7 Amazing Effects of Turmeric on Your Body
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice that has been used for thousands of years in Indian and Chinese medicine. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, boasts incredible health benefits ranging from reducing inflammation to improving digestion. Modern research confirms that turmeric can have powerful positive effects on the body. Here are 7 of the top scientifically-proven benefits of incorporating more turmeric into your diet.
Reduces Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the root cause of most diseases including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Turmeric’s curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory that rivals prescription anti-inflammatory drugs. Curcumin blocks inflammatory enzymes like COX-2 and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines to alleviate swelling and pain throughout the body. Consuming turmeric daily can greatly improve inflammatory conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmune disorders.
Boosts Antioxidants
In addition to curcumin, turmeric contains various antioxidant compounds that neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. The antioxidants prevent oxidative stress and slow the aging process. Turmeric increases the body’s own antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase which protects cells from free radicals. Taking turmeric regularly decreases your risk of many age-related diseases caused by oxidative damage.
Detoxifies the Body
Turmeric acts as a natural detoxifier and liver cleanser. It stimulates the production of bile and glutathione which filter out toxins and flush them from the liver. This effect also improves liver function and reduces liver inflammation. Turmeric also mobilizes fat, helping flush fat-soluble toxins like BPA from the body. Adding a teaspoon of turmeric each day aids the body’s natural daily detoxification process.
Improves Cognition
The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to boost cognition by enhancing neurogenesis – the growth of new brain cells. It also improves serotonin and dopamine activity which boosts mood and brain function. Turmeric increases blood flow and fights inflammation in the brain as well. Senior citizens given turmeric showed improved working memory and cognitive performance compared to those who didn’t take turmeric.
Protects the Heart
The curcumin in turmeric powerfully improves cardiovascular health. It improves the function of endothelium, the lining of blood vessels, which regulates blood pressure and clotting. It also reduces LDL cholesterol and prevents plaque buildup in arteries. Regularly consuming turmeric reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke. One study found taking 4 grams of curcumin daily was as effective as cholesterol medication.
Helps Treat Depression
Research shows curcumin is just as effective as an antidepressant for treating major depressive disorder. It naturally boosts serotonin and dopamine production which elevate mood. It also raises BDNF hormone which stimulates new brain cell formation. Additionally, it reduces cortisol and inflammation which contribute to depression as well. Consuming turmeric in a beverage, broth, or supplement form can significantly boost mental health.
Aids Arthritis Symptoms
Turmeric is a proven natural remedy for arthritis symptoms. Curcumin blocks enzymes and cytokines which cause joint inflammation. It also reduces prostaglandins causing pain and swelling in joints. Multiple studies demonstrate taking turmeric drastically reduces arthritis joint pain and is more effective than expensive pharmaceuticals. Taking high-potency curcumin capsules provides the best results for arthritis relief.
Boosts the Immune System
Curcumin has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-fungal effects to strengthen your immune system. It’s been shown to fight bacteria linked to food poisoning and boost the effects of antibiotic drugs. The antioxidant benefits of curcumin also support immunity by reducing free radical damage to immune cells. Consuming turmeric daily protects against infectious illness and keeps your immune system functioning optimally.
Promotes Skin Health
Applied topically or consumed orally, turmeric improves various skin conditions. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reduce acne inflammation, redness, wrinkles, sun damage, and dark spots. Curcumin also quickens wound healing, soothes psoriasis plaques, and reduces skin pigmentation. Make a turmeric face mask or add it to your diet to boost collagen production and achieve healthy glowing skin.
Supports Digestion
Turmeric aids nearly every aspect of digestion by reducing gas, stimulating bile flow, and decreasing bloating and intestinal inflammation. Curcumin improves nutrient absorption by altering gut flora and repairing leaky gut. It also shows promise for treating ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and IBS. Turmeric can prevent gallstones as well. Taking it daily can significantly improve digestion problems and gut health.
Prevents Cancer
Perhaps most remarkable of all, hundreds of studies indicate curcumin has anticancer effects. It inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells and makes chemotherapy more effective. It also protects against cancer development by neutralizing carcinogens and boosting antioxidants. Consuming turmeric regularly may greatly reduce your risk of many types of cancer, especially colon, breast, prostate and skin cancers.
Conclusion
Adding more turmeric into your life can provide an astounding array of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and cholesterol to improving mental health, arthritis, immunity, and digestion. Turmeric’s curcumin is a research-backed nutritional powerhouse that’s been used medicinally for centuries. Taking a curcumin supplement or regularly cooking with turmeric powder is an easy, natural way to transform your health and feel better every day.