Turmeric (Curcu longa) is a member of the ginger family and is cultivated from the rhizomes (roots) of a flowering plant from India and South East Asia. A staple in Middle Eastern and South East Asian cuisine, Turmeric has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a range of illnesses.
Turmeric was first used in the western world as a fabric dye and only in recent years studies have been conducted on curcumin (the substance in turmeric that gives the spice its yellow colour). Now it has been scientifically proven that turmeric, and curcumin, have many health benefits for both the body and the brain.
Unfortunately the body does not absorb curcumin easily and it is best to consume it with black pepper. In fact, eating curcumin with black pepper increases absorption by 2,000%.
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric (and curcumin) have vast anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat and prevent a range of illnesses and diseases.
Studies have proven that chronic inflammation plays a major role in almost every disease. Turmeric and curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are so powerful they match the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs – without the side effects.
2. Antioxidant
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants help prevent cells from damage by free radicals.
Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food or when you’re exposed to tobacco smoke or radiation.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/
The antioxidants in turmeric and curcumin work by blocking oxidative damage by free radicals and also stimulate the body’s antioxidant defenses.
3. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide.
Studies have revealed that turmeric and curcumin may improve heart cell function just as well as exercise and some medications. In fact, in a controlled study conducted in hospital on coronary artery bypass patients, in the group that took curcumin their risk of having a heart attack decreased by 65%.
4. Lower Your Risk of Brain Diseases
Many common brain diseases have been linked to low levels of the hormone BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Studies have revealed that curcumin may increase the levels of BDNF, thus lowering the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and possibly Parkinson’s Disease.
It may also lower the risk of epilepsy and improve memory.
5. Reduce Your Cancer Risk
Studies have shown that curcumin may help to reduce the size of cancer cells and help stop them from spreading. It may even prevent cancer.
In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40%
https://www.healthline.com/
6. Combat Depression
In a controlled study, patients with depression took curcumin, Prozac, or a combination of both. The participants who took curcumin had similar results to those who took Prozac. The group that took both had the best results.
Depression can also be caused by low levels of the hormone BDNF and curcumin may increase those hormone levels.
Curcumin may also boost serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain.
How to Get More Turmeric & Curumin into Your Diet
- Add turmeric to soups, stews, pasta dishes, rice dishes, etc.
- Have an Organic Turmeric Latte daily
- Take a nutritional supplement
In Conclusion… You’ll Live Longer
With its vast anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, consuming curcumin may actually not only improve your quality of life but also your longevity.
Without the risk of cancer, arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and depression, growing older doesn’t look quite so bad after all.
Don’t forget to eat turmeric and curcumin with black pepper to improve absorption.
Enjoy adding more turmeric to your diet.
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By providing the above information, we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before commencing any type of natural, integrative, or conventional treatment we advise you seek the advice of a licensed medical practitioner.
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