Turmeric The Good Things: A Wonder Spice for Health and Wellness.

Turmeric The Good Things: A Wonder Spice for Health and Wellness.

Turmeric, a yellowish spice sourced from the root of the plant Curcuma longa, has been a popular medicine and food in many cultures throughout India and Southeast Asia for centuries. In recent decades, contemporary science has corroborated most of the medicinal effects long-held by the ancients. In this article, let us discover the many science-based benefits of turmeric and why turmeric has its own place in your life.

1. Anti-inflammatory Featured.
It is one of the most famous benefits of turmeric, especially thanks to the active ingredient curcumin. Chronic inflammation causes a whole range of disorders, from heart disease and cancer to neurological degeneration. It has been discovered that curcumin inhibits the molecules involved in inflammation and thus is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Curcumin has been shown to be just as potent as certain anti-inflammatory drugs without the harmful side effects. For example, according to research published in Oncogene, curcumin was more effective at reducing inflammation than aspirin and ibuprofen.

2. High in Antioxidants, Good for Blood Pressure.
This is because turmeric is packed with antioxidants, which destroy free radicals in the body. — Free radicals contribute to oxidative stress, resulting in cell damage, chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer and ageing.

The antioxidant properties of curcumin also defend the body from oxidative stress. Indeed, curcumin acts not only on free radicals but also stimulates the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes, making a double defence.

3. Promotes Brain Power and Reduces the Chance of Brain Diseases.
Curcumin can also stimulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone that acts in the brain. Depression and Alzheimer’s are linked to BDNF deficiency. Curcumin, by increasing BDNF levels, could delay or even reverse age-related loss of brain function and decrease risk of brain diseases.

In a study, in Phytotherapy Research, elderly people who used curcumin supplements performed better on memory and attention tests than those who were not taking curcumin.

4. Maintains Heart Health Benefits.
Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the world. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could be used to promote heart health by strengthening the structure of blood vessel lining (the endothelium).

According to one article in the American Journal of Cardiology, curcumin would promote endothelial psoriasis, thus lowering risk of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities of turmeric can also help lower cholesterol and delay the formation of LDL (bad) cholesterol to create calcification in the arteries.

5. May Prevent Cancer.
Studies have found that curcumin has potential anticancer effects. It can inhibit new blood vessels forming in tumors, slow the growth of cancer (metastasis), and lead to the death of cancer cells.

According to a study published in Cancer Letters, curcumin is also implicated in preventing many kinds of cancer, including digestive system cancers like colorectal cancer. More work in this field remains to be done, but early studies are encouraging and indicate that curcumin might serve as a natural complement to conventional cancer therapies.

6. Reduces Arthritis symptoms.
And with turmeric’s anti-inflammatory power, it’s no wonder why the drug is used extensively as a natural remedy for arthritis. Indeed, some research has suggested that curcumin reduces the symptoms of arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis.

In a 2014 paper in Phytotherapy Research, researchers reported that curcumin is better than an anti-inflammatory agent for active rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Helps with Digestiation and Gut Function.
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to cure digestive problems and the research backs its efficacy for promoting gut health. The spice promotes the secretion of bile which is digestive enhancing and helps to cure bloating and gas.

Also, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which may be helpful for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis patients. According to a research in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, taking turmeric reduced flare-ups and symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

8. Improves Skin Condition.
Turmeric is not only good for your health on the insides – turmeric is also great for your skin. Through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, turmeric can cure acne, make your skin glowing, and even fade scars and dark spots.

In a 2010 study, researchers in Phytotherapy Research reported that topically applied turmeric treated acne and psoriasis. Further, turmeric is antimicrobial and a very effective natural cosmetic.

9. Helps with Weight Management and Energy.
One study found that turmeric could reduce weight by managing the metabolism and lowering inflammation. According to a paper in Biofactors, curcumin can suppress the development of fat cells, and may help weight loss. Additionally, turmeric’s capacity to minimize oxidative stress and inflammation can also enhance overall metabolism and help one stay at a healthy weight.

10. Improves mood and Could Resist Depression.
Turmeric has even been used as a natural mood enhancer. In research, turmeric has been investigated as a treatment for depression. A report in Journal of Affective Disorders indicated that curcumin supplementation eased depression in people with major depressive disorder. Curcumin’s capacity to elevate BDNF and increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation, might be part of its antidepressant action.

How to Consume Turmeric In Your Body
There are a multitude of ways you can enjoy turmeric health benefits. Some quick thoughts:

Use it in the meals: Turmeric can be used in curries, soups, and stews.
To prepare turmeric tea: In a kettle boil the turmeric powder or freshly harvested turmeric root and pour the water. Drink with lemon and honey.
Take turmeric supplements: Since curcumin is difficult to be taken by the body, seek supplements that are packed with black pepper extract (piperine) to get maximum absorption.

The turmeric is a super spice with a rich history in medicine. From reducing inflammation to shielding the heart and brain, it’s both ancient and science-backed in its healing potential. If you can take turmeric in your diet, then you get a 100% health boost for your life.

Citations:
Aggarwal, B. B., & Harikumar, K. B. (2009). "Anti-inflammatory agent curcumin has potential therapeutic effects against Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases." Biochemical Pharmacology, 78(3), 321-328.
Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). "Anti-inflammatory and safety of curcumin: a compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa)." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 9(1), 161-168.
Gupta, S. C., Patchva, S., & Aggarwal, B. B. (2013). "Healthful uses of curcumin: what we have learned in clinical trials". AAPS Journal, 15(1), 195-218.
Jurenka, J. S. (2009). "Anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin, a constituent major in the Curcuma longa: A synopsis of the preclinical and clinical research". Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 141-153.
Lopresti, A. L., Maes, M., Meddens, M J., Maker, G. L., & Drummond, P D. (2014). "Curcumin for major depression: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Journal of Affective Disorders, 167:368-375.