This wonderful golden root is known to possess several properties which positively impact health, backed up by research and trusted by thousands! So what are the 7 health benefits of turmeric?
The Health benefits Of Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice, derived from the Curcuma plant. It is found in most home store cupboards and used in some of our favorite dishes, such as curries and dahl dishes. However, it is not just a spice to add flavor to your recipes. In fact for many centuries, and across cultures, it has been used extensively as an anti-inflammatory.
The Western world has been relatively slow to appreciate this golden root, so in order to spread the word about this great little tuber, here are 7 top tips about turmeric and its benefits for health. As a natural health supplement, Turmeric is best when it is consumed in its pure and natural form rather than the kitchen store cupboard powdered variety. The spice powder is best left for cooking and culinary dishes.
1. Anti Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric has long been used in Eastern cultures for its anti-inflammatory properties which help the body to fight infection and repair itself. To be specific it is the Curcumin oils found within the root that provides the anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Curcumin has been the subject of numerous scientific studies1Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health, and has shown to be equally as effective as the more commonly used traditional anti-inflammatory drugs.
A systematic review and meta-analysis2Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements of the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium.
Is A Natural Anti Inflammatory Effective?
Yes! The reason it is growing in popularity is due to it being highly effective as an anti-inflammatory and because there are no side effects associated with curcumin oil.
This is good news for those who suffer from joint conditions, such as arthritis, where inflammation plays a major role in exacerbating chronic pain.
2. Turmeric Massively Increases The Antioxidant Capacity Of Your Body
Oxidative damage is one of the reasons that our body ages and is linked to many degenerative diseases. It is the process which releases free radicals into the body. These free radicals are responsible for the damage caused to the tissue in our bodies. Turmeric happens to be a potent antioxidant.
It neutralizes the free radicals due to its chemical composition. Turmeric, or more importantly the curcumin oil, provides high levels of antioxidant protection, approximately 13 times higher than Blueberries.
A series of studies revealed that turmeric and curcumin can lower various markers of oxidation and inflammation within the body. Researchers conducted a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials3Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, assessing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults.
The researchers indicate that turmeric and curcumin are able to be used as effective options for mitigating oxidation and inflammation.
3. Turmeric Combats Depressive Illnesses – Latest Research
With the pressures of modern life, the hectic pace, and increasingly long hours it is no wonder that hundreds of millions of people around the world suffer from depression. Without treatment depression worsens, and may become acute. If treatment is delayed further your depression can become chronic. We know that depression has a debilitating and negative impact on our mood. However, perhaps less well known, is the long term impact of depression on the body over time.
Research suggests prolonged depression, also known as Dysthymia, may potentially contribute to the onset of other illnesses and diseases. Some studies suggest this could include Alzheimer’s. The good news is that current research indicates that turmeric curcumin may be a useful treatment for depression. In clinical trials4Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial, where participants were blind tested (not informed of the medications given), it proved equally as effective as Prozac.
There are many risks and side effects linked with Prozac. Curcumin by contrast has no side effects. Same results and side effects – why wouldn’t you try it! The health benefits of turmeric don’t stop there. Research indicates turmeric may also increase dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
4. Turmeric benefits for heart health
Studies have shown that tumeric has a major part to play in maintaining and improving heart health. Initial research shows that turmeric can help reduce the buildup of plaque in the heart. This is excellent news for those who are deemed as at risk of heart attack.
Turmeric may also help to prevent oxidized cholesterol, which is the substance that does damage to blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels are a critical factor in many heart diseases, such as health attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
5. Boost Metabolism and Lose Weight With Turmeric
It seems that turmeric helps accelerate metabolism. When you raise your metabolism your body consumes more energy. To provide this additional energy our body starts to burn calories at a far greater rate than normal, leading to weight loss.
Detoxification of the liver and reducing fat mass is another of the health benefits of turmeric. Reducing fat and detoxing are essential for weight loss. Curcumin, or turmeric, lowers our bad cholesterol levels and suppresses inflammatory messages in our muscle, pancreatic, and fat cells. By taking turmeric you gain double benefits – you have a natural source of anti-inflammatory and can lose weight.
6. Potential Cancer Prevention – Latest Studies
Turmeric has been shown to have important antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells against cancer, particularly cells in the colon. We already know that turmeric can help to protect vulnerable cells against free radicals, which can be harmful to the body.
Moreover, turmeric can also help the body to expel mutated cells. It is these mutated cells that pose cancer risk, in future or in their current state. Therefore expelling them from the body is one of the most important action we can take. Research is ongoing and focusing on how to utilize turmeric’s properties to best help with cancer prevention.
7. Curcumin Benefits Lowered Cholesterol – Health Benefits Of Turmeric.
High cholesterol is a growing issue and has been linked to many diseases of the body. Initial research shows that the oil in turmeric, curcumin oil, can help to lower cholesterol levels. It works on the liver and encourages it to produce more receptors that lower production of cholesterol.
Ingredients
2 cup milk- 1.5 inch turmeric fresh
- 1 inch ginger root fresh
- pinch black pepper
- Honey
Instructions
- Place 2 cups milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 1.5 inch turmeric root. Best if using fresh root and thinly sliced or minced (or you can use 1 teaspoon turmeric powder)
- Add 1 inch ginger root thinly sliced or diced Much better if fresh, but you could use 1 tsp ginger powder.
- Add Pinch black pepper. Stir well, especially if you are using the powdered spices. Let the milk begin to simmer. Small bubbles will form on the sides of the saucepan. Ensure you stir constantly!
- Heat for another minute or two, being careful not to let the milk catch on the bottom or it may burn. Continue to stir at this point to get better heat distribution and so that the milk does not burn.
- Turn off the heat, cover and allow the golden milk mixture to infuse for ten minutes.
- If you have used the fresh ingredients strain the golden milk through a sieve to remove the solids. Add honey to taste. Serve your golden milk warm.
Video
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Some Precautions – health benefits of turmeric
While completely natural and safe if you intend adding a large amount of turmeric to your diet you should seek medical advice. It’s properties can slow blood clotting therefore may be harmful for those people who are already prescribed and taking anticoagulant medication. If in doubt, speak to your medical professional.
I hope you found this article on the 7 health benefits of turmeric useful. If you would like to read more you can go to our natural remedies hub or if you wish to leave a comment please do so in the section below or alternatively you can contact me directly by clicking here.
References
- 1Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health
- 2Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
- 3Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
- 4Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial
awesome
Love this recipe. Delicious
really easy to make and delicious tasting