At some point in your life, chances are you’ve used this orange spice that gives that great flavor to your favorite curry dishes. Turmeric powder is obtained from a root that has been used in Asian cuisine and Indian and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is in the same family as ginger. The search for the medicinal uses of turmeric has been growing in recent years and it is becoming increasingly clear that we need to incorporate turmeric into our daily diets. Curcumin is the magic substance (active ingredient) in turmeric that makes it so beneficial to our health. Curcumin is responsible for the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability of turmeric. Here are 5 Amazing health benefits of turmeric.
These are the 5 main benefits of turmeric:
1. Cholesterol reduction and heart health
Studies suggest that turmeric can help lower cholesterol naturally in the body and can help prevent plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Turmeric is also a natural anticoagulant, which helps prevent the formation of blood clots and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure. Because inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease – the ability of curcumin to reduce inflammation in the body can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Prevention is better than cure!
2. Reduced inflammation
Turmeric has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple research suggests that turmeric can be as effective and in some cases even more effective than regular anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcumin blocks the COX-2 enzymes – the inflammatory pathway in the body, which anti-inflammatory drugs target. Anyone with an inflammatory disorder will benefit from the use of turmeric, and is a great alternative to taking regular anti-inflammatory medications. These medications exert extra pressure on organs that need to be treated, and come with a range of negative side effects.
3. Improved mood
It has become clear that inflammation in the brain can cause to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are very common in today’s society. Studies have shown that turmeric extract (curcumin) is more effective than placebo in improving overall mood. This could be because of turmeric’s ability in reducing inflammation and oxidation in the body. Start using turmeric and spice up your life.
4. Reduction of joint pain
Turmeric can be beneficial for people with arthritis to help relieve joint pain, joint inflammation, and improve joint mobility. Studies shows that turmeric can help reduce joint inflammation and is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Turmeric can also be used to reduce the overall symptoms of pain and could be used to regularly replace medications for pain. Paracetamol for example, is toxic to the liver and puts a lot of pressure on it. People take this regularly and do not realize that they are damaging their liver. Try to take the natural route when possible.
5. Strengthens liver health
Turmeric helps protect the liver from damage caused by free radicals, alcohol and waste products, toxins, and supports the healthy detoxification of liver. By eliminating excess cholesterol, turmeric can help reduce fat deposits in the liver and can help reduce liver inflammation. As turmeric will help reduce the use of anti-inflammatory and pain medications, you will reduce the stress on your liver and will further improve your liver health. Your liver will love you for that! When choosing a liver tonic, make sure it contains turmeric (curcumin) to give your liver the best support possible.
So how much turmeric does it need to make a variation? It is recommended to have 1-3g of turmeric per day which could equal about ½ – 1 teaspoon. When buying a supplement containing turmeric, look for one with at least 350 mg per capsule of curcumin (it may be written as curcuma longa). Some supplements contain only a minimal amount of turmeric, which is not sufficient to produce these health benefits. A fascinating point to note is that turmeric powder is better absorbed when mixed with black pepper and a fat, such as coconut milk. Now that you know these 5 amazing health benefits of turmeric, don’t wait! Start adding it to your diet today.
