12 Incredible Reasons to Take Turmeric

Why Take Turmeric

Turmeric is the bright yellow agent in the spice rainbow. It has been used medicinally for ages by the Chinese and Indians. Working primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric can be used to aid many medical difficulties and provide health to the body and the brain. It is a super-spice!

 

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

It is important to note that the benefits of turmeric are more greatly experienced when combined with black pepper. The black pepper makes the turmeric more bioavailable and provides its own health benefits as well. In shopping for turmeric, you will notice that it is often coupled with black pepper for this reason.

Below are 12 incredible reasons to take turmeric:

Health Benefits of Turmeric

(Reasons to Take Turmeric)

1. Stomach Issues

Studies have shown that just a small tablespoon of Turmeric is more effective at taming heartburn than using a placebo.

2. Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the world’s biggest killers. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin have been shown to lower the chance of heart attack. Curcumin may help to reverse the steps in the process of heart disease. Further, curcumin is proving effective at protecting the function of the lining of the blood vessels.

3. Diabetes

Turmeric has been shown to moderate insulin levels. Likewise it has been demonstrated to reduce insulin resistance, a precursor to Type-2 diabetes.

4. Cancer

Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the body. Researchers have discovered that turmeric may be one of the best protectors against many types cancer. Turmeric has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, stop the spread of cancer and also kill cancerous cells.

There is also evidence to show that turmeric may prevent cancer from happening in the first place.

5. Brain

Turmeric has a unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Research has also shown that turmeric can contribute to repair of stem cells in the brain. These stem cells are involved in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s as well as stroke.

Likewise, in healthy people, turmeric may also improve memory and make you smarter.

6. Arthritis and Joint Pain

The anti-inflammatory agents in turmeric are beneficial in treating arthritis. Studies have shown turmeric to be more effective than anti-inflammatory medication.

7. Autoimmune Conditions

In an autoimmune condition, the body attacks its own immune system. Curcumin has been shown to reduce the symptoms of many autoimmune conditions. It is thought to do this by regulating the inflammation pathways in the body.

8. Cholesterol

Turmeric has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol.

9. Wound Care

Turmeric contains natural antiseptic and antibacterial agents that can be used in caring for scrapes, burns and cuts. Simply sprinkle it on the affected area to aid in healing.

10. Depression

Curcumin has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression. It has been shown to be as effective as antidepressants, including prozac. It has also been shown to be effective in conjunction with the use of antidepressants. It works by reducing inflammation, but also by boosting chemicals including BDNF, serotonin and dopamine.

11. Aging

Turmeric is used by many as an anti-aging supplement. Because it aids in reducing oxidation and inflammation, it is believed that turmeric can actually slow down the aging process.

12. Immune System Support

Turmeric is highly effective at supporting and modulating the immune system.