In recent years, researchers have begun to explore the positive benefits of the compound curcumin, usually found in the spice turmeric. Researchers have found that curcumin as a supplement can be effective in preventing or reducing the risk of certain illnesses and diseases.

New research has revealed that curcumin could prevent the onset of Parkinson’s disease in patients. In a study, led by Lisa J. Lapidus, sponsored by the National Science Foundation Grant, observation revealed that curcumin prevents the aggregation (clumping) of proteins by forcing them to scatter away from each other.

The “clumping” that these bodily proteins perform is infamous as being one of the first signs of Parkinson’s disease. Needless to say, curcumin is now being looked at as a possible preventative measure for certain illnesses:

Our research shows that curcumin can rescue proteins from aggregation, the first steps of many debilitating diseases. More specifically, curcumin binds strongly to alpha-synuclein and prevents [protein clumping] at body temperatures.

Curcumin has already been linked to several benefits such as preventing the growth of breast cancer, reducing risk of childhood leukemia and also as a natural remedy for depression.