Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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14 UCW JUNE 11-17, 2014 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The essential ingredient in curry powder, this Ayurvedic herb also treats inflammatory conditionz, such as arthritis and tendinitis. What is it? Turmeric grows in southern India, China and Indonesia and is a close relative of ginger. The herb's fleshy, orange rhizome (its root like underground stems) has a rich history as a culinary spice, food preservative, medicinal herb and dye. The golden robes worn by Buddhist monks traditionally are dyed with turmeric. History and folk remedies Ayurvedic healers have known about turmeric's healing properties for centuries. The spice is thought to purify the body and has long been prescribed in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat arthritis, liver disorders, menstrual problems and indigestion. Why it's used Naturopathic physicians and herbalists prescribe turmeric for treating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and tendinitis. Turmeric is recommended for preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer because of its potent antioxidant properties. It's also applied topically to wounds, bruises and muscle strains. In cooking, turmeric is an essential ingredient in curry powder. How it works In the 1970s scientists discovered that the curcuminoid compounds that give turmeric root its bright yellow color also have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Of these compounds, curcumin is thought to be the most powerful because it helps to neutralize free radicals, the cell-damaging molecules at the root of many degenerative diseases, including arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, heart disease and cancer. Turmeric also inhibits excessive blood clotting, which is a contributing factor in heart disease and degenerative inflammatory disorders. Scientific support In dozens of studies, turmeric has been shown to have significant antioxidant and anti- inflammatory effects. Although most of the studies have taken place in the laboratory and actual human clinical studies are few, results have been positive. In a 1992 human clinical study curcumin helped lower several risk factors that contribute to heart disease (Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1992, vol. 36, no.4). Other laboratory and animal studies have demonstrated curcumin's anticancer properties. One small but intriguing study of tobacco smokers showed that turmeric significantly reduced urinary mutagen levels, substances that trigger the cell mutations that lead to cancer (Mutagenesis, 1992, vol. 7, no. 2). Studies also have verified the traditional wisdom of using turmeric to ease arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, though most of these have been animal studies. How to take it Turmeric is widely available as a culinary spice. It can be taken in powder form; however, you would need to take large amounts (1 teaspoon or more three times a day) to reap medicinal benefits. Turmeric is also sold in capsules and liquid extracts. Standardized extracts generally contain between 90 percent and 95 percent curcumin; the typical dose for reducing inflammation or for other therapeutic effects is 400 mg to 600 mg three times a day. If you are taking a liquid extract, follow the directions on the label. There are also newly formulated products, such as BCM-95 turmeric, which claim even higher levels of bioavailability for enhanced effect. Side effects Turmeric is safe when used in normal amounts as a culinary spice. If you have a blood-clotting disorder, are taking blood-thinning medications or have gallbladder disease, do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric or concentrated extracts of curcumin without consulting a health care practitioner. Cancer patients should consult with a doctor informed about herbal medicines because turmeric may interfere with certain chemotherapy agents. Tumeric and Inflammation by BRENDA HARRIS BRENDA HARRIS, Owner of The Apple Crate Natural Market. Contributing Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. Tumeric is a must-have in any homeopathic medicine cabinet. The Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program, housed in the office of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, seeks to admit, identify, enroll and graduate high-achieving, low- to-moderate-income students transferring to Carolina from partnering community colleges. Fayetteville Technical Community College became a partner college with UNC- Chapel Hill in the spring of 2011, and since that time, FTCC has had eight students matriculate. This year, the program will have its largest number of students entering class for the fall of 2015 with 15 students. "I now feel more confident in my abilities to succeed at Chapel Hill because the C-STEP program has prepared me for the transition," stated upcoming Radiologic Science major De'Quadre Hart. "C-STEP has given me the opportunity to grow as an individual, to grow academically, and to form new bonds with my cohort group. I have come a long way." The program holistically reviews potential candidates and consistently challenges students to put forth their best efforts to complete their two-year asociate of arts or associate of science degree, while maintaining at least a 3.0 grade point average. The majority of FTCC C-STEP students maintain at least a 3.5 GPA. Current C-STEP student Joseph Espinoza offers his views on how to be successful through the C-STEP program: "You have to give up something to get something in return, and you also have to stay on top of your grades. C-STEP is a lot of hard work, but I absolutely love it! I consider the C-STEP group members to be a part of my family, and we are not just one — we are a cohesive unit. And the experience is not just educational. It's emotional — in and out of school — and the support the program gives you is amazing." "Attending UNC-Chapel Hill will be a testament to my dedication to school, the hard work to stay in the program, and how far I have come," stated C-STEP student Brandon Perez. "I think about my mom and my family, and this is my chance for my mom to be proud of my accomplishments." According to C-STEP student Erik Carlos II, "C-STEP has given me a more positive attitude and an opportunity to grow as an individual. I have more pronounced self- confidence, and I now look forward to the new opportunities and challenges that UNC-Chapel Hill will offer me. This program has given me direction and a clearer perspective on life. I'm moving forward — progressing — and I now know where I am going." C-STEP currently serves more than 400 students, and more than 200 of those students have already enrolled at Carolina. Interested candidates seeking more information about the C-STEP program should contact L. J. Nelson at FTCC [(910) 678-8205 or nelsonl@faytechcc.edu]. Stop by the FTCC Campus in Fayetteville or Spring Lake or visit the FTCC office at the Bragg Training & Education Center for a face-to-face tour! Visit our website, faytechcc.edu, to learn more about how FTCC can change your life in positive ways. FTCC Paves the Way to Carolina Through the C-STEP Program by LOUTRICIA NELSON LOUTRICIA NELSON, FTCC C-STEP Director Contributing Writer. COM- MENTS? Editor@upandcomingweekly. com. 910.484.6200.