India is the major producer of Turmeric. This herb is large-leaved, very much similar to ginger. Tropical climatic conditions favor the growth of this herb. The useful part is the rounded, underground stems or rhizomes, which constitute the spice of turmeric. Turmeric Extract is processed from these underground stems only.
The benefits of Turmeric Extract have been extolled throughout history. Turmeric has been used in both the Traditional Indian (Ayurveda) and Ancient Chinese Medicine systems for many centuries.
Qualitative analyses of Turmeric Extract have found it to possess some characteristics of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, cholesterol – lowering antibacterial and anti-fungal effects.
Turmeric Extract contains a mixture of powerful antioxidant phytonutrients known as curcuminoids.
Further benefits of Turmeric Extract include how it is also regarded as helpful for jaundice. Turmeric Extract has some reputed benefits for the liver. Under standardized conditions it has shown some potential liver protection activities.
Curcumin, present in Turmeric Extract, is believed to also be converted to a choleretic compound, perhaps even caffeic acid. Turmeric Extract is a rich source of Curcumin’s having choleretic effects.
Historically Turmeric Extract was used in treating liver and gallbladder disorders. Turmeric Extract is thought to be helpful in facilitating the flow of bile from the liver. Bile is used by human body to excrete fat-soluble toxins. Like commercially available cynara extracts, Turmeric Extract has also been shown to help support healthy cholesterol levels.
Research by individual teams in different parts of the world also confirm that Turmeric Extract might have the capability to help prevent gallbladder problems.
Benefits of Turmeric also include some known positive effects for glowing skin. Turmeric has been recommended for skin care for many centuries.
Turmeric Extract is also being studied as an anti-inflammatory, as a possible cancer inhibitor, and for other potential health uses.
One study noted that the incidence of leukemia is very low in countries where the people consume a lot of turmeric in their daily diet. More study of this is needed before drawing any conclusions but it certainly is an interesting discovery.
Turmeric is also an anti-oxidant.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Turmeric Extract and turmeric are used by humans as a food for a very long time, and is believed to have marginal or no toxicity at all in moderate doses.
If consumed in recommended amounts, Turmeric Extract is generally safe. It has been used in large quantities as a condiment and cooking ingredient with no side effects.
Physicians discourage the consumption of Turmeric Extract during pregnancy or breastfeeding as it might cause uterine contraction. Turmeric Extract should not be used by people with gallstones or obstruction of bile passages without consulting their doctor.
Total Balance is a daily health supplement that contains 680 mgs of turmeric. Not 50 mgs, and not 100 mgs but a generous 680 mgs – so you gain the full benefits of turmeric. This is a standardized herbal extract.
The Editors of this website have taken Total Balance and the company’s superb fish oil with wonderful results.
As always, consult your physician and an experienced herbalist before taking turmeric or any dietary supplement.