The Truth About Turmeric The Secrets of the Yellow Spice
For thousands of years, sunny yellow turmeric has been a staple in curries as well as a spice renowned for its ability to treat a vast number of ailments. In recent years, this South Asian native has become a sort of “spice-of-all-trades.” Turmeric’s popularity has surged throughout North America. People are adding it to food and using it to treat everything from arthritis to heartburn. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the spice can treat just about every kind of inflammation, whether it’s joint pain or a headache. Have a stomachache or nausea? Try turmeric. Have a mild rash or burn on your skin? Try turmeric. Current studies are even looking into turmeric’s effectiveness as a treatment for diabetes and dementia.
When one substance is purported to have near- magical healing powers, you have to remember to take it with an additional dose of skepticism. Can one spice really cure everything that ails you? Let’s ask science. Researchers have identified over 20 distinct compounds that work similar to NSAIDs (such as aspirin and ibuprofen). Of those compounds, six are COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 is an enzyme that causes inflammation and pain in the body. In short, these six compounds help block the enzymatic reaction that triggers inflammation. One of these compounds is called curcumin, which is often considered the active ingredient in turmeric. An article published in the medical journal Nutrition and Cancer found that, by weight, pure turmeric powder contains 3.14 percent curcumin.
However, clinical trials of curcumin have produced less-than-stellar results. A comprehensive review of 120 studies of curcumin, published in 2017 in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, found no evidence that the compound produced positive results as an anti- inflammatory or antioxidant. In fact, researchers found curcumin to be an, “unstable, reactive, non-bioavailable compound.”
So what does this mean for people who use turmeric for its medicinal properties?
If it works for you, continue to use it. If you’ve thought about adding it to your diet, give it a try. It’s safe to use, and studies have shown virtually no toxicity, even in high doses.
Is It Hard to Sue Alcohol Providers in Massachusetts?
Unlike many states, Massachusetts does not have a specific dram shop statute. These laws make alcohol-serving establishments, like bars and restaurants, liable if they over-serve someone who then goes on to cause injury to others while under the influence. Instead, liability for these types of cases has been established through court decisions. So, this doesn’t mean you can’t sue a bar or restaurant for over-serving someone who causes you injury; it just means you might have more to prove. Massachusetts law does prohibit licensed premises from serving intoxicated people. In essence, you’ll have to show that the establishment continued to serve the person even after they became visibly intoxicated. If you are in a bar and someone assaults you, that will be an
easier case than if you are struck by a drunk driver on their way home from a bar. But it’s all doable, especially with a capable attorney on your side. Please note that these laws do not apply to private individuals serving alcohol to other private individuals. If you’re assaulted at a party or struck by a driver on their way home from one, you can’t sue the person who provided alcohol at that party. Of course, you will always be able to sue the person who caused the injury — and in the case of minors, possibly their parents, as well. For help navigating the confusing world of alcohol-related injuries, please get in touch with our offices. We’re happy to answer questions and provide the help you need.
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