Based on the blog of Dr. Michael Gregor
There are plant-based items that have properties to help prevent cancer, and curcumin (present in turmeric root) is one of these. Turmeric is one of many Indian spices used throughout Asia. It has been used for centuries – both eaten and used topically because of its anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties also.
Currently curcumin is undergoing clinical investigations for cancer chemoprevention. It is a substance that seems to belong to 3 different subgroups of chemo-preventive agents:
- Anti-proliferative – blocks cancer transformation and proliferation
- Antioxidant – neutralizes free radicals; anti-mutagen (even before carcinogens get into cells)
- Carcinogen-blocking – blocks invasion
Most investigations had been performed in labs (due to the difficulty of finding human volunteers that would willingly expose themselves to toxins), but then a human investigation involving smokers (smoke was the toxin/mutagen looked at)was conducted which showed the power of curcumin to reduce the DNA damaging power of carcinogens.
In this investigation with smokers & non-smokers, half of each consumed plain turmeric (1 teaspoon/day) and the other half didn’t consume turmeric. They all peed on some bacteria, and then the DNA mutations in the urine were measured. It’s no surprise that the urine of non-smokers caused far fewer mutations as they have far fewer chemicals running through their system. But the smokers that ate turmeric, showed fewer urinary mutations after only 15 days, and even less after 30 days. The DNA-damaging power of smoking began diminishing. But it should be noted that the best way to diminish that DNA damaging power is not to smoke.
In today’s age of COVID19, I encourage all smokers to reduce and gradually stop the habit – and definitely add plain old turmeric to your diet. Please remember to consult with your doctor before adding ANYTHING to your regular diet.
