Turmeric-Top 12 Health Benefits

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.

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