Top 5 Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in Asian cooking for centuries. It is related to the ginger plant, and is similarly harvested from the root. These roots are typically ground into a bright yellow-orange powder, which is mixed within many foods to add color and flavor.
However, it is not just the taste and appearance of turmeric that makes it worth consuming. Health experts have found that alongside being a useful cooking ingredient, turmeric can also be a potent herbal medicine. There are a number of health benefits to consuming turmeric from relieving inflammation to helping fight off infection.
Here are my top 5 benefits of Turmeric:
1) Turmeric can relieve inflammation
Turmeric’s biggest health benefit is its ability to reduce inflammation. A key chemical compound within turmeric known as curcumin can help block inflammatory molecules around the body. As a result, it is able to reduce swelling and flare-ups caused by conditions like acne, as well as reducing pain caused by inflammatory conditions like gout.
2) Turmeric may help treat arthritis
One of the inflammatory conditions that turmeric is most effective against is arthritis. A teaspoon per day could help to reduce swelling and pain in your joints. Turmeric’s effectiveness against arthritis could be due to the specific inflammatory molecules that curcumin targets - just as ginger seems to be better at calming the gut, turmeric seems to be better at reducing joint pain (although both herbs can ease symptoms of joint pain and gut pain).
3) Turmeric could protect against heart disease
Some research suggests that turmeric may even reduce the risk of developing heart disease. This is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. If there is a history of heart disease in your family, it could be worth considering turmeric to potentially reduce your risk.
4) Turmeric can lift our mood
Some studies have also found that turmeric may even lift a person’s mood and potentially help when fighting depression. This is believed to be linked to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is not as effective at reducing anxiety as many other herbal ingredients like CBD and valerian. It could however be worth trying if you’re looking for a healthy pick-me-up.
5) Turmeric could help fight off infection
There are also claims that turmeric can help fight off infection. This includes various viral infections like dengue virus, hepatitis B and even zika virus. Some people find that it can also help alleviate symptoms of sinus infections. This is likely due to the presence of certain antioxidant compounds in turmeric.
So now that you know these top 5 awesome benefits of Turmeric, how can you start using it in your cooking?
Check out these recipes that use Turmeric:
Try out these Turmeric dishes and let me know what you think in the comments below.
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Hey! I’m Renata!
Your intuitive nutrition coach and fellow food lover. I’m here to help you find the foods that work best for your body, without feeling deprived or starving.
