Turmeric Benefits

Turmeric Benefits – How This Superfood Can Benefit Your Health

The turmeric health benefits (Curcuma longa) are numerous & it has been used in Asia for thousands of years.

Curcumin, is the main ingredient in turmeric that is not only responsible for the bright colour, but also for the range of health benefits you could enjoy by including turmeric in your diet.

In fact, after initially being used as a dye & then recognised for its medicinal properties, the turmeric powder (curcumin) has played a significant role in Siddha medicine which was developed by the Siddars who were spiritual adepts or masters.

With the growing body of research supporting its health benefits, it certainly enjoys a regular place in your diet.

The turmeric roots (rhizomes) can be used fresh, but if not, they are boiled for about 45 minutes & then ground into an deep orange, or yellow, powder which is the form most of us is familiar with.

Most of us are also used to it being used as a spice for Indian & Pakistani curries and may not be aware of its superfood health benefits.

6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Not only is turmeric a powerful antioxidant, it has long been used in Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent to treat a multitude of conditions including digestive & liver problems, skin diseases as well as some wounds.

Notwithstanding the above, research shows that there are many other turmeric health benefits to be had (below) as reported by the University of Maryland School of Medicine

1. Indigestion or Dyspepsia

Curcumin, an active ingredient of turmeric, stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which some people think may help improve digestion.

Interestingly the German Commission E, which determines which herbs can be safely prescribed in Germany, has approved turmeric for digestive problems. Furthermore, if you suffer from bloating or gas you’ll be pleased to hear that a placebo-controlled study found that turmeric reduced symptoms of bloating and gas in people suffering from indigestion.

2. Ulcerative colitis

Turmeric may help people with ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease of the digestive tract, stay in remission.

A placebo-controlled study resulted in a significantly lower relapse rate for those who took curcumin than those who took the placebo.

3. Osteoarthritis

Because of turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation, researchers have wondered if it may help relieve osteoarthritis pain.

One study found that people using an Ayurvedic formula of herbs and minerals with turmeric, winter cherry (Withinia somnifera), boswellia (Boswellia serrata) and zinc had less pain and disability.

Tumeric’s huge anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory properties makes it a successful natural treatment for fighting aching joints & pain.

In fact by taking turmeric for pain, instead of harmful anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, you get other positive side effects such as overall health benefits mentioned herein.

4. Cancer

Evidence from test tube and animal studies suggests that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancers, including prostate, breast, skin, and colon cancer.

Tumeric’s preventive effects may relate to its antioxidant properties, which protect cells from damage however cancer should be treated with conventional medications & not solely with alternative therapies.

5. Uveitis (Inflammation of the eye’s iris)

A preliminary study suggests that curcumin may help treat uveitis & could be as effective as corticosteroids (the medication usually prescribed for this condition).

6. Neurodegenerative Conditions

Tumeric’s powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and circulatory effects may help prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.

Reference: University of Maryland School of Medicine http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric

Studies Reveal 2 More Important Health Benefits Provided By Turmeric

1. Reverse or Delay Diabetes

In a 2012 study conducted on pre-diabetic patients, 16.4% of those who took the placebo were diagnosed with type-2 diabetes at the end of the 9 month test period.

On the other hand none of the subjects treated in the curcumin group showed any signs of diabetes or being pre-diabetic any longer, in fact they showed a better overall function of β-cells.

Reference: American Diabetes Association – Diabetes Care http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2012/07/02/dc12-0116

2. Turmeric Extract Could Prevent Heart Attacks In Bypass Patients

Notwithstanding the above, it was reported by Reuters/Huffington Post (2016) that extracts from turmeric spice, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help ward off heart attacks in people who have had recent bypass surgery, according to a study from Thailand.

During bypass surgery the heart muscle can be damaged by prolonged lack of blood flow, increasing the patient’s risk of heart attack. But the new findings, published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Cardiology, suggest that curcumins – the yellow pigment in turmeric – may ease those risks when added to traditional drug treatment.

Reference: Reuters/Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/16/turmeric-heart-attack-bypass-extract-curcumin_n_1427414.html

3. Helps Repair Brain Stems Cells

Another active ingredient in turmeric, aromatic (ar-) turmerone , was found to inhibit microglia activation, a property that may be useful in treating neurodegenerative disease.

After examining the effects of this turmeric ingredient in rats, on a type of stem cell that is also found in adult brains, the research found that the  promotes repair to stems cells in the brain.

Furthermore, these stem cells are involved in recovery from neurodegenerative diseases like stroke and Alzheimer’s which means that ar-turmerone (turmeric) could potentially be used in the treatment of these dreadful diseases.

Reference: BioMed Central –  Stem Cell Research & Therapy http://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/scrt500

6 Ways To Use Turmeric With Tour Meals

1. Use it in curries & stews
2. Add it to smoothies
3. Sprinkle it over your food
4. Add it to soup – Nigella Lawson has a popular cauliflower, garlic and turmeric soup
5. A popular way to get your daily turmeric health shot is by adding it to hot drinks such as tea, lattes or coffee
6. If you have a turmeric root you could steep it in hot water for a while, then strain it & add honey if you like. If you want milk it’s best to use almond or coconut milk.

Besides using it in your food & recipes as per the above, I also just sprinkle it all over my food instead of salt, which is not only more healthy for you, but it also gives your meal a bit of zing.

The Jury Is Still Out On How Effective Turmeric Will Be On Treating These Conditions

1. Stomach Ulcers

Based on the above you would expect turmeric to treat stomach ulcers, however there is some evidence to show that it may increase stomach acid, making existing ulcers worse.

2. Heart Disease

Early studies suggested that turmeric may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to heart attack or stroke.

Furthermore, in animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL (bad) cholesterol from building up in blood vessels and because it stops platelets from clumping together, turmeric may also prevent blood clots from building up along the walls of arteries.

However, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that taking curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) at a dose of up to 4 g per day did not improve cholesterol levels.

3. Bacterial and Viral Infections

Test tube and animal studies suggest turmeric may kill bacteria and viruses, but researchers don’t know whether it would work in people.

Not only is turmeric responsible for that delicious yellow spice in curry powder, but it’s also well known as a cure for everything from inflammation to cancer & diabetes – don’t exclude this Paleo superfood from your diet

Conclusion

According to Chris Kilham, author & founder of Medicine Hunter and researcher of plant-based medicines, turmeric is one of the best medicinal plants in the world without, either turmeric or curcumin, having any known negative health effects.

Relief from inflammation provided by the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, contributes to improving a long list of health complaints including indigestion, ageing, diabetes, heart disease as well as cancer,

So after reading all of the evidence above, I am sure you’re in doubt as to the massive turmeric health benefits you could enjoy by making this superfood a regular ingredient in your meals and in your diet.

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