Turmeric is a popular spice used for cooking. It has also gained immense popularity as one of the most potent herbs with strong medicinal properties. The bright yellow aromatic power is derived from the rhizome of a plant. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. Earlier used only in alternative medicine such as Ayurveda and Chinese therapies, the scientific world has today given a nod to the medicinal properties of this herb.
Besides this, the use of this spice is also prevalent as a culinary ingredient. Turmeric is sold like hotcakes in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The dried root of this plant is powdered to create a distinctive yellow turmeric powder.
Top Health Benefits of Turmeric
This ancient spice comprises more than 100 chemical compounds contributing to its healing abilities. Check out the below-listed health benefits of turmeric.
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A Herb with Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory herb. It also comprises antioxidant properties, thus giving it the power to relieve swelling and pain associated with many conditions. Inflammation may contribute to the development of certain diseases in the body. The use of turmeric helps reduce the risk of the side effects of taking prescription drugs.
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Better Immunity
Your immune system is responsible for protecting your body against pathogens causing infection and diseases. According to many studies, turmeric is one of the best foods to boost, maintain, and protect your immunity. When you consume this herb regularly, you reduce your risk of falling ill. Turmeric also comprises antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.
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Relief from Pain
The contents of turmeric may help you relieve the excruciating pain you may be experiencing. Many trials and tests have established the efficiency of turmeric in treating various kinds of acute and chronic pain. It makes another reason for adding this superfood to your daily diet.
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A Powerful Antioxidant
As stated, turmeric includes strong antioxidant properties that help fight free radical damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms behind various diseases and aging. The presence of curcumin in turmeric makes it a superfood to neutralize all the free radicals in your body.
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Better Digestion
If you often complain about digestion problems such as loose motions or constipation, turmeric is the ingredient you must include in your regular diet. The compounds present in this ingredient help treat various digestive disorders, including bloating, gas, inflammatory bowel disease.
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Anticancer Properties
Many studies have highlighted the anti-cancerous properties of turmeric, especially for bowel, breast, stomach, and skin cancer cells. Although the laboratory research on the advantages of turmeric for cancer patients is yet to be established, using it along with your ongoing cancer treatment is suggested. You can get in touch with your doctor and have a word about the consumption of supplements of turmeric.
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Regulation of Blood Sugar Levels
The highly active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been shown to lower blood sugar levels, thus potentially helping in the treatment or prevention of Type 2 diabetes. According to a recent study, the regular consumption of turmeric may also prevent the prediabetic condition to develop into diabetes.
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Improved Heart Health
Time and again, many studies have associated turmeric with improving human heart health. According to them, turmeric regulates blood pressure and cholesterol, the two conditions that often go hand-in-hand. When the cholesterol and blood pressure is low, it improves your overall heart health and also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack. It is good to consult your doctor about using turmeric with your ongoing blood pressure medications. At the same time, do not forget to monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol.
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Say Goodbye to Alzheimer’s Disease
The strong composition and properties of turmeric keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay. According to scientific research, this ingredient acts as a neuroprotective in treating the disease. You can include the use of this ingredient in your daily diet and serve your family members who have Alzheimer’s. Ensure to cut down on processed foods and meat intake from their diet.
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Better Mental Health
Nowadays, mental health is taking a toll on the quality of life. Many youngsters, as well as adults, are falling prey to depression. Some animal studies suggest that curcumin may increase the production of dopamine and serotonin, the two brain chemicals affecting your mood. You may as well respond better to unexpected stress. However, more research is required to prove the effectiveness of turmeric in treating the symptoms of depression.
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Better Liver Function
Using turmeric judiciously in your diet may improve detoxification and reduce hepatic disorder. Turmeric limits the damage to the liver from cirrhosis, iron overdose, ethanol, and carbon tetrachloride. It has also been established that turmeric may lower the levels of liver enzymes which usually is considered a marker of liver damage.
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Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction or ED is a problematic condition in men. A recent study has revealed that turmeric has the potential to treat this condition. As turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory properties, it may aid the treatment of ED caused due to inflammation. You can pair the consumption of turmeric with your ongoing ED treatment to witness the best results.
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Healthy for Skin
If you often complain about skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, wounds, ulcers, acne, and pigmentation, include turmeric in your beauty regimen. You will experience remarkable changes in your skin. The antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of this ingredient make its popular use in many beauty treatments. You may even use turmeric to get rid of suntan and brighten or even your skin tone.
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Treatment of Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gum disease is serious, and you cannot turn a blind eye to the same. Early research has suggested that using a turmeric mouthwash is as effective as drug therapy to reduce gum disease and bacterial levels in your mouth.
The above-listed health benefits of turmeric highlight its efficiency in treating various diseases. It’s about time to include this ingredient in your diet.
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