Unlocking Eight Powerful Health Benefits of Turmeric

Author:
Tim Truzy
Updated:
Aug 10, 2022 4:36 PM EDT

Turmeric is a natural source of the compound Curcumin
Lori Truzy

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that thrives in Southeast Asia and parts of India. It is often used as flavoring for curries and coloring in foods. (The photo is of a bowl of ground turmeric.) Turmeric has a mild taste and is often used to give mustard its color. This yellowish spice is high in dietary fiber, iron, vitamin B6, and other minerals and nutrients. Research is being done to examine some of the medicinal properties of curcumin, which is found in the spice. Yet, in India and Southeast Asia, where the rhizome (underground stem) comes from, turmeric is still quite popular. That popularity has extended across the world.

Because people from India and Southeast Asia have gradually moved all over the globe, the awareness of turmeric has expanded as well. Indeed, nearly eighty percent of turmeric produced is consumed by people from India, but Hawaii is becoming an important producer of the spice for America and the globe. To such a degree, I enjoy the spice on about every dish I eat. I’ve encouraged others to try turmeric also. If you are a fan of ginger, you will like turmeric. Although scientific investigations are ongoing regarding the benefits of using turmeric, below are some ways the spice may improve your health. Of course, check with your physician to make sure using turmeric will not create problems for you:

Eight Powerful Benefits of Turmeric

Anti-Inflammatory Properties and Pain Relief – Some evidence suggests curcumin may help with swollen joints, reducing the pain caused by such diseases as arthritis. The use of turmeric has also been associated with pain reduction related to the knees. The spice is also useful for addressing headaches, hip pain, and menstrual cramps.
Fighting Cholesterol – Using turmeric may help keep the arteries healthy. This could mean reducing the risk of heart attacks for some people. Using turmeric has been shown to assist in increasing healthy cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) levels.
Protection for the Stomach – Turmeric protects the gut and stomach lining when a person eats spicy food. This aids in reducing acid reflux. It may also prevent some types of diarrhea from occurring.
Supports Brain Functioning – Curcumin slows the impact of age-related brain disorders. Turmeric supports neuron growth. Turmeric can be useful in helping the brain work normally.
Improved Respiratory Functioning – Curcumin has been found to work as well as a steroid treatment for asthma. Curcumin seemed to assist air pathways with opening. Adding turmeric to your diet can aid your lungs.
Effective with Certain Cancers – Numerous studies have shown curcumin can drastically impact cancer cells. It has also been shown to reduce the number of cancerous lesions in the colon. Taking turmeric can be a preventive method against cancer in certain instances.
Helping Control Weight – Combined with a healthy active lifestyle that includes exercise, turmeric can aid the body with burning fat. This is because turmeric has a substantial amount of antioxidants that support metabolism. Using this spice regularly with help you reach your workout goals in the long run.
Controlling Blood Glucose Levels – Some studies have shown that combining curcumin with regular insulin injections can lower blood glucose levels in people who have diabetes substantially. The use of turmeric also aids with better liver and pancreas functioning.

Make Turmeric Tea

When you purchase the rhizome which is turmeric, a wonderful tea can be made. First, chop the underground stem portion of the plant into tiny parts. Next, add hot water. Then, let it brew for a while. Finally, when you see color, you have superb tea. I like to add honey and milk to my tea and enjoy it in the evening hours.

But if you don’t like tea, turmeric can be found in other drinks. There is a refreshing liquid called “turmeric juice” readily available. The spice is also added to some types of milk. It’s often called “golden milk,” and it is available at major supermarkets. Turmeric is a versatile spice. In whatever method you choose to consume turmeric, you are probably doing your body a lot of good.

Shopping for Turmeric

Turmeric can be purchased in several ways. Be sure to check for quality of the product and if the vendor is reputable. This can be found out with an internet search. Nevertheless, factors such as bio-availability, rapid system elimination, and poor absorption have led to scientists offering caution about using curcumin for treatments in human beings. But after centuries of application in Asia for food and medical purposes, the golden spice still fascinates many people. Satisfy your curiosity. Below are ways you can acquire turmeric in its various forms:

Methods to Obtain Turmeric or Curcumin

At a farmer’s market or store specializing in Asian spices and foods, a person can obtain turmeric in its plant form.
At supermarkets, a person can find ground-up powdery turmeric which comes in different brands.
A person can check online to find the spice as well in various forms.
Health food stores or outlets may be able to provide a person with curcumin capsules.

Work Cited

Turmeric | NCCIH
Can turmeric help heartburn, stomach ulcers, gallstones, inflammation, or prevent cancer? Find out here.

Turmeric - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.