Are you unfamiliar with turmeric? Although you may not have a jar, you probably are familiar with turmeric. It is what gives curry and mustard their vibrant colors.
Turmeric is a wonderful addition to any food that needs a golden hue. It also has anti-inflammatory properties benefits of turmeric for health.
What’s The Deal With Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice made from the root of Curcuma longa, a perennial member of the ginger family. Its major active ingredient is curcumin. Hopsecger states that turmeric gets its yellowish hue from curcumin. But be careful: It can stain easily. It can stain easily so be careful not to get it on your clothes!
Curcumin’s many benefits are the true treasure of Turmeric. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Researchers are exploring whether curcumin may be able to treat inflammation-related diseases, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric Health Advantages
This spice is simple to add to smoothies or curries and offers the following health benefits.
Lessens Inflammation
Turmeric may be helpful for chronic conditions such as inflammation that affect the tissues of your body.
One study found that patients with ulcerative colitis who were given curcumin 2 grams daily along with prescribed medication were more likely to stay in remission.
Memory Improvement
A second clinical trial found that taking 90 mg of curcumin twice daily for 18 months improved memory performance in people without dementia.
Lessens Pain
Turmeric is also a traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda treatment for arthritis. Recent research suggests that turmeric extract may reduce osteoarthritis pain. However, more research is needed.
Combats Radicals
Turmeric is an antioxidant and one study has shown that it can protect your body against free radicals by neutralizing their effects.
A second study has shown that turmeric’s antioxidant properties may also stimulate other antioxidants.
Heart Disease Risk Is Lower
Turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidation could help lower your risk of developing heart disease.
Research shows that turmeric may reverse the process of heart disease. The resistance artery endothelial formation, which is a key factor in high blood pressure, was higher in healthy older adults and middle-aged people who had taken curcumin supplements for 12 consecutive weeks.
Another study followed the 121 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The hospital saw a drop in heart attacks by 65% for those who took 4g of curcumin per day, just a few days before and after surgery.
When combined with medications to lower cholesterol, turmeric may prove beneficial. Research has shown that curcumin may be safe and may help to reduce the risk of heart disease in those who are at high-risk. However, more research is required to determine how effective it is.
Helps Fight Depression
Depression can cause a reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), which causes your hippocampus to shrink, which is responsible for learning and memory. A study has shown that curcumin may increase BDNF levels and reverse the effects.
A second study showed that curcumin is just as effective in reducing symptoms of depression as fluoxetine (Prozac). Curcumin could increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are chemicals in the brain that regulate mood.
Preventing Cancer
According to a few studies, Curcumin could affect the growth and development of cancer.
One study, which was focused on colorectal carcinoma, showed a 40% decrease in colon lesions in men.
Nutritional Value
Doctors recommend 500 mg twice daily with meals, but your health and overall condition will determine the right dose.
Side effects are rare and interactions with drugs are unlikely. If you experience any side effects, discontinue taking turmeric. There is a possibility that turmeric may cause bloating and may interact with blood-clotting medication. Avoid it if your gallbladder disease is present.
Before you start a dietary supplement, make sure to talk with your doctor. They could interact with any medications you are currently taking. Turmeric is a supplement to your existing care but not a replacement for it.