Turmeric
often referred to as the golden goddess of herbs, and hailed for its proven
many health benefits is arguably the most beneficial herb on earth because of
its efficacy at fighting and reversing many ailments.
Turmeric
(Curcuma longa) grows in India and other Southeast Asia countries. The dried root of this plant is ground into the
distinctive yellow turmeric powder. There are several chemical compounds
found in turmeric, known as curcuminoids. The active substance in
turmeric is curcumin. But, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
For optimum health benefits of turmeric, consume it with black
pepper which contains piperine which is a natural substance that enhances the
absorption of curcumin by 2000%.
Here
are the top 12 health benefits of turmeric and curcumin:
1.
It has powerful anti-inflammatory
effects and is a very strong antioxidant
Curcumin is the compound in turmeric that has potent anti-inflammatory
property. As an anti-inflammatory agent, it inhibits the activity of nuclear
factor kappa B- the master protein that regulates inflammatory process. For
this reason, consuming turmeric is often suggested for the reduction of
arthritic pain, gout, and muscle pain following exercise or injury.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory property contributes to its painkiller
property. This painkiller property has been found to be useful in dealing with
post-surgical pain and burn injuries.
2.
Aids in Reducing Stress and
Depression
Curcuminoids present in turmeric are strong antioxidants. Their
antioxidant activity is comparable to vitamin C and E. They ameliorate
oxidative stress in conditions like diabetes and thalassemia. Studies have
shown that curcumin has a similar effect as Prozac on patients suffering from
depression, mood swings, anxiety, and stress. This makes it a powerful
alternative to pharmaceutical routes, which often have dangerous or addictive
side effects.
3.
Treats Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Turmeric is very useful in the treatment of constipation, cramping, and
irritable bowel syndrome. The anti-inflammatory property of curcumin helps to
lower the chances of developing ulcers, bleeding in the bowels, and generally
eliminates irritation throughout the gut. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant action is found to protect the digestive tract from bacterial
infections. It helps in relieving bloating. Turmeric is an effective digestive
aid.
4.
Prevents Cystic Fibrosis
Although this disease is rarely discussed unlike heart ailments or
cancer, it is a condition that attacks the lungs with thick mucus as well as
the pancreas. The curcumin found in turmeric has been shown to correct the
protein-folding mutation that can cause the development of this deadly ailment.
5.
It helps in Body Detoxification
By virtue of its antioxidant property, and chelating (ability to bind to
metal and remove them from the body) property of turmeric it benefits in the
treatment of heavy metal poisoning. Turmeric and its active organic compounds
have also been found to improve liver function and reduce the levels of
toxicity in the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and ensuring that
toxins are removed efficiently.
6.
It Can Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Turmeric has long been relied upon in traditional medicine to increase
concentration, and boost memory retention. Modern medical research has shown
turmeric to be a brain boosting herb. As a powerful antioxidant herb, turmeric
can stimulate neural activity and prevent cognitive degradations, which often
come in the form of Alzheimer’s and dementia. There are indications from
numerous studies that curcumin is highly efficient in clearing out the amyloid
plaque, which is a major indication of Alzheimer’s progression.
7.
Relieves Menstrual Pain
The anti-inflammatory and soothing nature of curcuminoids found in this
herb can relieve most symptoms of menstruation. If you suffer from severe
menstrual discomfort, cramping, bloating, excessive bleeding, or mood swings, fatigue,
nausea, and pelvic pain turmeric may be the answer you need.
8.
It Prevents Cancer
Turmeric is one of the best herbal approaches to the treatment or
prevention of various types of cancer. Curcumin exerts strong anti-cancer
property. It terminates the growth of cancer cells, prevents them proliferating
and causes cancer cell death. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant agent that has
been directly linked to a reduction in colon cancer cells and is also a direct
inhibitor of a protein that is essential for tumor growth. Apart from
preventing growth of cancer cells, turmeric benefits by preventing metastasis
or spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
9.
Beneficial in Maintaining Healthy
Heart
The main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease, is improving
the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. It
is well known that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease
and involves an inability of the endothelium to regulate blood pressure, blood
clotting and various other factors. Secondly, curcumin directly balances your
cholesterol levels by eliminating excess LDL (“bad cholesterol”) from the
arteries and blood vessels. This can help prevent atherosclerosis.
10. It Promotes Healthy Ageing
It protects heart function from ageing related changes like stiffening of
blood vessels. Curcumin balances the rate of bone formation and bone absorption
thereby protecting from loss of bone mass. It also protects post menopausal
bone loss. Curcumin’s antioxidant property and ability to regulate aging
associated genes can help promote longevity and reduce occurrence of age
related disorders.
11. Promotes Metabolic Health and Weight
Loss
Turmeric has anti-obesity property- it prevents fat deposit and improves
metabolic health. It helps accelerate the metabolism rate and lets your body
burn a significant number of calories, leading to weight loss. High dose
curcumin supplementation lowers bad cholesterol levels and is responsible for
suppressing inflammatory messages in muscle, pancreatic, and fat cells.
12. Skin Care
Turmeric can protect skin from wrinkles and sun damage induced aging.
Curcumin’s antioxidant property is found to be beneficial in managing skin aging. It
keeps pimples at bay by inhibiting the growth of pimple-causing bacteria and
reducing the oil secretion by the sebaceous glands. The constant use of
turmeric clears acne scars, which makes your skin flawless and glowing. Its
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties accelerate the healing of a cut and
soothe skin irritation. Curcumin is found to protect the skin from sun rays
induced inflammation and is a viable sunscreen agent.
