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The turmeric herb or spice is like many other plants that have been evaluated for their antioxidant activity. Why should we be interested? It is well known that deficiency in certain vitamins, such as A, C and E, and minerals, such as calcium and potassium, cause serious health problems. They are referred to as essential, because they are not produced by the human body. They must be present in the diet. Daily recommended intakes have been established for basic vitamins, minerals, protein, fats and carbohydrates, but no daily recommended intake has been established for micronutrients. Micronutrients are antioxidants and other compounds that are present in foods and spices, but in very small amounts. Lack of micronutrients in the diet does not cause acute health problems, such as scurvy or rickets, but research indicates that their presence in the diet contributes to good health and may prevent age-related diseases. That’s why we should be interested in the antioxidants in the turmeric herb. They may reduce our risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and liver failure. Other micronutrients that have been studied include catechins, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, resveratrol, zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, piperine and rutin. Catechins are found in green tea and some types of cocoa. Proanthocyanidins and resveratrol are found in the skins of red grapes. Anthocyanins are found in berries, cherries and red grapes. Zeaxanthin and lutein are members of the carotenoid family. They are present in dark leafy green vegetables and other foods. Lycopene is found in the tomato. Piperine is an element found in black pepper. Rutin is found in buckwheat and other plants. Each of these has been shown in animal, laboratory and/or clinical studies to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other age-related diseases. So, in addition to cooking with the turmeric herb and black pepper, we would need to try to include all of these fruits and vegetables in our daily diet, in large enough quantities to get the micronutrients that are found in them. Planning a diet that fits that bill would be difficult, if not impossible, without going overboard on calories. Going overboard on calories contributes to weight gain. So, any benefit that we would get from the micronutrients would be offset by the negative effects of being overweight. Obviously, supplementation is the only way to insure that we get the benefits, without putting on weight. Research indicates that getting these micronutrients, without increasing caloric intake, might even help people lose weight. Researchers have tried to come up with a single nutrient that is most effective for preventing chronic disease. They have studied the antioxidants in the turmeric herb for many years. They have studied resveratrol for years, as well. What the latest researchers are saying is that there is no single magic pill. All of these nutrients are important. So, the best choice for supplementation is a multi-nutritional supplement that contains extracts from the turmeric herb and all of the other nutrients mentioned in this article. You might not find one like that at your local drugstore, but they are available. Visit my website today to learn about a multi-nutritional supplement I've discovered that I'd like to share with you. Gordon Hall is fervent about enabling you and everyone to live a healthy lifestyle, and is an ardent reviewer of herbal, vitamin and mineral extracts. To discover which supplements Gordon recommends after far ranging and extensive research. Visit his website now at : http://www.your-supplement-resource-site.info
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