Food / Recipes

Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for centuries in India as a curry ingredient,
and as an antiseptic for cuts. Now research shows it also has
potential against a wide range of diseases, from cancer to arthritis,
and diabetes to dementia.
The main active ingredient of the spice, curcumin, is being used in
new clinical trials for the prevention of Alzheimer's and the
treatment of psoriasis. It is also on a trial for use in colon cancer.
But turmeric is not the only curry ingredient with health-boosting
compounds. New research shows there are ten key ingredients found in
popular curries such as Madras, which have been linked to health
benefits in conditions as diverse as lung cancer, heart disease,
asthma, constipation, dementia, period pain, osteoarthritis and even
loss of libido.
FENUGREEK
The leaves and ground spice from the seed are used in many sauces,
including vindaloo and the hot curries of Sri Lanka.
One study found that fenugreek seeds may be effective against breast
cancer. Researchers say it may stop or slow the growth of tumours.
A study at Tokyo University shows animals given the herb were able to
exercise much longer, while a report from Purdue University in America
says the plant has been used with some benefits for bronchitis,
fevers, sore throats, skin irritations, diabetes and ulcers.
CORIANDER
The world's most popular herb, its leaves have a strong earthy taste,
while the seeds have an aromatic, fruity flavour.
Research at Andhra University, India, shows it has more antioxidants
than vitamin C, while a study at the University of Ulster suggests it
may help insulin levels in diabetics. It's also been shown to have
beneficial effects both on cholesterol and on colon cancer.
TURMERIC
A member of the ginger family, its roots are ground into the deep
yellow spice used to give most curries their distinctive colour. Its
key active ingredient is curcumin, and it is used in large amounts in
almost all curries, mainly as a colouring agent.
It is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of pancreatic
cancer, Alzheimer's and psoriasis.
In a study of 1,000 people, researchers from the National University
of Singapore found that curcumin may protect brain cells from age-
related changes. According to a report by researchers from Texas
University, benefits in Alzheimer's as well as arthritis, asthma,
heart disease, diabetes and cancer may be down to turmeric's effects
on the immune system.
NUTMEG
The fruit of the nutmeg tree, it is strongly aromatic and used in a
range of curries, but mostly found in yellow curry pastes.
Nutmeg boosts male libido, according to research at Aligarh University
in India.
CINNAMON
Based on the inner bark of an evergreen tree, the spice has a fragrant
smell and a sweet, aromatic taste, and is found in almost all curries.
Research shows it can significantly lower blood-sugar levels in
patients with diabetes. In a study at the U.S. Human Nutrition
Research Centre, men and women with the more common type 2 diabetes
were given cinnamon powder daily. Results show that blood-sugar levels
dropped by up to 20 per cent compared to a control group.
Just how it works is not clear, but one theory is that a polyphenol in
the spice called MHCP works like insulin.

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