With so many supplements and herbs in the market and many choices to improve our health, you might find yourself wondering which truly works and which is the best choice for you.
Fortunately, there are many natural choices with abundant benefits for your overall health. Among these natural choices is a plant known as turmeric.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant with roots in the Southeast Asian continent. It has a prominent yellow color similar to mustard yellow. Many dishes use this spice to give color to the meal, and a couple of beverages also include turmeric because of its bitter and strong taste and its healthy properties.
One of its main components is curcumin, which is the chemical in charge of giving turmeric that characteristic yellow color. It is actually curcumin that provides the acclaimed health benefits.
If you are thinking of consuming curcumin supplements, think twice, for curcumin alone will not get you the results. It needs the components of the turmeric plant, ar-turmerone, to work its magic.
Health Benefits of Consuming Turmeric
The reasons for adding this popular spice to your meals are many besides its peculiar flavor and color. You might have already heard of Turmeric’s power to prevent heart-related problems.
Several researchers and physicians recognize Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties and recommend using it in small quantities.
Anti-inflammatory
Although inflammation is natural and beneficial because it prevents external organisms from entering the body, an inflammation that lasts longer than it should is a cause of many severe diseases.
A couple of studies demonstrated that giving curcumin to rats with carcinoid tumors affected the size of said tumors. Multiple studies have replicated the study with similar findings.
Although most of these researchers used rats to prove their statement, curcumin and turmeric are considered possible anticancer agents. Turmeric nor curcumin will fight against and advance tumors but they sure can help prevent their growth, and they might even prevent their formation.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, the daily consumption of Turmeric can help prevent other inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and bowel problems.
Antioxidant
Due to its antioxidant properties, it helps to improve blood pressure and lower cholesterol, thus reducing the chances of getting heart-related problems.
It also prevents oxidative stress from affecting the body. Oxidation is necessary for the correct functioning of the body because it helps fight against pathogens. If oxidative stress happens, the body loses its ability to fight against external bodies.
In the most extreme cases, diseases like diabetes, Parkinson’s, and cancer may develop. That is why Turmeric can be beneficial against these conditions.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
Turmeric is used not only as a spice or a supplement, but also as a topical medicine to combat skin problems like acne, burns, and wounds because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Dimas Pradytia et al. wrote an article to demonstrate that curcumin has a great possibility of becoming a drug that can fight against bacteria. Their research showed promising results, and it might be possible to see turmeric become more popular for pharmaceutical uses.
Turmeric can help with skin problems, colds, and wounds, and now we know that it helps fight against inflammatory and bacterial problems. Lately, it has also been classified as a superfood for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, has been using turmeric to prevent diseases and maintain a healthy lifestyle for centuries.
You can consume turmeric in small quantities every day with your meals or beverages. You can add black pepper to improve absorption and boost its effects. Remember that consuming turmeric is not a cure but more like prevention against diseases.
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This article is published by our independent team of health and wellness pundits that publish original and informative content to empower readers to take charge of their health and embark on a physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced lifestyle.
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