What is the Connection Between Turmeric and Cancer?

The connection between turmeric and cancer is the possible link that this culinary spice might have in the prevention and fight against a variety of health problems and diseases. Some people, including regular users of home remedies and herbalists, believe that it should figure among cancer fighting foods. Turmeric, also known by the name of its active substance, curcumin, is well known among those who prepare traditional foods from Asia, such as curry. It also is used frequently as an all-natural cleanser of the body by people who practice ayurvedic medicine.

Researchers and proponents of alternative medicine have an interest in the connection between turmeric and cancer, and they seek to gain a better understanding of how the medicinal properties of this brightly colored spice might play a role in efforts to prevent or cure cancer. As a possible stimulator of the immune system, the benefits of turmeric include helping to activate T cells, B cells, macrophages and neutropils, which are the body's natural mechanisms for protecting itself against any type of invasion by harmful organisms such as parasites.

Another anti-cancer property often discussed when speaking of the connection between turmeric and cancer is that of antioxidant. Active oxygen molecules cause damage to the body's cells. Damaged cells can be the precursors to cancerous cells, which are abnormal cells with the ability to reproduce more abnormal cells that often grow into tumors.

The consumption of turmeric appears to inhibit angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels on which tumors can feed, allowing them to grow and spread throughout the body. This is another link in the connection between turmeric and cancer. Turmeric also has been effective in fighting carcinogenic enzymes in laboratory rats.

Although a turmeric supplement or extract might be taken by some people who would rather not ingest the spice in a simple and completely natural form such as turmeric paste, supplements and extracts might not have the same anti-cancer properties as the plain raw spice. There is no officially established dosage that is recommended for those who would like to include natural turmeric in their diet. One teaspoon of the natural spice used in cooking generally is advised.