The Best Health Benefits of Turmeric
The list of health benefits from turmeric is lengthy, making it an increasingly popular natural health spice. It’s root, related to the ginger root, is found in India. It has been used for centuries for its potential healing properties. The good news is it is still around today and healthier than ever. Some of the most important health benefits of turmeric include its ability to heal wounds, ease menstrual cramps, reduce inflammation, protect cognitive abilities, eliminate depression, alleviate pain, slow the aging process, and protect the digestive tract.
Turmeric is derived from the rhizome plant that is dried before it is ground into a fine powder. It’s striking bright yellow powder form is recognized throughout the world, although it cannot be grown in many places due to its need for a specific climate. The bold, peppery taste of this is found in almost all Indian dishes and is widely used in soups, rice dishes, sauces, curries, meat dishes and more. It is a spice flavoring for many other cultural specialties. Aside from its delicious taste, it has also been praised for its medicinal properties. Curcumin is the most important active ingredient in the spice, alongside the powerful properties of the essential oil that is present in the herb. There can be many separate lists of the health benefits of specific qualities of the spice, but let’s focus on the general best health aspects of turmeric.
Why Turmeric is So Dang Good for You:
Anti-Inflammatory capacity.
The active ingredient of curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory abilities. This is a particularly crucial compound that is likened to some of the strongest pharmaceutical options for reducing inflammation. Due to this, it is suggested to consume turmeric for the reduction of arthritic pain and muscle pain following a sports injury or work out. The anti-inflammatory effects of this can be applied as a means of topical usage or regular consumption.
Menstrual issues.
Women who suffer from severe menstrual cramping or discomfort, including bloating, heavy bleeding, and mood swings, can highly benefit from turmeric. This comes back around to the anti-inflammatory properties of the substance along with its soothing nature incorporated in the herb’s natural compounds. This can relieve most symptoms of menstruation.
Gastrointestinal issues
Turmeric is primarily used as a remedy for constipation, cramping, and irritable bowel syndrome. The curcumin in the herb lowers the chances of developing ulcers, bleeding in the bowels, and generally eliminates irritation throughout the gut. It is often recommended to individuals who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease and from crohn’s disease. The high dietary fiber content found in it is significant and can help soothe your digestion.
Cancer treatment prevention
Turmeric is considered as one of the best herbal approach to fight cancer. That probably sounds like a tall order for a little plant, but that’s how much power this herb packs. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant agent that has been directly linked to the reduction of colon cancer cells. It also directly kills the protein that is essential for tumor growth. So, most would agree that this is a wonderful additive to any recipe as a preventative measure to slow cancerous growth. Smaller tests have shown that curcumin affects other cancers as well but more tests are underway to prove it more in depth.
Cystic fibrosis.
This crippling, leading to fatal, disease attacks the lungs with thick mucus as well as the pancreas. Curcumin in turmeric has been known to correct the protein folding mutation that can cause on the development of this disease.
Heart Health.
As mentioned before curcumin is an abundant property in turmeric. However, fighting for your health alongside the curcumin is vitamin B6. These work together to keep your heart healthy. Vitamin B6 efficiently inhibits the production of homocysteine, which is a bodily byproduct that negatively affects the heart as it damages cell walls. The weakened walls can cause numerous issues with the heart. Also, the curcumin balances cholesterol levels by eliminating LDL, which is the bad cholesterol. This acts as a comprehensive solution to a wide range of heart issues.
Body Detoxification.
Your liver will thank you for working with turmeric. It stimulates the lymphatic system and ensures that toxins are removed efficiently. Due to this, the antioxidant activities of this are an ideal solution for liver ailments or toxicity.
Although it is natural, it is important to be aware of how much you are consuming and topically applying daily. You should consult your doctor before heavy usage as it can cause nausea, dizziness, or diarrhea if regularly used in large quantities. If you are using it in a proper amount, then enjoy and reap the benefits of this powerhouse herb!
Uses of Turmeric
Superfoods, such as turmeric, are a great addition to an already healthy diet. Incorporating this into a diet of clean eating is an awesome way to live. You can work small amounts of supplements or spices into your daily meals like this:
Turmeric “Golden Milk” Tea:
This “tea” is a blend of some kind of nondairy milk (such as almond milk or coconut milk), turmeric, and an optional sweetener. You can also use regular whole milk if you prefer as well. Simply warm up your milk option, sprinkle some it into the cup as well as black pepper to help the absorption of the its powder, and add a natural sweetener such as stevia.
Turmeric Broth:
If you want something warm but you’re not into the drink above try using broth as a base rather than milk.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of broth
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin, black pepper, and salt.
Instructions:
- First, place all the ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Then, simmer the mixture for about five minutes.
- Finally, blend with an immersion blender (optional) and enjoy.