1) Hepatoprotective. It helps protect the liver from exogenous insults from environmental toxins.

2) Antioxidant. It is an excellent anti-oxidant and is being used as a part of many cancer therapies and may prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

3) Helps to improve skin texture and decrease inflammation in the skin. It also speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

4) It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

Dr. Pamela Langenderfer is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist. She is the co-owner of Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC and has practices in Liberty Lake and Coeur d Alene. She can be reached at (208) 758-0568 or visit our website at www.lakesideholistic.com.