Just the other day, we were talking about research showing that high fructose corn syrup — HFCS — can cause scarring of the liver in patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and that many NAFLD patients consume HFCS regularly. Today we have news about something that is good for your liver!

Curcumin, the stuff that makes turmeric and curry powder yellow, has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. The latest research shows that curcumin “seems to delay the liver damage that eventually causes cirrhosis” in progressive liver diseases. Why? Primarily because of anti-inflammatory properties.

Of course, it was already known that curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and has anti-oxidant properties. A 2003 meta-study showed that “Curcumin has been demonstrated to be safe in six human trials and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. It may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation.” No evidence has surfaced to contradict this view.

As a result, curcumin has been researched and found to be a plausible treatment and/or preventative for such diverse conditions as cancer (yes, cancer), malaria, psoriasis, certain blood disorders, herpes, Alzheimer’s Disease, decline in cognitive function in the elderly, and depression. Ongoing research suggests it has a use in treating rheumatoid arthritis. In just the last few weeks there have been studies released suggesting that it might prevent cataracts and treat Parkinsons Disease. There has even been research to see whether curcumin might make antibiotics work better, and whether it can help people with traumatic brain injuries.

There are of course drawbacks. Not everyone wants to eat curry everyday, and some people simply don’t like the taste of turmeric. Be of good cheer: curcumin extract in capsule form is available at most better supplement and vitamin stores.