Are you unfamiliar with turmeric? While you may not have a jar of the spice in your pantry, you are probably familiar with it. It is responsible for the bright colors of mustard and curry.
While turmeric adds golden colour to meals, it also has anti-inflammatory effects that assist your health.
What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice made from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, a ginger family perennial. Curcumin is the primary active ingredient. “The yellowish colour of turmeric is caused by curcumin,” says Hopsecger. “However, be aware that it stains readily.” “Avoid getting it on your clothes!”
The benefits of Curcumin are turmeric’s treasure. Curcumin contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Researchers are looking at whether it can assist disorders characterized by inflammation, such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
Is turmeric good for your eye health?
Turmeric is an old spice used medicinally and in religious rites since the 7th century BC in India and China. It treats diabetes, liver disease, and visual problems.
It is an orange-colored spice brought from India that belongs to the ginger family and has been used for 1000+ years in Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian cooking.
Turmeric is also used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat infections and inflammations inside and outside the body.
The health advantages & benefits of turmeric
The spice, which is simple to incorporate into smoothies and curries, shows promise in terms of the following health advantages.
Reduces inflammation
Turmeric may be suitable for chronic illnesses where inflammation begins to impair tissues in your body.
In one trial of ulcerative colitis patients, those who took 2 grams of Curcumin per day combined with prescription medication were more likely to remain in remission than those who took the treatment alone.
According to Hopsecger, “it will not absolutely aid during an acute flare-up,” but “it may help prolong remission.”
Increases memory
Another research experiment found that taking 90 milligrams of Curcumin twice a day for 18 months improved memory skills in persons who did not have dementia.
“Researchers hypothesized that the reduction in brain inflammation and the antioxidant effects of curcumin resulted in less decline in neurocognition, or the ability to think and reason,” Hopsecger explains. “Curcumin may also reduce the onset of Alzheimer’s disease – but more research is needed in this area.”
Reduces pain
Turmeric is also used to treat arthritis in Chinese traditional medicine and Ayurveda. Although more research is needed, consuming turmeric extract may help alleviate the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Prevents free radicals
Turmeric contains antioxidants, and one study found that it may protect the body from free radicals by neutralizing them.
Another study reveals that the antioxidant benefits of turmeric may also enhance the activity of other antioxidants.
Reduces the risk of heart disease
Turmeric may lessen the risk of heart disease due to its reducing inflammation and oxidation.
Turmeric has been shown in studies to help halt the progression of heart disease. Resistance artery endothelial production, which plays a crucial role in high blood pressure, was enhanced in healthy middle-aged and older persons who took curcumin pills for 12 weeks.
Another study tracked 121 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. The group that took 4 grams of Curcumin per day before and after surgery had a 65% lower risk of having a heart attack in the hospital.
Turmeric may also help when used with cholesterol-lowering drugs. According to research, Curcumin is safe and may protect patients at risk of heart disease by lowering certain cholesterol levels, according to a study. However, further research is needed to determine how much and what type is helpful.
Help in depression treatment
When you experience depression, your brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels drop, and your hippocampus begins to atrophy, which aids in learning and memory. According to one study, Curcumin can increase BDNF levels and perhaps reverse alterations.
According to another study, Curcumin was equally effective as Prozac in lowering depression symptoms. Curcumin may also raise serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which govern mood and other bodily activities.