Nowadays, there is a growing belief that nature can be our ally in the struggle to reserve our health, since it is common knowledge that pharmaceuticals often do more harm than good. On the contrary, we are all aware that foods, herbs, and other natural sources can offer similar benefits without those nasty side effects that we would like to avoid.
This was also affirmed by scientific research. Namely, the findings of a study published in Phytotherapy Research proved the efficacy of turmeric in the treatment of depression, but it is also even more effective than some of the most common anti-depressant drugs currently on the market.
This study was the first randomized controlled clinical trial of its kind, since all previous studies have indicated the effectiveness of turmeric (curcumin) in treating serious depression.
Researchers with the Department of Pharmacology of Government Medical College in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India conducted a study in 60 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). They compared the effects of turmeric and Prozac (fluoxetine), both used together and individually.
The researchers used the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale to measure their results, according to their information:
“We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine [Prozac] (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58).
Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.”
Prozac is known to cause “suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders,” frightening side effects that are clearly absent in turmeric use according to the conclusions of the researchers.
Theyindicate the two- side benefits of the turmeric use and thus boost its value considerably: namely, one treatment with turmeric is equally effective as Prozac, and at the same time, it doesn’t account for the negative effects of Prozac.
Despite being absolutely favorable in depression treatments, turmeric has been found to possess numerous health benefits. This same bright yellow root was commonly used in Indian cooking as well, since it tastes amazing.
Turmeric has also been shown effective in aiding in weight loss and cutting heart disease risk. However, its value is even higher when we are aware that it is extremely beneficial in the treatments of diabetes, inflammatory conditions and even cancer.
The reality says that anti-depressant medications are some of the biggest of Big Pharma’s many big money-makers. However, having all this valuable information in mind, and thus equipped with knowledge like the findings of this most recent study, we gain our potential to choose not to be victims of the cruel pharmaceutical industry.
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