India has one of the lowest incidence of cancer (particularly of breast cancer). This is despite high rates of tobacco and arecanut consumption in India. Moreover Alzheimer’s disease is considered very rare in India. This is called as the Indian Paradox similar to the popular term French Paradox. French have very low incidence of coronary heart disease despite consuming a diet very rich in saturated fats. This is mainly due to the high consumption of red wine by the french. A constituent of red wine, a poly phenol known as resveratrol is believed to cause such beneficial effect. Similarly turmeric is a part of cuisine in India almost on daily basis. A constituent circumin in the turmeric is believed to have this beneficial anti cancer property.

Turmeric is the major ingredient in the Indian curry type food. Indians consume curry almost on daily basis right from the age of 4 years. Circumin if one of the component of turmeric. Circumin content is around 3.4% by weight in best quality turmerics.

Researchers at the Cork Cancer Research Center in Ireland have successfully treated esophageal cancer cells with curcumin — the molecule found in turmeric. The scientists have found that circumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours. They have found that the cancer cells on being treated with curcumin began to digest themselves. Turmeric can suppress tumors and those who eat lot of curry type food are less prone to tumors.

There are hundreds of studies and researches by various universities and laboratories that do seem to confirm the anti cancer properties of turmeric. So next time you come across an Indian restaurant be sure to book your table.

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