In light of the ongoing flu epidemic across the country, many publications have shed light on prevention methods and home remedies that may keep this viral infection in check. Drinking plenty of fluids and consuming ample amounts of vitamin C are common methods of both warding off and combating this illness, but another compound that can fortify your immune system this time of year is curcumin.
According to a study conducted at Oregon State University (OSU) in May, curcumin – the chemical found in turmeric – can potentially help the body battle unknown viruses, bacteria and fungi that it has not developed an immunity to.
This, researchers from the university state, is because regularly consuming curcumin can spur the production of a protein that bolsters the innate immune system – widely considered as the body’s “first line of defense” against disease. In contrast to the adaptive immune system, which refers to the immunity mechanisms that develop after beating an infection (like the chicken pox), the innate immune system is non-specific and attacks any harmful microbe you may be exposed to.
Upon discovering that curcumin could moderately increase levels of the protein cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP), the OSU scientists concluded that incorporating curcumin supplements into a regular diet may help ward off disease in general.
“It’s possible that sustained consumption [of curcumin] over time may be healthy and help protect against infection, especially in the stomach and intestinal tract,” said OSU associate professor Adrian Gombart.
As well as bolstering the immune system in this way, curcumin has been clinically shown to limit the growth of cancer cells and treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, a study conducted at Ohio State University in July revealed that taking curcumin supplements could improve the overall health of fit middle-aged individuals.
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