When deciding what supplements to incorporate into your daily routine it is easy to be overwhelmed and intimidated by all the online information about supplements. This guide will give you an in depth review of the benefits of turmeric and will help you to understand if the supplement is right for you.
Turmeric is more widely recognised as a spice, however it has many properties that are beneficial for your health making it a fantastic daily supplement.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. Native to Southeast Asia the plant belongs to the ginger family and has long been used as a culinary spice and for its medicinal properties. It is an incredibly versatile plant with many uses beyond those already mentioned, including serving as a dye, a food colourant and even being used in some cosmetics. The plant also comes in many different forms such as a fresh root, a ground spice and, most importantly for the focus of this article, as a health supplement in capsule form.
The Benefits of Turmeric
The active compound of turmeric is curcumin and it is to this that most of the benefits of turmeric can be attributed. These health benefits have been investigated in numerous studies that outline how the supplement can help the body and brain in the following ways.
Anti-inflammatory: The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the body. This makes it beneficial for many chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis and eczema.
Antioxidant: Oxidants are substances that cause chemical reactions in our bodies and although they are useful for many reasons an excess of them can be very harmful for us. A surplus of oxidants can damage our cells and cause health problems like ageing, cancer, and many other diseases. This is why balancing them out with antioxidants is important to protecting our bodies. Turmeric has strong antioxidant properties that contribute to the upkeep of our overall health and prevent against many diseases.
Improved brain function: The curcumin in turmeric may increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). BDNF is essential for brain health as it supports learning, memory, mood and protects against diseases.
Skin health: Due to the earlier mentioned anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric it can be beneficial for the skin in reducing acne, scars and psoriasis symptoms.
Liver health: Turmeric is a strong antioxidant which means that it helps the liver rid the body of toxins more effectively. It also protects the liver from harmful substances preventing damage. Turmeric also helps the liver to repair itself and grow new healthy cells. This helps the liver to stay healthy and reduces the risk of diseases.
Helps in digestion: Turmeric can stimulate bile production which is essential for digestion and nutrient absorption. It also protects the lining of the digestive tract due to the antioxidant properties and eases indigestion.
Delays the ageing process: The curcumin in turmeric can play a role in slowing down ageing. Because lots of the ageing process is attributed to inflammation and oxidants, turmeric goes a long way in not only preventing disease but also in slowing down ageing.
Lowers your risk of heart disease: Turmeric is a good measure to take to prevent heart disease. Due to the natural blood-thinning properties of turmeric it prevents the formation of blood clots reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It also helps to improve the function of the lining of your blood vessels which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure and preventing heart disease.
The key takeaway is that turmeric is a well-rounded, effective daily supplement for keeping you healthy and young whilst working to protect your body from diseases in the future. Your body will thank you for incorporating the supplement into your daily routine and taking care of your future health.
Talk to your doctor before taking turmeric as a supplement if you have any underlying health issues or are on any medication.
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