Key Benefits Of Turmeric For Your Health
If you are a lover of curry food, have you ever wondered why this food has a vibrant yellow color? That’s because one of its ingredients is turmeric. Did you know that aside from its culinary use, many people, especially in India and other parts of the world consider turmeric as a medicinal plant?
Curcumin: Turmeric’s main active compound
Curcumin is the reason behind turmeric’s yellow color. But don’t underestimate this active compound as it provides more health benefits than just by giving color to your food.
1. Anti-inflammatory
A previous study found out that cucurmin has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and its effectiveness can be compared to common anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Because of its potent anti-inflammatory property, it may help treat conditions like arthritis.
Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin can inhibit the growth of tumors and thus stop the development of cancer. Research for its potential treatment for cancer is ongoing.
2. Anti-oxidant
Not only curcumin in turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory but it is also a powerful anti-oxidant. It counteracts free radicals, at the same time stimulating the body to produce its own antioxidant defenses. Hence, turmeric may help delay aging and improves skin health.
3. Benefits in brain function and mental health
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common disease involving brain function and unfortunately, there is no treatment for this debilitating disease. However, you can prevent from experiencing it by taking turmeric in your daily diet. The curcumin in turmeric has an important role in clearing away protein tangles which are common in the brain of people suffering from Alzheimer’s.
There was a small study about the positive effect of curcumin in persons with depression. It was later found out that curcumin can act as an antidepressant. Curcumin helps increase the levels of a chemical produced in the brain known as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which is linked to having depression.
4. Protection against other chronic diseases
Research reveals that curcumin has a protective role in the the lining of the blood vessels, decreasing the risk of having heart disease and high blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects play an important role in preventing the development of diabetes.
Although turmeric contains curcumin that has healthy benefits to our body, the health benefits will only be evident if you take high dosages that exceeds 1 gram per day. Unfortunately, adding curcumin in your diet will not be enough to reach this level, hence it would be wise to take supplements to experience its full effect.
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