One of the more interesting stories recently to come up is how turmeric can kill cancer cells, as reported by the BBC:
Curry spice ‘kills cancer cells’
According to the report:
“An extract found in the bright yellow curry spice turmeric can kill off cancer cells, scientists have shown. The chemical - curcumin - has long been thought to have healing powers and is already being tested as a treatment for arthritis and even dementia.
Now tests by a team at the Cork Cancer Research Centre show it can destroy gullet cancer cells in the lab. Dr Sharon McKenna and her team found that curcumin started to kill cancer cells within 24 hours. The cells also began to digest themselves, after the curcumin triggered lethal cell death signals. ”
It’s certainly good news that natural ingredients present in food can help us be healthier, but the real surprise is that this is no surprise at all, as we’ve long known of various ingredients - not least anti-oxidants - can help with a healthier diet.
Of course, simply eating curry is no way to fight cancer, and any good diet should be complimented by a good basic exercise regime.
Even still, I think I’ll try and add curry to our weekly menu. :)
