Turmeric Helps The Body Zap Bacteria, Viruses And Fungi

Tumeric is a sunny-yellow spice used for more than 2,500 years and hailed for its healing properties in Indian medicine and cooking — most often used in Indian curry dishes. Traditionally turmeric’s curative properties have been associated with detoxifying the liver, stimulating digestion and boosting immunity. Lately researchers have been working overtime showing that this antioxidant boosts health in a variety of ways.

The newest findings from researchers at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University show that curcumin, turmeric’s active ingredient, helps the immune system fight bacteria, fungi and viruses.

“Curcumin, as part of turmeric, is generally consumed in the diet at fairly low levels,” said Adrian Gombart, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics in the Linus Pauling Institute. “However, it’s possible that sustained consumption over time may be healthy and help protect against infection, especially in the stomach and intestinal tract.”