Jamaica Reach to Recovery gets a boost in cancer fight

JAMAICA REACH to Recovery, an affiliate of the Jamaica Cancer Society, is encouraging the use of ginger and turmeric in the fight against breast cancer.

Harnessing its manufactural resources and in support of the local cancer-fighting movement, Salada Foods Jamaica, through its Jamaica Mountain Peak brand, donated cases of its Jamaica Mountain Peak Ginger-Turmeric instant teas and a cheque valued at $200,000 recently.

Studies indicate that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in ginger and turmeric assist in fighting cancer cells and the slowing down of the disease’s progression in the body.

“Consumption of ginger and turmeric has been accepted as a good form of building your immune system. There is medical evidence that turmeric does help in overall antioxidant care. We encourage our members to eat well and take care of themselves,and recommend the consumption of ginger and turmeric as part of this,” explained Chairman of Jamaica Reach to Recovery Carolind Graham.

She went further to note that, having seen the health benefits in her personal use, her family members also benefitted from daily consumption of the spices.

Keen on innovation and reinforcing lifestyle practices that reduce inflammation and build overall immunity, Salada has added the all-natural bioactive compound piperine – which preserves and releases the antioxidant and antiviral properties of curcumin (found in turmeric) to its Jamaica Mountain Peak Ginger-Turmeric teas.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved turmeric and the curcumin it contains as ‘generally recognised as safe’.

POTENT INGREDIENT

Noting the many anti-inflammatory benefits of piperine, registered dietitian and Integrative Health Practitioner Dr Rosalee Brown shared, “Turmeric is excellent because it contains curcumin, which gives the plant its yellow colour. It is a carotenoid, which contributes to building immunity through its antioxidant properties. Piperine is a crucial and very potent ingredient which helps to release the curcumin out of turmeric. Piperine originates from peppers, especially black pepper thorn, and is FDA-approved for consumption.”

The costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer usually run within the millions, and are generally out of the reach of many Jamaican women.

Expressing her delight at the support from Salada, Graham stated, “Our relationship with Salada is a long-standing one, they have always been very good to us. Today I received several cases of Jamaica Mountain Peak Ginger and Turmeric teas that I will distribute to our members, who will just be overjoyed.”

Jamaica Reach to Recovery provides emotional, psychological and financial support to breast cancer survivors.

According to Tamii Brown, commercial and corporate affairs manager at Salada, “Salada continues to advocate for women and the families touched by breast cancer. We have never hesitated to rise up to assist the many survivors, and persons undergoing treatment, navigate the financial nuances. Every act of kindness counts.”

She continued: “The focus for us was to utilise our unique technical capabilities to convert the extracts from the potent ginger and turmeric roots into a soluble powder that can be easily accessed by all consumers. To do this, we use an all-natural technique known as spray-drying.”