Spice for Life

In the U.K. a woman named Vicky Sewart who was beating breast cancer four years ago, refused to take a cancer recovery drug, Tamoxifen, after undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Instead, she chose to depend on a spicy organic vegan diet and take moderate exercise.

Now, after four years, there is no sign that the cancer has come back.

Her diet cut out all dairy products, added plenty of “super-foods” such as fresh fruit, vegetables and juices with turmeric, garlic and ginger.

'Turmeric makes cancer cells commit suicide. Ginger and garlic are great to cook with,' she said.

In fact, turmeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, as a spice used when making curry dishes.The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and can inhibit cell mutation.

Overall, turmeric has the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• A natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns
• When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer. Besides, it also has effects on other cancers including breast, pancreatic and can prevent melanoma
• Reduce the risk of childhood leukemia
• A natural liver detoxifier
• Prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease
• Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Even if you have doubt on the effect of turmeric on cancers, a healthy diet and regular exercise are good for your health. As Dr Steve Kelly, who specialises in breast cancer at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, said, ‘There are three things patients can do to help themselves. The first is to exercise for 30 minutes, three days a week. The second is to not gain any weight and the third is to reduce fat intake.'

‘These things help to reduce the chance of cancer coming back.’