For ages spice has been used as a treatment and cure for a variety of health issues. Naturally, being Indian I’ve been exposed to an abundant of spices and their unique benefits.
Let’s be real though, I can’t start a Spice of the Week series without beginning with the brown household staple – turmeric. I mean if you’re a brown person and you don’t use turmeric, are you even a brown person?
So let’s get into it then: 10 Must-know benefits of turmeric.
What is Turmeric
According to John Hopkins Medicine: “Turmeric is a deep, golden-orange spice known for adding color, flavor and nutrition to foods.” You can purchase it in its natural stick form or as a powder, which is the most common.
Most of us know what turmeric looks like and how to incorporate it in our meals but what we don’t know is the unbelievable amount of benefits turmeric has to offer.
10 Benefits of Turmeric
1. Can help ease symptoms of arthritis
Chronic inflammation can cause many diseases, including arthritis. It is very important to do everything we can to keep inflammation as low as possible in the body.
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is a very powerful anti-inflammatory. Curcumin can help ease the stiffness and joint pain caused by the inflammation from arthritis.
2. Lowers risk of heart disease
Through reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, the spice turmeric can help lower the risk of heart disease. A cup of pure turmeric tea a day can be very beneficial for anyone struggling with inflammation.
3. Powerful antioxidant
Oxidative stress leads to increased aging and can even be the cause of some diseases. Antioxidants help to neutralise the free radicals in our body that cause oxidative stress. Curcumin, once again, is the strong antioxidant in turmeric.
4. May help in slowing down and possibly treating Alzheimers disease
Due to its anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant properties, turmeric could actually help slow down the onset of Alzheimers and even treat it. However, not enough studies have been conducted to make turmeric an official treatment for Alzheimers.
5. Improves digestive health
Many gut issues, like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), are caused by inflammation. By including turmeric in your diet in the proper way it can help treat the symptoms of IBS and even inflammation from a tummy bug, for example.
6. Boosts immune system
Here’s a quick and easy golden milk recipe to boost your immune system.
Once again, turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory property is responsible for aiding the immune system.
When chronic inflammation is reduced in the body it also reduces the risk of the immune system being suppressed. This will prevent many types of viruses and bacteria from getting to the body and making us ill.
7. May help to relieve anxiety and symptoms of depression
According to Nevada Today “The spices saffron and turmeric may reduce both depression and anxiety.”
Curcumin has been linked to treating anxiety, not necessarily as a cure but more as a suppressant.
If you’re currently struggling with anxiety check out these 11 science-backed techniques to reduce anxiety now.
8. Promotes skin health
I bet you know the word I’m going to use? Yes, anti-inflammatory. (LOL) When we reduce the inflammation in our body we also reduce the chances of breakouts and blemishes. They’re all linked!
The powerful antioxidant effect of turmeric also helps neutralise the free radicals in our body helping to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. Turmeric is also used to make homemade face masks for skin concerns like acne.
9. Mood booster
It is suggested that curcumin may actually boost serotonin and dopamine in the body, two feel-good hormones. A study also showed that curcumin has an anti-depressive effect, even being as effective as Prozac.
10. Headaches
Like ginger, turmeric is highly recommended as a home remedy for headaches, throat pain or simple flus. There’s not much scientific evidence to back up turmeric as a relief for headaches but it’s worth the shot!
Who is turmeric not good for?
If you have any of these issues try to stay away from an excessive amount turmeric:
- Bleeding Disorders
- Liver Disease
- Hormone-Sensitive Conditions
- Gallbladder Problems
- Diabetes
The above list is not complete, hence the importance of contacting a medical professional before using turmeric.
Overall, turmeric definitely deserves its title as a superfood. It has benefits for your entire body, from your skin to your immune system.
Without it, our curries would be nothing! So let’s be grateful for our spice of the week – turmeric!