Benefits of turmeric run into the dozens, with several hundred thousand people swearing by this natural and nutritional supplement to cure their ailments. However, that’s not to say that it works, or that it’s any good for improving any facet of your health.
Anyone can say that something worked for them, even if there is no scientific evidence or research to back it up. However, that’s where turmeric differs from many other natural ingredients and supplements. Not only does it work for various ailments, but it has a myriad of strong studies to back it up.
If you want to know if turmeric benefits are a fad or factual, then read on. The evidence will surprise you.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Do you ever tire of taking one prescription drug after another? If you find yourself suffering from chronic inflammation and don’t want to add another pill to the list, then it might be time to try a turmeric supplement.
Even though your body needs a form of inflammation to fight off bacteria, it can become a problem when it starts trying to attack your body’s own tissues. That’s when you need to fight back. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin are so potent that it matches, or surpasses, the effects and benefits of some anti-inflammatory medications.
While you should never stop taking a prescription drug without your doctor’s approval, it’s worth asking a medical professional whether turmeric in supplement form could be right for you.
image source Vegan Liftz
Cancer Prevention and TreatmentCancer is what happens when your cells grow uncontrolled. The type of cancer you have can depend on where those cells are growing. In some studies, curcumin turmeric affects some of those cells. They may be able to kill off cancer cells, reduce the risk of more growth, and stop the spread of them too.
However, it’s important to understand that turmeric is not a cure for cancer. So far, only lab studies have shown that curcumin can reduce cancer cell growth. It has also only been shown to stop the growth of tumors in test animals. Time will tell where this research will take cancer treatment in the future.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Free radicals are behind premature aging and several diseases. They react with your proteins, fatty acids, and DNA, and cause all kinds of carnage. Turmeric, as proven by science, can increase your body’s antioxidant capacity and protect it from free radical attacks.
Once it finishes fighting that battle, it then moves on to boost your body’s antioxidant enzymes. Basically, the curcumin in turmeric will not only block free radicals but then prepare your body to defend itself against them too.
Possible Risk Reduction in Heart Disease
One in four deaths is connected to heart disease, which is a bitter pill to swallow. What if there was a way – even a slight chance – you could reduce the risk of the people you love getting heart disease? There might be thanks to curcumin in turmeric – and it’s no passing fad.
Curcumin can improve the function of your blood vessel lining. A significant factor in heart disease is that your endothelium can’t regulate your blood pressure or clot blood. Curcumin works to improve your endothelial function – something that usually only exercise or some medications can do.
Improves Brain Function
Neurons in your brain multiply and form new connections thanks to a growth hormone function in your brain. When levels of this hormone decrease, your chances of getting brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and depression increase.
Where does turmeric come in, you ask? Curcumin in turmeric can increase the levels of that growth hormone, thus having the potential to delay or reverse brain diseases. Some early-stage studies also show memory improvements from regular consumption of turmeric supplements.
How to Consume Turmeric?
The best way to consume turmeric for its health benefits is in supplement form. However, if you want to include it into your diet in such a way as to offer flavor benefits too, there are many ways to incorporate it.
You can add it to rice for flavor and color, to your roast vegetables for a peppery taste, or in soups to add warmth. If you find eggs bland, a touch of turmeric can lift that dish to a new level as well. You can also put it in beverages. Mix coconut milk and honey with turmeric for an earth-flavored tea, or blend a turmeric root into a smoothie for an extra kick.
Conclusion
When it comes to natural ingredients, you have to take their supposed health benefits with a grain of salt. However, when it comes to turmeric, the studies speak for themselves. There’s no better time than today to give your health a lift by trying out turmeric supplements or by incorporating the natural root into your diet.
Author’s Bio
My name is Alison Hefer, I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa but I have spent the last few years in beautiful New Zealand. I write articles for various websites including Goodhealth.co.nz and regularly contribute articles about the always changing world of SEO to Clickthrough.co.nz. I am a busy blogger/mom by day and avid writer by night. My career goal is to one day write a novel of my own. Connect with me via email at ali@clickthrough.co.nz.