Curcumin, found in Indian herb turmeric, is a great anti-inflammatory agent.  It has been shown to impact serum (blood) c-reactive protein and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What is all the hype about inflammation? And what does Indian food have to do with it?

C-reactive protein is a strong independent risk marker for cardiovascular disease.  It measures systemic inflammation and is a powerful predictor of future first heart attacks (coronary events) in apparently healthy men and women.

Normal fasting blood levels of CrP are less than 1.0 mg/dl.  Normal CrP levels confirm the “fire” (inflammation) is out in the blood vessels.  No fire = no pipes plugging up.

Inflammation in any tissue of the body is coming to be recognized as a precursor to pathology in more than just heart disease.  This important marker of inflammation, c-reactive protein, seems to be a sensitive indicator of your body’s overall internal health.