Turmeric is More Than Just a Drink or Powder
We’ve heard of turmeric tea and a lot of people love the rich and dazzling flavor of the drink. What some of you might not know is that this root, (yes, it’s a root) with it’s bright yellow or orange color has actually been used for centuries as a spice. In Asia, turmeric is used in a lot of foods aside from drinking as a soothing tea. Curcumin is the agent that brings most of the health benefits of turmeric. There are some supplements that focus mainly on turmeric extract, which is curcumin.
Benefits of Turmeric
there are many benefits of turmeric that is associated with adding the root to food or drinking a tea made from the root. Mainly, the benefits stem from the ingestion of the root, whether in its raw form or in a capsule or tablet form of a supplement.
Health Benefits Of Turmeric #1: Anti-inflammatory
One of the best benefits of eating turmeric (mainly curcumin) comes as it being an anti-inflammatory agent. Although low level inflammation in itself helps the human body maintain its immune system, chronic inflammation can be hazardous. Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent that can give NSAIDs a run for their money. What it does is block a particular molecule that induces inflammation in our cells. This molecule, called NF-kB contributes to most diseases in the body by inducing inflammation in the cells.
Pain Relief
In connection to being an anti-inflammatory, turmeric has long been associated with pain relief. Since inflammation causes some pain, it follows that the pain associated with it will also be alleviated when turmeric is eaten. it is especially good with arthritis and other inflammatory issues.
Antioxidant
Oxidative stress contributes to faster degeneration and the aging of our cells. Free radicals react negatively to our DNA, protein and fatty acids. The reaction manifests in dry, aged skin, brittle hair and nails, and many others. Curcumin blocks free radicals as well as awakens the defense system of our bodies.
Liver Function
Studies have shown a potential for turmeric to prevent liver damage when taken for an extended period of time. This could mean eating turmeric or taking turmeric or curcumin capsules for some time to protect your liver. In Asia where turmeric is usually in the menu in small or big quantities, this could encourage eating more food which calls for turmeric powder or the root itself in the recipe.
Improve Digestion
Due to turmeric being a great spice, many recipes centered in Indian or Asian culture call for it. A lot of experts say that just a pinch of turmeric powder can pack a strong punch. Aside from helping with gut inflammation, not above it helps with all kinds of inflammation, it also helps in gut permeability. This is the ability of our gut to absorb nutrients from the food we eat.
Heart Disease
Years of studying the benefits of turmeric have shown that it can improve the function of the lining of our veins, arteries and blood vessels. The endothelium functions to regulate blood pressure and encourage clotting of the blood. If the endothelium does not function well, likely the individual will experience elevated blood pressure and may have some issues with blood clotting. A well functioning endothelium also lowers the risk of elevated blood cholesterol.
Brain Function
The curcumin in turmeric can actually boost the production of Brain Derived Neurotrophic factor. BDNF is a so-called growth hormone targeted for the brain. It helps lower the risk of brain disease and helps to promote the growth of neurons. Along this line, Alzheimer’s might also be prevented and treated by the same. Studies have shown that ingestion or supplementation of turmeric helps to potentiality clear amyloid plaques. These plaques are protein tangles that are present in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Could Prevent Cancer
Some research and studies have also shown turmeric and its derivative curcumin as having the potential to prevent and even treat cancer. This is very inspiring and hopeful news for those who are prone to these diseases. In tests, the derivative agent of turmeric could potentially reduce the growth of cancer cells and prevent its spread. Combining piperin with the ingestion of turmeric increases the absorption of turmeric. Absorption is increased with the help of piperin.
These are just some of the health benefits of eating turmeric. There is so much more and it does have the potential of being a life saving supplement.
DISCLAIMER:
*This statement has not been evaluated by FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always ask your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
