It is amazing to know that many healthy ingredients in the world are easily accessible and can even be found in your backyard. Natural herbs and spices have been studied to be effective in helping with chronic diseases and maintaining good health. When discussing natural ways as treatment, there’s always one plant that you can frequently hear from the people around…Turmeric!
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is an ancient spice that has remained popular in India and Asia today since 2,000 BC. It belongs to the ginger family and is used for various culinary and medicinal traditions. Studies have found that natural herbs and spices can be used as remedies for common ailments. Our ancestors were ahead of the curve in this respect when it comes to turmeric.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. The compounds found in turmeric are called curcuminoids; the most important is called Curcumin and is the active ingredient in turmeric. It is known for its anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant.
What are the health benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric provides an abundance of antioxidants capable of supporting cellular health, but what specific health benefits can it bring to you? Below are the top 12 health benefits of Turmeric:
1. Turmeric promotes a balanced mood
Studies have shown impressive results with turmeric for supporting a balanced mood. Curcumin’s impact on the brain has also been shown to have a potential use in depression treatment by helping to reverse detrimental changes that may occur in depression. Turmeric has also been studied for its potential to boost levels of mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These hormones cause a person to feel positive and happy.
2. Turmeric may help eases aches and pains
Many people suffer from aches and pains on a daily basis.. The symptoms can range from pain and stiffness to lack of mobility. Some people prefer to opt for natural pain reliever instead of prescription drugs and the turmeric herb is one of the most popular remedies.
3. Turmeric boosts the immune system
Turmeric can help boost your immune system through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties it holds. All of these benefits are due to the active compound found inside of Turmeric's root called Curcumin. Curcumin helps boost your immune system health by helping your body defend itself and function at its best.
4. Turmeric promotes balanced blood sugar
Scientists have shown interest in the potential blood sugar-lowering properties of turmeric in one of its active substances, curcumin. Through studies, it was found that turmeric makes insulin-producing cells of the pancreas called Beta cells (or B-cells) and Islet cells. More studies are required to confirm this benefit.
5. Turmeric supports gut health
When the stomach lining gets inflamed or irritated, one can suffer from acute or chronic gastritis. This is typically caused by stress, excess alcohol consumption, frequent vomiting and long-term usage of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can promote lower inflammatory enzyme levels in the body and can even improve digestion by helping bile production of the gallbladder. Since turmeric is an antioxidant, it may also protect the body from cell damages caused by free radicals.
6. Turmeric fights chronic inflammation
Inflammation is not inherently bad; it's actually an important part of our immune system that fights off viruses, bacteria, and keeps you alive and well. Chronic inflammation occurs when inflammation goes unchecked, and this hyper-inflammation is like a forest fire burning in perpetuity. It is this imbalanced inflammation that may be linked to health problems we see today. Curcumin and turmeric are known for their ability to help tame chronic inflammation when used consistently over time.
7. Turmeric may help with anti-aging
A primary cause of aging is thought to be the presence of free radicals in the body. While genetics plays a part, free radicals can often derive from lifestyle habits. Turmeric curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to help support the body's ability to build its defenses against common health issues that manifest with aging.
8. Turmeric may have a positive impact on allergies
Turmeric is a spice that belongs to the ginger family. It is a natural nutritional supplement that has been linked to allergies, due to the following properties: it contains curcumin, a compound that acts as a decongestant and antihistamine which helps in reducing the mast cell degranulation or histamine – release. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that may be beneficial for those with allergies.
9. Turmeric supports heart health
Turmeric can help with heart health as it supports the lining of blood vessels. Its anti-inflammatory properties have also been documented in reducing bad cholesterol. It also helps reduce the build-up of plaque that can cause blood clots in the arteries.
10. Turmeric aids in liver detoxification
Turmeric is known to be one of the top liver detoxifiers. Curcumin stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which the liver uses to eliminate toxins. This bile also rejuvenates liver cells that break down harmful compounds. When the liver is supported through the use of turmeric, it may also help to detox the blood, reduce inflammation, and decrease internal blood clotting.
11. Turmeric helps in relieving headaches and migraines
A migraine can be triggered by various causes such as inflammation, low levels of serotonin, depression, and gut issues. With Curcumin’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, the body can find relief from headaches and migraines which can cause a lot of pain and discomfort to our day.
12. Turmeric may improve skin health and reduces acne
Some studies have shown that curcumin may improve your skin health by protecting it from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The primary source of UV radiation is the sun's rays. Excessive exposure to UV rays can lead to sunburns, damaged DNA, and some types of skin cancer. Sunscreen and limited exposure to skin can help, but most of the time, it's not enough. This fact holds true for people who live in areas with lots of bright sunlight. With Curcumin’s antioxidant properties, it has been stated that it may lower the risk of premature skin cell death induced by UV rays.
Supplementing with Turmeric
Turmeric can be taken in many forms such as tea and powder, however, there is an alternative way, through the use of Turmeric supplement. Studies also recommend consuming your turmeric supplement with BioPerine (black pepper extract) as it enhances bioavailability and absorption throughout the body. BioPerine is a common form of piperine used to improve turmeric absorption.
Nature’s Branch 1500mg Turmeric Curcumin comes with BioPerine Black Pepper Extract along with 95% standardized curcuminoids for premium pain relief and joint support.! Click on the image below to see all the benefits of our extra strength turmeric supplement:
Whether you are looking to reduce aches, slim down, or just maintain and achieve an optimal health, there are several positive uses of turmeric which you can take advantage of. Always remember that reducing inflammation and boosting immunity can help substantially improve longevity. Turmeric is truly an amazing spice - why not make it a part of your daily vitamin stack!
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