London - It’s the perfect excuse for a take-away – experts say a curry a day could keep infections at bay.
US research has shown that curcumin, which is found in the popular curry spice turmeric, causes a sizeable increase in a protein that boosts the immune system.
It helps the body to fight bacteria and viruses, including those that cause tuberculosis, even if it has not encountered them before, the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry reports.
Professor Adrian Gombart of Oregon State University, who found that curcumin caused levels of the protein, cathelicidin anti-microbial peptide, to almost triple, said: “Curcumin is generally consumed in the diet at fairly low levels. However, it’s possible that sustained consumption over time may be healthy and help protect against infection, especially in the stomach and intestinal tract.” Daily Mail