Introduction
Turmeric, a spice that’s been used for centuries, is having a moment. Not only has it become a trendy food item in the United States, but it’s now being studied extensively for its health benefits. Turmeric is heralded for its anti-inflammatory properties and other medicinal qualities; it has also been shown to decrease cell damage caused by oxidative stress. Let’s take a closer look at some of turmeric’s most exciting health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Curcumin, which is the primary active ingredient in turmeric, has been shown to help reduce inflammation and pain.
One of the most common uses for turmeric is as an ingredient in curries or other foods that are typically spicy hot. Turmeric contains iron, which helps with red blood cell production, preventing anemia and fatigue.
Anti-aging Benefits
Turmeric has anti-oxidant properties that help to prevent wrinkles and fine lines. It works by preventing damage to skin cells, especially from oxidative stress. This is due to its antioxidant properties, which means that it can also help with inflammatory conditions like psoriasis.[1]
Turmeric has been shown in studies on mice to have some beneficial effects on the skin by promoting healthy skin and preventing age spots.[2] The active ingredient in turmeric – curcumin – might actually be able to penetrate into the skin (and other organs) after oral ingestion.
Antidepressant Effects
Turmeric has been shown to have antidepressant effects. Curcumin, a compound found within turmeric, can be used as an alternative to Prozac and other anti-depressants that are often prescribed by doctors.
Turmeric’s ability to increase serotonin levels is what makes it so effective against depression. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate our moods, sleep patterns and appetite control. When we’re low on serotonin, our bodies tend to crave sugary foods or caffeine which can lead us into a downward spiral of binging on junk food or energy drinks. This leads us feeling even further depressed because we’re eating unhealthy foods while not getting any real joy out of them!
The best thing about using turmeric for your depression? It’s natural—and safe! Many people who suffer from depression find themselves taking prescription drugs for their condition but this comes at the cost of side effects such as increased anxiety or insomnia (http://www.ncbi.nlm…). Turmeric offers all the same benefits without risk of these negative side effects!
Boosts Immunity
One of the best ways to boost your immunity is by eating a healthy diet. Turmeric is a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system. Vitamin C also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight off infections and prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, heart disease and cancer.
The curcumin in turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is good for reducing inflammation as well as helping you avoid illnesses that cause inflammation (like infections).
Inflammation occurs when your body’s natural response to an injury or infection causes an increase in temperature or redness at the site of injury or infection. This leads to pain and swelling that lowers your ability to fight off illness. Inflammation can be caused by many things including stress; it’s important to keep track of how much stress you are experiencing so that inflammation doesn’t occur too often!
Cancer Prevention
Turmeric can help to prevent cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. It can also help to prevent the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce swelling and inflammation in the body, which can slow down tumor growth. According to some studies, curcumin may be able to block angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) by inhibiting specific proteins needed for this process.
In addition, curcumin has been shown in some animal studies to suppress metastasis (the spread of cancer cells).
Turmeric for Healthy Skin
Turmeric is a natural skin lightener. It has anti-aging properties, which can help to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Turmeric also helps to fight acne and under-eye circles. By using turmeric as a face mask once or twice a week you will see a noticeable difference within weeks.
It may be just a spice but it’s worth adding to your diet.
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries. It’s even considered to be one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods on the planet.
The benefits of turmeric are numerous, as it has been shown to help with depression, cancer and heart disease, improve skin health and hair growth, as well as weight loss. Here’s everything you need to know about this ancient superfood:
Conclusion
If you thought turmeric was just a spice, think again. The benefits of this ancient Indian superfood are many and varied, making it an excellent addition to your diet. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of turmeric and how it can help boost your overall wellbeing then check out our article on the topic here: https://www.greatplacetoburyourgarden.com/2018/10/14/turmeric-benefits/.
