Curcumin, the active ingredient in common Indian curry spice turmeric, has a positive effect on stroke victims, reducing hemorrhages – bleeding in the brain caused by ruptured vessels – say researchers from the Medical College of Georgia.

Patients with this type of stroke are often treated for symptoms – such as headache and nausea – with medications, but not the stroke itself. Invasive surgery to remove the clot is usually needed, but some patients may not be good candidates.

About 17 percent of strokes are hemorrhagic, according to the American Stroke Association, and usually occur in people with high blood pressure.

’We found that curcumin significantly decreases the size of a blood clot, but we’re not sure why it happens,’ says researcher Jay McCracken.

He thinks it may be because curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Timing is critical for patients who often don’t know they have had a stroke and may not be seen by a physician for several hours.

’Usually, patients can experience other symptoms like seizures, vision or cognitive problems, so they come to the (emergency room) fairly quickly under most circumstances,’ says neuroscientist Dr. Krishnan Dhandapani. ’Many patients also arrive due to head trauma and are seen within an hour or so. However, treating these injuries, even after an hour, can be tricky.’

The researchers believe Turmeric could also help prevent strokes.

Turmeric could also help prevent obesity and diabetes, and improve blood sugar control, new findings suggest. To read more, Click Here: Curry Spice Could Prevent Diabetes and Obesity