For those of you unfamiliar with turmeric, it’s an antioxidant-rich staple that not only has awesome anti-inflammatory benefits, but a ton of other uses as well.
Tumeric: One of the worlds favourite spices and all-around health-promoters! For those of you unfamiliar with turmeric, it’s an antioxidant-rich staple that not only has awesome anti-inflammatory benefits, but a ton of other uses as well.
A member of the ginger family, we know it as the culinary spice that gives curries their powerful yellow colour. So why is it such a big deal? Well, mostly because of curcumin, a special compound found only in turmeric.
The most active component of turmeric—and responsible for many of its health benefits—curcumin is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s been shown to influence more than 700 genes in the body, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of enzymes that cause inflammation. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine because of its ability to protect the body’s cells from oxidative damage (you know…those nasty free radicals) that suppresses immune function and causes tissue damage.
Support Digestion: Regular small doses of turmeric with black pepper have been known to help with bloating and lethargy after meals by decreasing inflammation, strengthening intestinal walls and reducing abdominal pain. Turmeric also helps with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea by destroying fungi and bacteria.
Ease Arthritis: Curcumin and curcuminoids lower the production of prostaglandins (responsible for inflammation, pain and swelling) in our bodies. In a study of osteoarthritis patients, the ones who added curcumin to their treatment plans had lessened pain and improved mobility, while those who didn’t take the supplement didn’t show improvements.
Strengthen Your Liver: Turmeric delays liver damage, and also helps protect the liver from the effects of alcohol, drugs and other toxins. It may also be involved in regenerating damaged liver cells and improving conditions like hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Slows Cancer: Researchers have found that turmeric slows down the spread of tumors in mice due to its powerful anti-inflammatory powers. They’ve also discovered that curcumin induces colon cancer cell death—turmeric can change DNA regulation to kill cancer!
Decrease Alzheimer’s Symptoms: Elderly villagers in India appear to have the lowest rates of Alzheimer’s in the world, and scientists believe that curcumin may play a role in this.
Treat Bladder Infections: Bladder infections occur when bacteria causes the bladder to become inflamed. Curcumin’s strong antibacterial properties help treat urinary tract infections and boost immune system activity.
Soothe Skin Inflammation: Turmeric paste (made with water, honey or aloe vera gel) can be applied to the skin and is effective on everything from cuts and burns to acne, eczema and psoriasis by speeding up healing and cell repair.
Prevent Diabetes: When taken with meals (even those high in fat!), turmeric can positively affect insulin and triglyceride blood levels. It’s also been shown to prevent prediabetes from growing into diabetes.
Keep You Youthful: Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years to help maintain youthfulness and beauty. It helps stop cellular aging by capturing free radicals that cause DNA damage—and ultimately age the body—to keep you looking youthful.
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