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There’s a lot of hype about turmeric and the health benefits it provides. That’s because this bright yellow herb that is native to Southeast Asia has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times and is still in use today in Ayurvedic healing to treat inflammation. You may already have some in your spice rack.
While many people know that turmeric has been used to treat chronic inflammation from arthritis and injuries because it contains the powerful anti-inflammatory curcumin, it is also useful for overall body wellness and wellbeing, according to mindbodygreen. Whether you use the herb to season your food or use it as a supplement, check out these seven health benefits of turmeric.
Contains antioxidants
Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that regulate your body functions and protect your cells from free radicals and the oxidative damage they cause. Oxidative stress can accelerate aging and lead to chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. The curcumin found in turmeric is a very strong antioxidant, according to Healthline, but the large amounts of curcumin you need to be an effective antioxidant cannot be obtained just using food seasoned with turmeric so you should take a supplement too.
Natural anti-inflammatory Treatment
Inflammation is beneficial to your body if it is short term because it helps fight off foreign invaders and repairs damage. But when inflammation becomes chronic, it could lead to many health diseases and conditions like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, IBS, and other degenerative conditions like arthritis. The curcumin in turmeric is an important tool in fighting chronic inflammation and taking one gram a day could provide effective relief.
Good for heart health
Turmeric may also protect against heart disease, according to Everyday Health. That’s because the curcumin contributes to endothelial function – the thin membrane that covers blood vessels and your heart – that regulates blood pressure. Lower endothelial function is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. High blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss according to The American Heart Association. So add turmeric to your diet.
May Improve Cognitive Function
Turmeric may also provide cognitive benefits like improved memory and focus. That’s because curcumin may increase your brain’s levels of BDNF; a protein that plays a role in memory and learning. A study published in PLoS One found that curcumin may be effective in delaying or reversing age-related decreases in cognitive function and some brain diseases in animals.
According to Healthline, many brain diseases have been linked to lower levels of BDF proteins including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. A study on the effect of curcumin on Alzheimer’s patients suggested that turmeric actually improves cognitive function.
May help prevent cancer
The curcumin found in turmeric may play a role in the prevention or treatment of some cancers including breast, prostate, pancreatic, and colorectal. That’s because curcumin may help slow the formation of tumor cells and possibly even prevent them from forming. A study published in the journal Nutrients suggested that curcumin exhibits anti-cancer properties on the cellular level.
Promotes gut health
Turmeric is used in ayurvedic medicine for digestive healing, according to Medical News Today. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can contribute to gut health by reducing inflammation. A 2015 study found that turmeric may be used as a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.
Could help relieve mild depression
Curcumin has also shown promise in treating depression. In a controlled study with sixty participants who were divided into three groups; one that took the antidepressant Prozac, one that took one gram of curcumin, and one that took both. After six weeks, the group that took just curcumin fared as well as the group that took just Prozac but the group that took both did the best. That’s because curcumin has been known to boost BDNF levels as well as serotonin and dopamine – the feel-good hormones –, according to Healthline.
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