Thalassemia Patients and Friends

Discussion Forums => Diet, Nutrition and Supplements => Topic started by: Manal on October 16, 2008, 07:43:40 AM

Title: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 16, 2008, 07:43:40 AM
Any idea if the curcumin stains the skin with yellow colour or not?  I mean if it is drunk daily (though i  don't know if it will taste good or not)

manal
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Narendra on October 16, 2008, 06:49:36 PM
Manal,

It is one of the most used spice when cooking foood in India. Lots of research has shown that it is helpful in medicines too in the vedic medical system and used as an antiseptic. People who don't have medical services around, use the termeric paste when they cut or burn for this very purpose. Elders in India, who get cold use the turmeric powder in the milk and give it to the person who is feeling signs of cough or cold.

Below, is a link which shows it's use for cosmetic purpose in India. In marriages, the paste is used on the body to give it a glow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric
Quote
Turmeric is currently used in the formulation of some sunscreens. Turmeric paste is used by some Indian women to keep them free of superfluous hair. Turmeric paste is applied to bride and groom before marriage in some places of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where it is believed turmeric gives glow to skin and keeps some harmful bacteria away from the body
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 17, 2008, 12:31:21 AM
Thanks Narendra for such an informative reply.

Based on the indian expierence, how it should be made as a drink? Should we boil it in water like tea or we just stir it in cold water and put some sugar.

I read that too much of it or long term usage causes stomach pains. so is there a suggested dose meaning, is it enough one cup for a child daily??????????

One very good thing other than being antioxidant is that it leads to the contractions of gall stones. It is also anti inflamantory, antiviral, helps in cold and cough, lowers sugar in blood, lower pressure, blood clot preventation, protects the liver

manal
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Narendra on October 17, 2008, 01:53:50 AM
When I have had cold, my wife gives the turmeric to me with half a tea spoon of turmeric powder in warm milk. i think other members who might be able to give more ideas should share their experience with turmeric.
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Andy Battaglia on October 17, 2008, 02:18:10 AM
You can find turmeric recipes easily online. It is a spice that is easily incorporated into many dishes. Here are some links to recipe sites.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/search/Turmeric/results.do?fnSearchType=recipe

http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blturmeric.htm

http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/Herbs-and-Spices/Spices/More-Spices/Turmeric/Top.aspx

http://recipes.epicurean.com/asc_results.jsp?ingredients=Turmeric

http://fooddownunder.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=turmeric



Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Sharmin on October 17, 2008, 02:26:33 AM
Hi Manal - I was just thinking about tumeric and the possibility of it staining the skin.  My mom made us eat so much
of it while we were growing up that I would look like a papaya ready to ferment by now  :biggrin 

If we only knew how good it was for us back then! 

Sharmin
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Zaini on October 17, 2008, 02:35:24 AM
When ever my kids get cough,i give them a pinch or two of turmeric powder and a spoonful of honey in luke warm water.It stops the cough immediately,Turmeic powder in warm milk is also advised,if kids like it.And you'll be amazed,as Sharmin told ,in Pakistan and India,when you are feeling pain somewhere in your body,people apply turmeric paste to ease the pain.

Zaini.
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 17, 2008, 03:43:02 AM
Thanks Narendra, Andy, Sharmin and Zaini for your replys.

Zaini could you please tell me how you make the paste?

manal
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: poo gill on October 25, 2008, 04:39:40 AM
Hi All

Practically all indian dishes have turmuric. I think staining can be avoided it is cooked well. It is one of the first spice to go into any dish. Better to dissolve it in the water first and then add it to the oil before putting  the other ingredients like onions, garlic , ginger and chicken /lentils/ Rice/ vegetables or  any other  ingredients.

Also you can use it any marination.

I am enclosing a recipe of Biryani here. You can tweek it to make it non spicy if you want and Vegtarians can replace   chicken  with their favourite vegetables

This is one of the most famous Indian / Pakistani dish. It is traditionally reserved for special occasions such as parties, weddings.

The preparation is quite lengthy but the outcome is simply amazing.

The secret of making an awesome chicken biryani is all in the spices...

I personally recommend using Basmati rice. It's thin and a fine grain rice which can be used for a variety of purposes.

Use Ghee instead of butter.

It's a very important ingredient if you want your biryani to have a more authentic taste.

So please, no substitution here! :-)

Also be sure that you have all the following ingredients in place in order to simplify the cooking process.

Ingredients:

1-1/2 kg chicken disjointed
1kg soaked basmati rice
2 cinnamon (powder)
6 cloves - whole
1/2 tsp cloves powder
5 cardamoms
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1 tbsp whole cumin
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
2g oriental saffron
1 cup yogurt
2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
50g crushed onion
500g fried onion
500g fried potatoes (marinated in a pinch of yellow food coloring before frying)
1 cup oil
1/4 cup ghee
1 tbsp salt
50g fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped)
50g fresh mint leaves (finely chopped)
5 green chilies cut lengthwise


Now follow the 10 simple steps:

(1) Marinate chicken in saffron, chili powder, turmeric, ginger-garlic paste and crushed onions.

(2) Add dry spices to yogurt and mix with chicken. Marinate for 1 hour.

(3) Add fried onions, fried potatoes, coriander, mint leaves, green chilies to the marinated chicken. Smear again.

(4) Gradually add oil, ghee and 2 cups of water to the marinated chicken. Keep aside for 30 minutes.

(5) Boil 1500 ml (1.5 L) of water with whole cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, salt and soaked rice. Boil until half done.

(6) Strain and place a layer of rice on chicken. Sprinkle with fried onions, a little ghee and saffron diluted in 1/2 cup of hot water.

(7) Top with remaining rice. Sprinkle again with fried onions, 1 tsp ghee and 1 tsp saffron.

(8) Seal the pot lid with the dough.

(9) Cook on high heat for 10 minutes, then reduce heat (or reduce heat when sizzling occurs). Simmer for 1 hour.

(10) Serve with spiced yogurt, thinly slice carrots and cucumber salad.

Yield 8 servings.

Tips: Use a heavy utensil when cooking the biryani.
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 25, 2008, 08:09:51 AM
HI Puja ,
Quote
The secret of making an awesome chicken biryani is all in the spices...
hummmmmm :P chicken biryaani  ... wow... its my favroute dish ...
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 25, 2008, 10:35:11 AM
Thanks Puja for this delecious recipe :hugfriend

Zaini, i tried what you said for Ahmad as he had a back charge cough that usually stays with him weeks and i did too with my daughter who has nose allergy and her nose is always blocked especially in the morning.

This is [bgcolor=#ff1d00]magic[/bgcolor] I am not kidding Ahmad cough stopped immediately, i couldn't believe it. I though i will be better but not to the extent that i will stop. Also my daughter nose is not blocked the morning she took it and wasn't sneezing all the time. This is unbelievable . Many thanks Zaini for your advice. Please post if you have any of these natural remedies. I guess that i should give it to my daughter everyday to keep its action.
Andy please try it for your allergy, i am sure it will help

manal
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 25, 2008, 11:03:17 AM
Turmeric is also used to heal wounds and for pain relief ....
people use take it by mixing in hot Milk here in Asia ...
its also used in food to enhance taste of Food (as a taste enhancer ) ....

Quote
Medicinal uses of Turmeric :

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties and many in India use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine say it has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. It is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer and liver disorders.

 
Turmeric rhizomeIt is only in recent years that Western scientists have increasingly recognised the medicinal properties of turmeric. According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal titled, "Common Indian Spice Stirs Hope," research activity into curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is exploding. Two hundred and fifty-six curcumin papers were published in the past year according to a search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Supplement sales have increased 35% from 2004, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health has four clinical trials underway to study curcumin treatment for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, Alzheimer's, and colorectal cancer.

 
Turmeric rhizomeA 2004 UCLA-Veterans Affairs study involving genetically altered mice suggests that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, might inhibit the accumulation of destructive beta amyloids in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also break up existing plaques. "Curcumin has been used for thousands of years as a safe anti-inflammatory in a variety of ailments as part of Indian traditional medicine," Gregory Cole, Professor of medicine and neurology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA said.

Another 2004 study conducted at Yale University involved oral administration of curcumin to mice homozygous for the most common allele implicated in cystic fibrosis. Treatment with curcumin restored physiologically-relevant levels of protein function.[3]

Anti-tumoral effects against melanoma cells have been demonstrated.[4]

A recent study involving mice has shown that turmeric slows the spread of breast cancer into lungs and other body parts. Turmeric also enhances the effect of taxol in reducing metastasis of breast cancer.[5]

Curcumin is thought to be a powerful antinociceptive agent (pain reliever). In the November 2006 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a study was published that showed the effectiveness of turmeric in the reduction of joint inflammation, and recommended clinical trials as a possible treatment for the alleviation of arthritis symptoms.[6] It is thought to work as a natural inhibitor of the cox-2 enzyme, and has been shown effective in animal models for neuropathic pain secondary to diabetes, among others.[7]

Presenting their findings at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in San Francisco in June 2008, researchers discovered that turmeric-treated mice were less susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes, based on their blood glucose levels, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests. They also discovered that turmeric-fed obese mice showed significantly reduced inflammation in fat tissue and liver compared to controls. They speculate that curcumin in the turmeric lessens insulin resistance and prevents type 2 diabetes in these mouse models by dampening the inflammatory response provoked by obesity.[8]


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 25, 2008, 11:08:25 AM
Quote
The Health Benefits of Turmeric………. 

The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient called curcumin. This powerful compound gives turmeric its therapeutic benefits, its yellow color, and its pungent flavor. More specifically, curcumin harbors antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, stomach-soothing, and liver-and heart-protecting effects.
Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels and it may also stimulate the adrenal glands to increase production of a hormone that reduces inflammation. It is often used to ease joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. However, it is also used to reduce joint pain and in inflammation in other disorders as well.
[bgcolor=#fff500]Turmeric (curcumin) also harbors rich stores of antioxidants. Antioxidants are disease-fighting substances that mop up the continuous onslaught of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that damage cells as they travel through the body and are responsible for premature aging and diseases such as cancer if left unchecked. In fact, Naturopaths often recommend turmeric for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. [/bgcolor]


Studies with animals show that turmeric benefits liver health. Several animal studies suggest that turmeric protects the liver from the damaging effects of certain toxins, including alcohol. These findings certainly lend credence to the herb's history of use in liver aliments.

Please check complete article for more detailed information about turmeric , here is the link below .
http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Sharmin on October 25, 2008, 04:26:31 PM
Umair,

This is terrific and will answer a lot of questions! 

Sharmin
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Zaini on October 25, 2008, 07:39:17 PM
Manal,

Sorry for the late replies,am a bit busy with my house hold now a days.

I am really glad it worked out for Ahmed and Ziena  :hugfriend i give it to my son often,when he is coughing continuously and can't seem to stop,meds just don't work that way.

For the paste you asked about,i didn't know myself as i never did it,i asked my sis in law about that and she told me that you take a spoon of turmeric powder,some oil to make a fine paste and add a pinch of salt,then apply it on the particular part of the body where you are feeling pain,(she said it's basically for muscle cramps) and rub it lightly untill the paste is gone and it leaves a yellow stain,don't wash it,cover it with some thing,something like soft fabric,don't expose that part under fan or any kind of cold and go to sleep,and you'll feel a lot better after that,do tell me if you ever try it :) coz i hav never tried it myself.

Give my love to little ones  :hugfriend

Zaini.
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 25, 2008, 09:18:12 PM
Hi sharmin ,
your welcome sis  , i will update here  something more usefull abt turmeric i will update here very soon ...
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: maryo0m on October 25, 2008, 10:36:53 PM
Hi MANAAAAAL :smiley,


oola la I L :heartpinkVE Turmeric, and I eat it almost every day :coffee....... I cook it with noodlez,


ready to cook magi noodlez (chicken or veg)

*put the noodlez packet with 1 1/2 cup of water and the powder that it comes with.

*add  ONE  spoon of OliveOil.

*add  Turmeric powder.

*add peprica powder.

*add mixed chopped vegitables.

let it all mix and boil and you'll be done  this is a meal for 1 person I make this when I have no time and In hurry, hope you like it :hiyagirl.


mariam 
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 25, 2008, 11:04:47 PM
Thanks Nice friend and Mariam  :hugfriend

Zaini, thanks for your reply, i will keep it in my mind. I gave my daughter the milk with turmeric and thanks God she liked it

manal
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: maryo0m on October 25, 2008, 11:10:33 PM
your most welcome :hugfriend
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Sharmin on October 25, 2008, 11:11:35 PM
Manal,

I am so glad to hear the effect that it had on your children.  I will start giving it to my kids too!  I think things like curcumin provided immune protection for people before modern medicine was available.  Drinking milk with tumeric is a very common practice in India during the flu season and cold months.  

Sharmin
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 26, 2008, 05:03:53 AM
Your Welcome Manal ,
Quote
Drinking milk with tumeric is a very common practice in India during the flu season and cold months
sharmin is right its realy common here not only in flu season and cold months but its used normaly for energy, for healing wounds and when you got hurted ... its also used when you got any inner wound/hurt  ........ its  used here normaly as a taste enhancer in food recipes , and as a herbal medicie as well .............
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: poo gill on October 28, 2008, 04:44:13 AM
Hi Zaini

What is this magic receipe you mentioned to Manal. AS varrya my daughter is very prone to allergiesa and Prat when he gets his cough spell hb again drops. I will also try with them.

Please post it.

Luv
Puja
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Manal on October 28, 2008, 06:09:56 AM
Hi Puja,

Zaini, said in an earlier post in this same thread, the following

Quote
When ever my kids get cough,i give them a pinch or two of turmeric powder and a spoonful of honey in luke warm water.It stops the cough immediately,Turmeic powder in warm milk is also advised,if kids like

So if you try it, tell us what you find :wink

manal


Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: nice friend on October 28, 2008, 09:53:28 AM
Hi Buddies ,
Sorry for sending something that is not regarding to your Questions .
but it is something that i thought is realy to be shared  with all of you people ..
here is it ,
Quote
The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions
.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules.

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.


I will suggest youu to read complete article .. here is the link of this article ...
http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: Zaini on October 28, 2008, 12:30:17 PM
Hi Puja,

Do tell us if you find it useful  :hugfriend.

Zaini.
Title: Re: Curcumin
Post by: adeel on July 17, 2014, 05:11:47 PM
Affiliation
Abstract
Curcumin is among the more successful chemopreventive compounds investigated in recent years, and is currently in human trials to prevent cancer. The mechanism of action of curcumin is complex and likely multifactorial. We have made the unexpected observation that curcumin strikingly modulates proteins of iron metabolism in cells and in tissues, suggesting that curcumin has properties of an iron chelator. Curcumin increased mRNA levels of ferritin and GSTalpha in cultured liver cells. Unexpectedly, however, although levels of GSTalpha protein increased in parallel with mRNA levels in response to curcumin, levels of ferritin protein declined. Since iron chelators repress ferritin translation, we considered that curcumin may act as an iron chelator. To test this hypothesis, we measured the effect of curcumin on transferrin receptor 1, a protein stabilized under conditions of iron limitation, as well as the ability of curcumin to activate iron regulatory proteins (IRPs). Both transferrin receptor 1 and activated IRP, indicators of iron depletion, increased in response to curcumin. Consistent with the hypothesis that curcumin acts as an iron chelator, mice that were fed diets supplemented with curcumin exhibited a decline in levels of ferritin protein in the liver. These results suggest that iron chelation may be an additional mode of action of curcumin.