Benefits of Turmeric - A Herb, A Spice, or a Medicine?
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One of the most beneficial roots on earth is Turmeric, a cherished cousin of the ginger family. Brilliantly dominated by its enticing orange-yellow color and taste, Turmeric has long been an essential part of Asian cuisines. Besides, it has been used for medicinal purposes in India for centuries for its miraculous health effects. Turmeric has reached the western world, and its supplements are growing more and more popular. Of the hundreds of benefits of Turmeric, some most important are discussed in detail below. So, let’s dive in to explore how we can benefit ourselves from this gift of nature.
Here are the top 10 benefits of Turmeric, backed by science.
- Turmeric for improved heart health
A research study in 2020 confirms that Curcumin decreases cholesterol, LDL, and fats from blood to a considerable extent. Heart diseases are the ruthless cause of most of the deaths in the world. Interestingly, Curcumin is proven to lower the risk of heart attack by 65%. Besides, it helps to regulate your blood pressure as well. A study proves that the daily intake of Curcumin is as effective as exercise. Besides, Curcumin is a blood thinner. So, if you are already using blood thinners, consult your doctor before using curcumin supplements.
- Improves Brain Functions
The benefits of Turmeric are not gender or age specific. It is equally effective for everyone in the family. Brain cells increase in number by a growth hormone, which we call “brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).” So, Curcumin increases the levels of BDNF. Depression and Alzheimer’s disease relate to the low levels of BNDF. Hence, it results in sharp memory, attention, and the effects of brain diseases.
- Role in the fight against Cancer
Amazingly, a single herb has so many health effects. Curcumin is proven to minimize the growth of cancer cells. Researches have proved that using Curcumin reduces the growth and development of different types of cancer cells. Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth, but it may get worsen by angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the name of the formation of blood vessels in tumor cells. Hence, Curcumin stops angiogenesis and cancer development. More importantly, research proves Curcumin reduces the lesions in the colon by 40%.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The main bioactive molecule in Turmeric is Curcumin, found in a good quantity. It is a powerful antioxidant. Besides, it has strong anti-inflammatory effects. The best thing is that it helps fight chronic inflammation without any side effects. Experts recommend it to patients with cancer, heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, and other inflammatory diseases due to this property. Hence, Turmeric is a proven ingredient to reduce inflammation.
- Protection against Radical Damage
Oxidative damage by free radicals is a major cause of aging, cardiovascular, and other diseases. The free radical reacts with biomolecules like protein, DNA, and fatty acid to cause damage. Antioxidants help fight these free radicals. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that naturally acts against the body’s defense against free radicals. Hence, it boosts the immune system.
- Prevents and treats Alzheimer’s disease
Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s is the most common brain disorder in the world with no satisfactory treatment. Also, it is the leading cause of Dementia. Therefore, taking possible steps to prevent this disease is a better practice. Again, the role of Curcumin comes into play. Protein plaque called Amyloid is a key characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin clears up the plaque. Besides, inflammation and radical damage have a great role in Alzheimer’s disease. As already discussed, Curcumin helps by working against the above-said dysfunctions.
- Turmeric for Arthritis
Every 1 in 100 people suffers arthritis all over the world. Arthritis is characterized by severe muscle and joint pain. As discussed, Curcumin acts against inflammation, and hence relieves arthritis pain. Researches show Curcumin to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug. Besides, Curcumin relieves the pain, joint swelling, morning stiffness, and the aggravations associated with Arthritis. Hence, turmeric helps to increase joint mobility with reduced inflammation.
- Incredibly beneficial against Depression
Stress, anxiety, and depression are a common sight these days. The percentage is even high in teenagers and women. The results of Curcumin are promising in acting against depression. Curcumin has the same great effects as an anti-depressant. Furthermore, reduced levels of BDNF are also a cause of depression. Curcumin boosts the BDNF and neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Hence, one can say Turmeric is incredibly beneficial against depression.
- Anti-Aging Effects
Everyone wishes to look younger and feel great. Curcumin and Turmeric are renowned anti-aging supplements. Longevity is found to be directly linked with a healthy heart, active brain, and physical fitness. Curcumin has proven health benefits and improves the above-discussed phenomena. Besides, it works to reverse the negative impacts of oxidation in the human body. So, including Turmeric in routinely meals have magnificent anti-aging effects.
- Improves liver functions
Turmeric has strong antioxidant properties due to the presence of Curcumin. These antioxidant properties improve and strengthen liver functioning. The liver is the prime organ of the body that detoxifies the ill effects of medicines. Being on long-term medications, for instance, in diabetes and other diseases, Curcumin is a great help. Thus, it saves the liver from the toxic effects of medicines and improves its functioning.
How much Curcumin should you take daily?
Learning the breath-taking benefits of Curcumin, you might be wondering about how to take it. However, the curcumin content in Turmeric is only 3% by weight. Unfortunately, Curcumin poorly absorbs into the blood. So, the question arises about the optimum way to take it.
Researchers have extensively researched and came to a conclusion. Now it is proven that taking black pepper enhances the absorption to 2000%. The reason is that black pepper contains piperine that helps Curcumin to absorb in the bloodstream. Besides, Curcumin is also fat-soluble, so it may be nicer to use it with fatty meals.
Researchers used 1 gm of Turmeric extracts containing Curcumin. But only using Turmeric as a spice in everyday meals is not enough. Therefore, turmeric tea and supplements are a better option to take in the optimum amount.
End words by the Writer
Turmeric has no observed side effects, so that anyone can use it. Keeping in view of Turmeric's awe-inspiring benefits, it is highly advised to use Turmeric as a spice in your meals. However, it is better to consult your doctor before taking curcumin supplements. Nature has so many hidden benefits that are yet to be discovered. But benefitting us from those that are already proven is wise. In the end, enjoy the miraculous benefits of this exclusive herb by using it naturally in your food. We are hopeful that this piece of information really helps.
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References
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