Turmeric is a fascinating spice, it’s a part of the ginger family and is grown in many Asian countries and is a major ingredient in curry powders (YUM!). The underground portions of the plant can be dried and are used in capsules, tablets, extracts, powders, and teas; it can even be used in skin products such as face masks to reduce inflammation topically.
Curcumin is turmeric’s active component; this is where all the health benefits like anti-inflammatory properties lay, it’s as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs on the market but without the major side effects. Ayurvedic medicine, a holistic approach to health, uses turmeric for internal and external inflammation. Ayurvedic practitioners treat fatigue, rheumatism, and serious pain with turmeric.
Commonly used to treat inflammation and in fact, in the right dose the activate component of turmeric ‘Curcumin’ may be more effective than anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical treatments, e.g., aspirin.
Turmeric can help protect your brain against common degenerative disease e.g., dementia. Turmeric increases the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein found in the brain and spinal cord that plays a key role in keeping our nerve cells (neurons) healthy, as well as regulating communication between nerve cells, which is a vital process for learning and memory. As dementia is associated with low levels of BDNF, turmeric (particularly curcumin) may help delay or reverse brain degeneration.
Turmeric has shown promising effects towards rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this chronic inflammatory disorder commonly affects joints but can also spread to other vital areas of the body, i.e., eyes, lungs, heart. Painful swelling of the joints can cause the bones to erode and over time can lead to deformities, turmeric (curcumin) can significantly improve joint tenderness and swelling without any side effects.
The antioxidants in turmeric help protect our bodies against damage, known as free radicals, a class of highly reactive atoms that are generated in our bodies and found in pollutants like cigarette smoke and industrial chemicals. Being heavily exposed to these can mess with our fat, protein and even DNA, which can lead to developing health diseases and conditions. Curcumin can scavenge different types of free radicals, control enzymes that neutralise free radicals and prevent certain enzymes from creating free radicals.
Turmeric can help improve the health of the thin membrane that covers the inside of the heart and blood vessels, this membrane plays a vital role in regulating our blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure and improving endothelial function of the heart will keep your heart happy and ticking well.
Turmeric’s ability of boosting the BDNF shows it has promising mind loving effects. The bioactive compound curcumin supports neurotransmitter imbalances due to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipophilic actions it has, this helps to boost serotonin and dopamine levels. While mental health may not seem as significant as some of our other points, the health benefits of good mental health are astronomical.
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties are filled within turmeric and these amazing properties can be an effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, e.g., acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Turmeric can be used topical and orally to nourish any skin conditions, though it can stain when used in high doses.
So, as you can see there are some major health benefits for turmeric and incorporating it in to your health routine. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get some turmeric nutrients in your body, check out our Turmeric Latte plant protein shake here