Give a big warm welcome to turmeric, the family member of ginger. This plant is originally from Southeast Asia but is mostly grown in India. Turmeric is not only a spice that can be used in curry, but it also has many benefits.
Historically, turmeric is used in Ayurvedic medicine and other traditional Indian medical systems.
Turmeric and its active compound, curcumin, may have health benefits that include brain health and joint support, according to research. If you continue reading, you will learn about some potential benefits and delicious recipes that you may wish you had known about sooner.
FIRST – LET’S TALK CURCUMIN
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, which is found in most turmeric preparations at a concentration of 2-8%. It also gives turmeric its signature yellow color.
Curcumin and other compounds found in turmeric can bring many health benefits. Curcumin and turmeric are often researched together because they are similar.
There are dietary supplements, powders, and even drink mixes that contain both turmeric and curcumin. What are the benefits of turmeric and how can you make sure that you’re getting the most of its goodness?
HOW TO GET THE TURMERIC YOU NEED
Although turmeric can have positive health effects, the body may not be able to absorb it properly. Even though curcumin is absorbed poorly and metabolized quickly, high doses may still result in it reaching the bloodstream.
Thankfully, there are solutions! Piperine, an active ingredient in black pepper, can inhibit the liver from pushing curcumin out of the body. This means that your body can better absorb curcumin, which has many benefits, rather than flushing away your turmeric supplements.
Black pepper isn’t the only answer, though. The compound in ginger may cause the same side effects. Adding turmeric to a fatty food can help the body absorb it better.
TURMERIC SHOPPING AND STORAGE TIPS
Some turmeric is of better quality than others, so it is a good idea to be choosy when spending your money. When looking to cook with an authentic Indian ingredient, look no further than turmeric. The signature flavor will greatly improve any dish.
When you are choosing a turmeric supplement, it is best to choose one that contains just turmeric root and very few inactive ingredients. However, supplements that contain complementary herbs and spices could help increase the benefits and make them more effective.
You should not buy spices and supplements in bulk because every time you open the container, the quality decreases due to exposure to air. Turmeric supplements and spices should be stored in a cool, dark place to preserve their shelf life.
Top 15 benefits of turmeric
Many years of research have found that turmeric has a range of health benefits. Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries. Its most common use is to relieve pain, but it has also been used to treat digestive and respiratory problems, as well as skin conditions. The spice mentioned has the potential to be a natural treatment for various conditions based on the given evidence.
Turmeric has many benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are 15 benefits of turmeric that you should know about.
1. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory
One of the benefits of turmeric that is most well known is its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation can be a problem because it is a long-term inflammation. In fact, studies have linked chronic inflammation to a variety of health conditions, including:
Cancer
Heart disease
Alzheimer’s disease
Metabolic syndrome
Degenerative conditions
Turmeric supplements are an effective way to reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Has antioxidant properties
One of the main causes of various diseases and aging is oxidative damage caused by free radicals. The presence of free radicals in the body can lead to negative interactions with organic substances, including proteins, fatty acids, and DNA.
Antioxidants protect the body against free radical damage. Studies conducted on animals have found that curcumin may block free radical damage and stimulate other antioxidants. High levels of antioxidants mean added protection.
3. May lower the risk of heart disease
The number of deaths from heart disease has been declining in the U.S. in recent years, but the number of deaths from heart disease globally has been increasing. Heart disease is one of the most common causes of death around the world, but the number of related deaths has been declining in the United States in recent years. There are many different factors that can contribute to heart disease, but recent studies have shown that curcumin may help to reverse some of the damage that has been done. More research is needed to confirm these findings, but it is promising that natural remedies like curcumin may help to improve heart health.
Turmeric, particularly curcumin, has a positive effect on the lining of blood vessels, one of the biggest benefits. The spice also helps to reduce the oxidation and inflammation levels in the body, which in turn lowers the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems.
4. Reduces arthritis symptoms
Arthritis is another common condition in the U.S. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and causes inflammation. There are different types of arthritis, but the most common form is when the joints become inflamed. Turmeric contains an anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis.
The spice may be a better option than over-the-counter and prescription drugs for reducing inflammation.
5. May prevent cancer
Uncontrolled cell growth within the body leads to cancer. Turmeric has been found to potentially affect the growth and development of cancerous cells in several different forms of cancer in studies.
Curcumin has been shown to be effective in causing the death of cancer cells and reducing the spread of cancer in the body. Turmeric may also help prevent cancer, especially cancers of the digestive system.
6. Supports cognitive health
Turmeric keeps the brain sharp, no matter your age. The spice has actually been demonstrated to boost cognitive function in addition to improving memory and recall. Turmeric is thought to work in the brain by countering neurodegenerative diseases and minimizing age-related and stress-induced cognitive and memory decline. Turmeric can also help to reduce inflammation in the brain, which can improve cognitive function.
A protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to many common brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that curcumin may increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, which means the compound may delay or even possibly reverse brain diseases and age-related cognitive function.
7. Reduces symptoms of depression
Curcumin is showing promise as an alternative to prescription medications for treating depression and other mental health issues. While one study found that curcumin has similar effects to the antidepressant Prozac, more research is necessary to confirm these findings.
Some evidence suggests that curcumin may increase levels of serotonin and dopamine. Depression often results from low or imbalanced levels of neurotransmitters.
8. May aid weight loss
If you are obese, you are more likely to develop health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. For some, losing weight is easy. Losing weight is more complicated for people who already have a metabolism disorder.
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, may help those with a metabolic disorder, according to research. The compound helps to stabilize metabolism, which aids in managing a healthy weight.
Turmeric may also help control lipid metabolism, make insulin more effective, and limit the growth of fat tissue.
9. May improve allergies and asthma
An allergy occurs when the body believes a foreign substance is harmful. The body produces antibodies during an allergic reaction in response to the allergen. This can lead to symptoms like itchiness, coughing, and sneezing.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce allergy-related symptoms and the risk of asthma attacks. According to research, turmeric may help reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose.
10. Helps with liver detoxification
The liver’s main functions are to filter and remove toxins from the blood and to metabolize nutrients. A healthy liver is essential to both physical and mental health.
Curcumin has been shown in countless trials to help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and other harmful substances. The compound is able to interrupt inflammatory pathways, which is the reason for its effectiveness.
Turmeric also promotes the production of bile, which also aids in the removal of waste from the body.
11. May reduce headaches and migraines
Chronic headaches and/or migraines can make life miserable. Headaches can cause a lot of problems including stress, fatigue, neck tension, and poor posture. Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the occurrence of headaches and migraines.
Studies have shown that turmeric may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of headaches and migraines. Although more research needs to be done, turmeric could potentially be used as a natural remedy for headaches and migraines.
12. Aids digestion
Turmeric not only enhances the flavor of food but may also contribute to digestive function. Turmeric has been shown to be an effective digestive healing agent as a result of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
There are several studies underway to determine how turmeric may help with gut permeability and gut inflammation. Some studies suggest that turmeric may help to improve gut health by reducing inflammation and increasing gut permeability. The spice could potentially be used as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions.
13. Natural blood thinner
It’s normal for the blood to clot. Platelets in the blood clot together to plug up wounded areas on the body. However, some people require blood thinners to prevent blockages that they don’t want.
Turmeric supplements may serve as an all-natural blood thinner when used under certain conditions. Turmeric affects the coagulation process by promoting local blood clotting and stopping blood flow.
14. Diabetes management
Turmeric can help regulate blood sugar levels and potentially lower them. It may also improve insulin sensitivity. The following properties are beneficial for those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Turmeric may be an effective treatment for lowering the risk and severity of diabetes because it can improve glycemic regulation.
15. Improves skin health
The skin is the largest organ on the body and it protects the body from the outside. Skin protects us from harmful microbes and pathogens while regulating our internal body temperature. Acne, psoriasis, and eczema are all skin conditions that people can develop at any point in their lives.
Despite the large number of skincare products available for purchase, turmeric may be one that is unexpected. When you take curcumin as a supplement or apply it to your skin, it reduces oxidative stress, which is a known cause of many inflammatory skin conditions.
Turmeric also boosts tissue repair and collagen synthesis.
EASY AND DELICIOUS TURMERIC-RICH RECIPES
1. ADAPTOGENIC TURMERIC LATTE
Turmeric lattes are a great alternative to coffee and can be just as energizing. This product not only contains ground turmeric, but also ashwagandha, which is an adaptogen linked with reducing stress levels. You can drink this golden beverage however you like, hot or cold!
2. MAPLE-ROASTED NUT MIX WITH TURMERIC AND BLACK PEPPER
This sweet-and-savory snack is a healthier alternative to trail mix because it won’t spike your blood sugar. If you want to consume quality fats, then you should eat a combination of cashews, brazil nuts, and pistachios. In addition, a generous sprinkling of curry and turmeric powder will help support a healthy inflammation response.
3. PALEO-SPICED TURMERIC PANCAKES
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy breakfast option, try making golden turmeric pancakes. Serve them with a turmeric latte for a warm and flavorful start to your day. The best part? If you’re looking for a sweet way to finish your stack of pancakes, you can drizzle them with melted coconut butter or macadamia nut butter. You won’t miss maple syrup at all.
4. TURMERIC-COCONUT SMOOTHIE BOWL
Add some ground turmeric to your smoothie bowl to give it a little bit of extra flavor. This dish pairs well with a low-carb diet as it contains cauliflower. The flavor of this smoothie bowl is so good, you won’t even realize it’s good for you.
5. TURMERIC PULLED PORK CURRY AND CILANTRO CAULIFLOWER RICE
You’ll only need 90 minutes from start to finish if you make this meal using an Instant Pot. Turmeric-laced pulled pork curry is a delicious and nutritious meal, full of umami flavor and a variety of other spices. It’s ready to be served with a side of cauliflower rice.
6. CLEANSING GINGER CARROT SOUP
Make this soup in batches so you never run out. It includes turmeric and carrots to control free radicals and a healthy inflammation response. This soup is not only easy to make, but also easy to digest because it is full of nutrients.
The bottom line
Whilst the health benefits of curcumin and turmeric are encouraging, it should not be used as an alternative to conventional medicine. The positive side of taking turmeric supplements is that they have hardly any negative side effects and taste great in different types of dishes. Before you begin taking any supplement, you should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider to make sure it is a safe option for you. If you are given the okay by your doctor, then it is time to increase your intake of turmeric!
