What if I told you there was a nutrient that had a myriad of health benefits, could help with a range of some of the most debilitating health conditions in the Western world, was cheap, and, lastly, was very very tasty.
Sounds too good to be true, I know, but that’s exactly what turmeric offers.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow spice that is used a great deal in Indian cuisine. Its history of use in India and China spans hundreds of years and these cultures have been received its many health benefits without even realizing just powerful it was.
In recent decades researchers discovered just how wonderful this culinary spice really is. They learned that turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin that harbors both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Has antioxidant properties
Antioxidants, as we all now, play an important role in helping prevent free radicals from damaging our body’s cells.
Turmeric is a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage and can improve your overall health.
Some of the benefits of antioxidants include reducing inflammation, protecting against heart disease and cancer, and improving brain function. Curcumin is a particularly potent antioxidant.
Reduces arthritis symptoms and inflammation
Our bodies are designed to fight this inflammation via our immune system…but in the process may become overburdened and, therefore, weakened from battling the constant free radical induced inflammation.
This is one of the best health benefits of turmeric because as both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory it may aid our immune system indirectly.
Also, if you have arthritis, you may be reading more about the turmeric arthritis connection. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, studies are now suggesting that turmeric may help with arthritis because arthritis is characterized by painful inflammation of the joints.
Supports cognitive health
Other than turmeric arthritis, curcumin, the active ingredient, is believed to help with Alzheimer’s because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
In fact, Alzheimer’s is a lot more rare in India than it is in the United States and turmeric is used a lot in their curry cooking. Research has shown that in some towns and villages in India where turmeric use is especially high, there are almost no cases of Alzheimer’s.
One study found that curcumin was able to improve memory and cognitive function in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Another study found that it was effective at reducing the symptoms of depression.
Turmeric may also help to prevent age-related cognitive decline. One study found that it was able to improve cognitive function in older adults. If you are interested in supporting your cognitive health, adding turmeric to your diet is a simple and easy way to do so
May improve allergies and asthma
Turmeric may help to improve allergies and asthma. This is due, in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study found that curcumin was effective at reducing the symptoms of allergies and asthma. Another study found that it was able to improve lung function and reduce inflammation in people with asthma.
Improves skin health
Turmeric may help to improve skin health. This is due, in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study found that curcumin was effective at reducing the symptoms of skin inflammation. Another study found that it was able to improve wound healing and reduce inflammation in people with psoriasis.
Another condition that turmeric is being used for is psoriasis, which is a scaly, painful, and unsightly skin condition. Again, psoriasis is a condition characterized by inflammation….and turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties may be key in helping counter it.
May aid weight loss
Turmeric may help to aid weight loss. This is due, in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
One study found that curcumin was effective at reducing the symptoms of obesity. Another study found that it was able to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in people with obesity.
Other studies have shown that turmeric may help lower cholesterol and have heart healthy benefits. It may reduce platelets from clumping together, which may help guard against atherosclerosis and improve blood circulation.
Some natural health experts believe that inflammation is often at the root of the overwhelming majority of serious health conditions and that controlling this inflammation should be our main focus if we want good health.
You can add it as a spice, or even supplement with it!
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