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Today's Article

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Dear ,

Each day, every cell in your body is attacked by more than 10,000 free radicals.

This process – called oxidation – is perfectly natural. In fact, up to 5% of the oxygen that cells use is converted into free radicals.

However, our normal metabolic processes aren’t the only way these damaging compounds are formed. We are also exposed to free radicals from pollution, smoking, medications, alcohol…and eating the wrong foods.

So what do free radicals do?

These rogue molecules are highly reactive with other molecules. Since they are missing an electron, they spend their time robbing electrons from healthy cells. The result is a cascade of cellular damage.

Here are some of the ways free radicals rob you of your health:

• Damage cholesterol and make it more likely to stick to the lining of your arteries, increasing risk for heart attack or stroke
• Wreak havoc on the DNA inside your cells, causing mutations that can lead to cancer
• Attack the delicate structures of the eyes, promoting cataracts and macular degeneration
• Pillage the nerve cells in your brain (neurons) contributing to Alzheimer’s
• Weaken collagen and elastin – the structural proteins in your skin – contributing to wrinkles and other visible signs of aging
   

Thankfully, your body has its own defense system—an antioxidant army built right inside your cells.

And the most powerful protector of all?

Glutathione—your body’s master antioxidant and frontline defender against oxidative stress.

Unfortunately, modern life depletes this critical compound faster than your body can keep up.

That’s why it’s so important to support your natural defenses—starting with the foods you eat.

And one of the easiest, most delicious ways to do that?

Spices.

You may have heard that eating more spices is a great way to protect against free radicals and slow the aging process.
And its true!

In fact, spices contain higher levels of antioxidants than any other food on the planet.

That means these natural flavor-boosters don't just make your meals taste better... they can also dramatically increase the healing power of your foods.

Unfortunately, most of us "Westerners" don't eat enough of the ones that are most beneficial, especially turmeric.

Not only is turmeric loaded with free-radical fighting antioxidants, its also the sole source of a phytonutrient called curcumin (which gives this spice its characteristics yellow hue).

It would be difficult to overstate just how powerful turmeric can be at protecting your health.

But here is a snapshot of what this super-spice has been shown to do...

Research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that curcumin may help break up the beta-amyloid "plaques" found in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

Curcumin is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, studies have shown that its effects are comparable to steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that people take for the pain and swelling associated with arthritis... but without the serious side-effects.

One study, published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism found that injections of turmeric almost completely eliminated joint swelling in rats that were bred to develop rheumatoid arthritis. 

Another study of rheumatoid arthritis patients showed that curcumin produced comparable benefits to the prescription drug phenylbutazone, including shortened duration of morning stiffness, increased walking time, and reduced joint swelling.

And that's not all...

Curcumin has also been found to significantly boost levels of your body's #1 anti-aging substance and master antioxidant  glutathione.

This may help to explain why it is also so effective at destroying cancer cells and preventing the mutations that can lead to the disease.

According to Dr. Bharat Aggarwal of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center:

"Curcumin acts against transcription factors, which are like a master switch. Transcription factors regulate all the genes needed for tumors to form. When we turn them off, we shut down some genes that are involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells."

If you don't already have a jar of turmeric in your spice drawer, we urge you to pick some up the next time you're at the store. 

And if you have a jar that is just sitting there... then start shaking it today!

You can add it to eggs, soups, sauces, or just about any meat or marinade. 

Combine it with black pepper to boost its power and pair it with a healthy fat to enhance absorption.

Turmeric is one of the most healthful and bioactive foods known to man. 

Not only will it add flavor to your cooking, but, quite possibly, years to your life!

To Your Health,
Healing Gourmet