If you’re cooking a curry this evening, you might want to sprinkle in some extra turmeric. Research is showing what countries such as India and Sri Lanka have long known – that this yellow spice has more benefits than boosting food flavor. Used for more than 4,000 years to treat a variety of ailments, curcumin – the active ingredient in turmeric – known to ward off dementia, prevent cancer and act as a powerful anti-inflammatory.