Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a rhizome of the ginger family. It has been used in culinary recipes and traditional medicine for years.
Health benefits of turmeric
Turmeric is known as the holy medicine. Due to its antiviral, anti-cancer, and antibacterial properties, turmeric has a variety of health benefits. Some of them include:
1. It possesses anti-inflammatory properties
Thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help treat sports injuries, arthritis, tendonitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune diseases.
Moreover, curcumin found in turmeric is known to reduce inflammation without damaging the liver. As chronic inflammation leads to many chronic diseases, curcumin can also treat health conditions, such as pancreatitis, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
2. It has antioxidant properties
Turmeric possesses antioxidant properties, which fight off free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation.
Moreover, turmeric is beneficial for treating numerous diseases, including arthritis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of turmeric can also relieve joint pain and stiffness.
3. It fights and prevents cancer
It is considered that curcumin acts as oxaliplatin, a cancer-chemotherapy agent that inhibits the enzyme that enhances cancer growth. Moreover, according to the studies, curcumin can treat various types of cancer, including colon cancer, skin cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, etc. It can also slow down the growth of tumor cells and prevent their spread.
4. It prevents diabetes
Nowadays, diabetes is a common health issue. However, it is considered that the use of curcumin can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
Moreover, curcumin can treat nephropathy, a diabetic kidney disease in people with diabetes type 1 and 2. Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can treat and prevent diabetes and improve factors that lead to diabetes, such as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.
5. It enhances liver health
Turmeric enhances the proper functioning of the liver. It eliminates toxins from the body, promotes bile production, and turns food into energy.
Researchers show that turmeric can also help treat cirrhosis and other serious liver issues.
6. It reduces the risk of heart disease
Curcumin can enhance endothelial function and the health of the membrane that covers blood vessels and the heart. Reduced endothelial function leads to an increased risk of heart disease and premature aging. Therefore, curcumin can protect against age-related function loss and lower the risk of heart disease.
7. It delays Alzheimer’s disease
Turmeric can protect the brain against some degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s by increasing the levels of BDNF, a protein found in the spinal cord and the brain that keeps neurons healthy. Therefore, as Alzheimer’s disease is closely related to reduced levels of BDNF, curcumin can reverse or delay brain degeneration.
8. It treats depression
Depression is also related to reduced levels of BDNF. Thanks to the ability of curcumin to increase the levels of BDNF, it can be used as an effective antidepressant.
9. It improves skin health
Due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, turmeric can be an effective remedy for numerous skin conditions, such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, and photoaging. Moreover, according to studies, topical turmeric remedies can be useful for treating skin disorders.
10. It works as an anti-aging supplement
Thanks to its ability to fight inflammation, eliminate free radicals from the body, and prevent brain degeneration and other age-related diseases, curcumin is known to be an effective anti-aging supplement.
How to use turmeric
Add turmeric to your meals and enjoy its health benefits. You can combine turmeric with other spices and add it to stews and soups.
Moreover, you can consume turmeric milk before going to bed. Simmer 1 ½ cup of milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder, grated ginger, black pepper, and cinnamon for 4 minutes. Let it cool and serve it.
