The fact that turmeric can help to fight cancer isn’t exactly news, but a recently published study underscores its superiority by demonstrating the Asian spice’s potential to target some of the deadliest types of cancer while leaving healthy cells undisturbed.

Curcumin, the most active constituent in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and is responsible for most of the spice’s magical health benefits. Studies have already shown, for example, that curcumin can cut the growth rate of prostate cancer tumor progression in half. Other studies have found that supplementing with curcumin can lead to a 36 percent decline in lung tumor size and a 40 percent reduction in colon tumor development.

In a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers used models to show how turmeric can inhibit the DYRK2 enzyme. With the help of x-ray crystallography, they obtained 3-D images that show curcumin…