8 Health Benefits Of Turmeric You Didn’t Know About

Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb. Recently, science has also backed up the traditional claims regarding the health benefits of turmeric.

Apart from its use as a culinary ingredient, turmeric contains an antioxidant called curcumin. It fights against foreign substances that may enter the body and reduces inflammation. Experts believe turmeric can help with metabolic problems, some types of cancer, heart diseases, and other degenerative conditions.

An important thing to note is that Curcumin is not actively absorbed in your bloodstream. Thus, it needs bioactive compounds for better absorption. Taking turmeric with black pepper (source of Piperine) can significantly increase the rate of curcumin absorption in your bloodstream.

Moreover, curcumin is a fat-soluble compound. Thus, it is ideal to take turmeric with an oil-rich and black pepper-rich diet. 

Now when you know why this kitchen ingredient works so well, let’s see what are the 8 infamous health benefits of turmeric.

1. Turmeric can reduce inflammation 

Although short-term inflammation is necessary for the body to fight off active infections, prolonged inflammation is more harmful than beneficial. Chronic inflammation causes an array of deadly diseases like cancer, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

A high intake of Curcumin, the bioactive substance found in turmeric, can fight off the compounds responsible for chronic inflammation and produce beneficial results. 

2. Curcumin is good for treating Arthritis

Most types of arthritis involve inflammation in joints of one kind or the other. Curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can reduce arthritis inflammation. Thus, it helps in improving symptoms and offering pain relief to patients. Curcumin is highly effective among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Want to get rid of arthritis pain? Read how turmeric can be used in conjunction with herbs here.

Curcumin, the active chemical found in turmeric, is responsible for suppressing inflammation. Research shows that curcumin blocks specific cytokines and enzymes, causing inflammation making it an excellent natural supplementary treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric is a good addition to your diet if you suffer from Arthritis because it’s considered safe as a natural supplement. Its active chemical, curcumin, is beneficial for inflammatory diseases, cancer, and depression, common conditions for people with RA.

3. Turmeric enhances the antioxidative capacity

Anti-oxidation plays a significant role in antagonizing the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are the main culprit responsible for aging and degenerative diseases. Curcumin found in turmeric is a highly potent anti-oxidant. It can subside the effects of free radicals. The chemical structure of curcumin captures free radicals and highly reactive molecules. This protects important bodily structures like proteins, DNA, and fatty acids. Curcumin not only blocks the activity of free radicals but also stimulates other anti-oxidative agents for enhanced results.

4. Turmeric is good for brain health

The Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is responsible for promoting the formation of new neuron connections in certain areas of the brain. It is also responsible for directing the formation of proteins that are suitable for enhancing neuron life. The same protein is also useful in boosting brain learning and memory. Turmeric has curcumin which is helpful in increasing the levels of BDNF in animal brains. It means that regular use of turmeric improves brain health. Also, it potentially helps reduce the risks of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s. 

5. Turmeric helps you get deep restorative sleep every night

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic doctors knew how powerful rejuvenating sleep is for the body.
As masters of natural healing, they used a simple beverage to give their patients a priceless gift – the most rejuvenating “Cellular Restoration Sleep.”

After such a powerful sleep session, your brain is more awake, you can focus a lot easier, your thoughts are fast and clear, and the brain fog disappears.

The main component of this great beverage that helps improve your sleep is turmeric. But there are 4 more superfoods included in the recipe that set your body for “sell restoration” sleep.

If you want to know how a cup of 5,120 year old Indian dessert tea can help you sleep better, click here to read this article.

6. Curcumin helps people with depression

A study was done on 3 groups of people to check the curcumin’s effectiveness in treating depression. One group took Prozac, the second took curcumin and the third one took a combination of Prozac and curcumin. The study reported the benefits of curcumin to be as good as an anti-depressant. Since depression is also linked to lower levels of BDNF, curcumin can increase the BDNF levels and potentially reverse the depression symptoms.

7. Turmeric improves cardiovascular health

Turmeric can reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack – the number one cause of death in the world. Curcumin retards the steps of the process leading to a heart attack. This versatile medicinal compound promotes the health of the lining found in your heart and blood vessels. As a result, the vessel lining or endothelium is better able to regulate blood clotting and blood pressure. A study has also indicated the benefits of curcumin to be as good as exercise among menopausal women. Since curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, it significantly reduces the risks of a heart attack.

8. Turmeric helps in preventing Cancer

Curcumin from turmeric can stimulate changes in the body at a molecular level. Thus, it can contribute to the death of cancerous cells and reduce the growth of blood vessels in tumors. It also reduced the spread of cancer and potentially decreases cancer risks. Moreover, some studies have also suggested that curcumin can prevent cancer from occurring, especially digestive cancers.

The easiest ways to start using turmeric today

You already know Turmeric is a powerful source of curcumin’s bioactive medicinal compound. It can enhance the look and flavor of your diet and improve your health through its countless health benefits.
However, you might ask yourself what could be the easiest way to add this superfood to your daily routine and enjoy its benefits. We are here to give you the most manageable first steps.

1. Start adding Turmeric to your daily meals, along with some black pepper. This step is effortless for people who cook at home.
2. Brew your first anti-inflammatory Turmeric drink – mix Turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. Cover the ingredients with boiling water for 5 minutes. When ready, you can add a little bit of lemon juice and honey and enjoy your natural anti-inflammatory drink.
3. Add turmeric to a glass of warm milk and consume it every morning or at night.
4. Add a pinch of turmeric to your shakes and smoothies for enhanced flavor
5. Pick supplements that will make the Curcumin daily intake easy as a breeze, and you won’t have to worry about cooking or brewing tea at home.

Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative medicinal compound that is good for your heart and brain health and mental well-being. The best thing about it is that adding it to your diet to improve your health is effortless and tasty.

Keep in mind that you have to consult your physician about taking turmeric if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have hormonal issues, have certain types of cancer, or take diabetic medications.
Share in the comments… Did you know that you have to take Turmeric together with Black pepper to make this superfood provide all its excellent benefits?