Have you read about this recently, studies concerning curcumin and breast cancer prevention and treatment are in the very early stages? Scientists are still looking at the effect it has on cells and laboratory animals. So far, they have seen positive effects on cancers of the neck, head, pancreas, prostate, lung, liver and cervix, basically every part of the body. But, when it comes to suggesting it as a dietary supplement, there are problems.

Making it Work for You:

Curcumin is the compound that makes the roots or rhizomes of the turmeric plant yellowish orange. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health problems. In some countries, it is regularly taken to promote digestive health.

Scientific studies have proven that the curcuminoids in turmeric have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity, supporting turmeric's traditional use as natural medicine. The problem, when it comes to curcumin and breast cancer prevention is that taking it orally does not increase blood serum levels. Researchers refer to this by saying that the compound has low bioavailability.

In order to enhance absorption into the bloodstream, the compound must be protected from stomach acid. So, an enteric coating is the solution to that problem. It has also been shown that piperine, a compound found in black pepper, increases the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. So, that should take care of the problem.

But, most health supplement manufacturers fail to mention any of these things. The supplements are promoted because of the scientific studies, but most manufacturers ignore the studies concerning bioavailability. The average consumer has no idea.

The only thing that a single ingredient turmeric supplement might be good for is digestive ailments. When it comes to curcumin and breast cancer prevention or inflammation reduction, it must enter the bloodstream.

Making the Right Choice:

Most health supplements do not work as promised, because they are poorly designed. Either the company uses the wrong form of a nutrient or the wrong delivery method. The single ingredient turmeric supplements on the market are veggie caps containing the powder. The ones that include piperine are better. But, the best are those that include an enteric coating.

In addition to the studies concerning curcumin and breast cancer, scientists have looked at the benefit of many other plants. Green tea may help prevent cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, throat and stomach. Black cumin is an anti-cancer agent. So is resveratrol, a compound present in red grapes and wine. There are some excellent supplements on the market that contain extracts from all of them.

Poor nutrition plays a role in nearly every disease. Low levels of vitamin D, for example, are associated with all types of cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Low levels of SAM-e, a nutrient produced by the body, are associated with depression. To be your healthiest, you need to strive for optimal nutritional intake.

So there you have it, studies concerning curcumin and breast cancer will continue as time goes by. In years to come, there may be many powerful anti-cancer drugs, developed through the courtesy of Mother Nature. Those of us that are interested in prevention don't need to wait. We just have to find the right supplement.



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