A palate-pleasing meal of coconut curried shrimp. New research suggests that curry has properties to fight cancer, cholesterol and malaria. - File

If you eat curry dishes regularly, give yourself a pat on the back (or belly). Curry (a mixture of certain spices) is the signature seasoning in Indian foods, and turmeric is the star ingredient in curry mixes. Curcumin is the group of plant pigments responsible for turmeric's characteristic canary-yellow colour.

Investigators are finding that curcumin has a wide range of powerful and useful properties. Here's the low-down on some of the most promising research to date.

MODERN SCIENCE MEETS ANCIENT FOLKLORE

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a cousin of ginger, is familiar to Indians not only as a spice, but also as an important element of folk medicine. In the ancient Indian system of Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is used to strengthen overall energy, relieve gas, treat arthritis and improve digestion.

Extensive research conducted by modern medical specialists around the globe has now demonstrated curcumin's ability to halt or prevent certain types of cancer, stop inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, prevent cataracts, kill or inhibit the toxic effects of certain microbes, including fungi and parasites. As one research team declared: "Curcumin has been proven to exhibit remarkable anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties."

This hard-working spice even shows promise as a treatment for multiple sclerosis, and may reduce the long-term complications of diabetes. Some researchers also have noted an exciting link between turmeric consumption and a dramatically decreased incidence of Alzheimer's disease, an effect probably related to curcumin's ability to block inflammation. Still, other studies have examined curcumin's ability to neutralise toxins in food, and to protect the eyes from cataracts and uveitis, an inflammation of the eye that may result in glaucoma.

CURCUMIN FOR MALARIA

Malaria, still a major global health concern, has resurfaced in Jamaica, half a century after its elimination here. New, inexpensive, and effective antimalarial agents are urgently needed. Researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine, at the University of Michigan Medical School, show that curcumin, derived from turmeric, inhibits strains of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum that were resistant to antimalaria drugs.

Oral administration of curcumin to mice infected with malaria parasite reduces the level of parasites in the blood by 80 per cent to 90 per cent and enhances their survival significantly.

At the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, scientists have also shown that the spice protects animals infected with malaria. Two days after they were infected with the malaria parasite, daily doses of curcumin were added to the animal's food for the next five days. Nearly a third were still alive after 20 days, whereas animals not given curcumin had all died by day 13. Thus, curcumin may represent a novel treatment for malarial infection.

CURCUMIN FOR CANCER

Numerous studies published in medical journals detail curcumin's ability to protect against cancer. In addition to its capacity to intervene in the growth of cancer cells and tumours - and to prevent their subsequent spread throughout the body - curcumin also has been shown to increase cancer cells' sensitivity to certain drugs commonly used to combat cancer, rendering chemotherapy more effective in some cases.

Earlier this year, researchers at the University of Texas' M.D. Anderson Cancer Center declared: "Curcumin has enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of cancer."

FIGHTS CHOLESTEROL

Curcumin acts to lower total cholesterol levels. Perhaps even more important, it prevents oxidation of LDL ('bad') cholesterol, which plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis. Still more intriguing is the finding that curcumin raises HDL ('good') cholesterol levels, even as it reduces LDL levels.

Atherosclerosis is a common disorder associated with ageing, diabetes, obesity, and a diet high in saturated fat. It begins gradually, as cholesterol and other lipids deposit on arterial walls and form damaging plaques.

As plaques grow, vessel walls may eventually thicken and stiffen, restricting blood flow to target organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of heart disease and may also lead to stroke.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

Although scientific investigation into the health benefits of curcumin is ongoing, it seems clear that this plant pigment from a humble tuber has powerful healing potential. Adding curcumin to one's diet seems to make exceptionally good sense. Curcumin appears to prevent certain cancers, inhibit heart disease, and quell inflammation, and may even offer protection against Alzheimer's disease and malaria.

Because it has been consumed safely by millions of people literally for thousands of years, the choice to supplement one's diet regularly with curcumin would seem to be a no-brainer. One word of caution, however: Curcumin is poorly absorbed by the gut, but its uptake can be significantly improved by an absorption enhancer called cell activator or a black pepper extract called piperine.

Just imagine: Some curry each day can help keep the doctor away!

A happy and healthy New Year to all my readers. Thank you for your support.

Email Dr. Anthony Vendryes at vendryes@mac.com, visit the website www.anounceofprevention.org, or listen to 'An Ounce of Prevention' on Power 106FM on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.