Every Indian household has one common spice, i.e. Turmeric. This yellow-colored spice is not just used for adding flavor to the dishes but is used as a medicinal herb too for ages. Turmeric is derived from the root of Curcuma Longa, a plant that belongs to the ginger family and consists of compounds that have many medicinal properties. These compounds are known as curcuminoids, the most significant of which is curcumin. Several studies suggest that this spice is good for both the brain and body. You can use it in your food and else you can have turmeric supplements after consulting with your doctor. So, let us find out some of the health benefits of turmeric.
Few health benefits of turmeric are as mentioned below:
- Anti-inflammatory and pain relief benefits: – Turmeric helps in fighting foreign agents and plays an important role in repairing the damages. As per a few studies, curcumin compound which is found in turmeric is as effective as few over-counter drugs in reducing the inflammation. The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric might lessen the joint pains that people suffering from arthritis feel.
- Improves the functioning of the liver: – During the recent past, turmeric has gained immense popularity due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important as they safeguard our bodies from free radicals. Several medical studies have proved that turmeric can protect a person’s liver from any kind of damage caused by toxins.
- Digestion: – One of the major health benefits of turmeric is it helps in digesting food. Since ages, in Ayurveda, turmeric is considered as a healing agent. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can help you in maintaining a healthy digestive system. The curcumin compound present in turmeric stimulates the gallbladder. Research shows that turmeric is good for reducing bloating and any kind of gas symptoms.
- Best for the brain: – AR-turmerone or Aromatic turmerone is another vital compound present in turmeric, which is good for the human brain. This compound helps in repairing the stems cells present in the brain. Along with this, curcumin has the capability to boost a protein present in the brain known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF.
- Delays aging: – Are you looking for ways following which you can delay aging and look young? If the answer is yes, then turmeric is the best option for you. Because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties, turmeric is said to play a vital role in longevity and aging. Applying turmeric on your skin daily will give you a bright and flawless skin. You can mix turmeric with milk, gram flour and make a paste of it. Apply this paste on your face daily. You will be surprised to see its effect on your skin.
- Reduces weight: – There are many Indian spices that can help you reduce weight. Among them, turmeric is the most popular one. It helps you to balance your stress hormones, which causes sudden weight gain. Turmeric lessens the development of fat tissue, which assists in lowering body fat and promotes weight loss.
- Enhances immunity power: – Lipopolysaccharide is another vital compound present in turmeric with anti-fungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial properties, which is known for stimulating the human system. Having a spoon of turmeric mixed in a glass of warm milk regularly will lessen the chances of catching the flu or cold.
- Good for arthritic pain: – One of the common health benefits of turmeric is it treats rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The antioxidant destroys the free radicals in the body that damage the cells. Anyone suffering from this condition must consume this spice on a regular basis to relieve themselves of inflammation and mild joint pains, though it must be understood that it does not stand as an alternative for medicine.
- Turmeric has many healing properties: – Do you remember how your grandmother used turmeric for treating burn, infection, or cut? Its anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties make it an efficient disinfectant. You can sprinkle turmeric on the affected area to help it recover faster. Rather than making it a pill, the next time you experience heartburn or upset stomach, try this spice instead.
- Diabetes and Turmeric: – The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric have been found by several studies to delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes in people suffering from pre-diabetes. It helps in moderating insulin levels and enhances the effect of medicines that treat diabetes. In addition, it is significant to contact a health professional before combining it with strong medicine.
- Include turmeric in the diet: – Turmeric is a flexible spice that can be added to meals in different ways, including:
- Adding turmeric into spice mixtures like the barbecue rub or curry
- Making a homemade dressing using oil, seasonings, or vinegar including turmeric
- Adding turmeric to marinades
- Turmeric helps in fighting against depression:- In a trial, about 60 people suffering from depression were separated into three groups. One group was given Prozac, another group was given one gram of turmeric and the third group had both curcumin and Prozac. After 6 weeks, curcumin had led to enhancements that were as same as Prozac. The group of people who were given both curcumin and Prozac gave the best results. According to studies, curcumin in turmeric works as an antidepressant.
Depression is linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a declining hippocampus, an area in the brain which is responsible for memory and learning.
- Enhances liver function:- During the past, turmeric has gained popularity due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are helpful as they protect our bodies from all kinds of free radicals. Turmeric is believed to be so powerful that various studies claim that it can safeguard the liver from getting damaged by poisons.
- Achieving the most from turmeric:- The key to tapping into the various health benefits of turmeric lies in the way you consume it. Recent studies looked at the different ways of consuming turmeric. The results of the study showed that cooking turmeric and oil can help your body absorb more curcumin. It is believed that when curcumin mixes with fat, like the fat in coconut or olive oil, the guts absorb it fast.
So, while there have been several claims about the healing properties and benefits of turmeric, the panel is still on it to find how real these are. Extravagant claims like “Turmeric can cure cancer” must be taken along with a pinch of salt. If it sounds too good, it possibly is. Cooking turmeric with oil and consuming it as a balanced diet, could be one of the best ways to get the maximum benefits from this spice.
Conclusion
Turmeric, mainly its most active ingredient, curcumin have several significantly proven health benefits, like the ability to prevent Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease. It is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which may help in improving the symptoms of arthritis and depression.
These are some of the health benefits of turmeric. If you have not till now included turmeric in your diet, then, do not waste any more time. Add this useful spice to your diet today! Believe us, it will be worth it!