Turmeric, one of the main ingredients in curry, is a plant and spice known for its unique flavor, bright yellow coloring and reputed health benefits.

Part of the ginger family, Turmeric was used as a dye and considered a powerful anti-inflammatory in ancient Chinese and Indian medicine. It is also believed to have an array of health benefits. It has been used as both a cancer-fighting agent and a liver detoxifier. Additionally, the South Asian plant can be used as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent on cuts and burns. Turmeric has also been used as a digestive aid and treatment for arthritis and depression.

Today, turmeric can be taken as in capsule form. Most experts, however, recommend that people try to include it in their daily recipes and meals.

Workout wisdom says to put something in your body after exercise takes so much out. What's the best something, though? How about whole-grain cereal, a bite of Indian takeout, or a big fat non-fat latte? RealAge says these are real possibilities.

Why these three snacks? Because they have something in common, capable of helping the body recover post-workout -- the three C's: Carbs, Curcumin, and Caffeine.

A carbohydrate-rich snack like cereal restores glycogen -- the stuff muscles use for energy -- and helps conquer fatigue. Curcumin, a substance found in the Indian spice turmeric, helps minimize muscle inflammation. And caffeine. It works to block muscle-pain-producing substances. Coffee has other health benefits too.

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Can certain foods really protect you against cancer? RealAge thinks so and reports that turmeric is just the spice for the prevention of pancreatic cancer, the very disease that just took the life of The Last Lecture guy Randy Pausch and is giving actor Patrick Swayze a run for his money.

It's curcumin, the yellow stuff found in turmeric, that works wonders on tumor cells. When researchers added the substance to cancerous pancreatic cells, production practically shut down. Thumbs up, then, for the spice that gives curry and other Far Eastern dishes it's strong and distinctive flavor.

These foods also keep pancreas happy: Onions, arugula, fish, eggs, poultry, D-fortified cereal, and dairy.

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