by Maggie Martin
Turmeric contains phytochemicals that give it its impressive health benefits.
The three main phytochemicals that are responsible for the powerful antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
If you are planning on using turmeric in your diet, let’s look at a few health benefits you should expect.
Helps in Healing Wounds
Turmeric can be used to accelerate wound healing. This is because curcumin helps to soothe any irritation and oxidation that is common in open wounds. This ingredient actually helps to increase the body’s natural ability to heal wounds.
Reduce Aches and Discomfort
Many people who suffer from joint stiffness are advised to incorporate turmeric in their diet to accelerate healing.
Turmeric can help to eliminate knee discomfort and eliminate stiffness of muscles.
Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Curcumin in turmeric has been studied for many years and seen to help in lowering one’s risk of heart disease. This happens because curcumin in turmeric improves the function of the endothelium which is the lining of the blood vessels.
This improves the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and prevent issues like blood clotting. Curcumin also reduces inflammation and oxidation, which are key contributors to heart disease.
Helps Prevent Cancer
Studies about curcumin supplementation have shown that it can be incorporated in cancer treatment. This active compound can help to minimize cancer growth and spread at molecular level.
When incorporated in your diet, turmeric can reduce the growth of cancerous cells especially if used with an absorption enhancer like pepper. Some evidence even shows that turmeric can help to prevent certain cancers from occurring.
Prevent and Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Curcumin can also help in preventing and treating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s can be as a result of inflammation and oxidative damage.
Curcumin can help to clear plaque that builds up known as Amyloid that causes AD. However, the effect of curcumin in preventing or reversing the progression of AD hasn’t been studied properly.
Treatment of Arthritis
Turmeric is highly recommended among people who suffer from arthritis. This is due to the fact that curcumin in turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory.
Those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis can enjoy the benefits of turmeric when taken as a supplement or added to meals.
Treating Depression
Some studies have shown that curcumin can also help to treat depression. This ingredient is widely used as an antidepressant because it is said to boost BDNF levels and reverse changes in the brain that cause mental issues.
Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Research has shown that turmeric is possibly effective for preventing high cholesterol levels in the body. Turmeric extract can be consumed orally twice a day for a period of up to 3 months to help get rid of bad cholesterol in the body especially among overweight individuals.
Relieves Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Most people who suffer from kidney disease experience a lot of itching. To relieve this symptom, turmeric can be taken orally three times a day for up to 8 weeks.
Curcumin, when taken with black pepper helps to reduce the severity of itching and improve the individual’s life.
Treat Stomach Ulcers
Studies are still ongoing on the effect of turmeric on treating stomach ulcers. Curcumin, when mixed with other compounds like ginger and black pepper can be very effective antacids.
However, there is still not adequate research on whether powdered turmeric can help to relieve symptoms of ulcers.
Alleviate Eye Inflammation
Curcumin, which is the most active compound in turmeric has also been linked to promoting eye health. The compounds works by reducing inflammation in the middle layer of the eye. Turmeric is highly recommended because it doesn’t have any side effects.
Treat Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a condition that results in inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. It can affect any part of the gut. This includes the mouth and the anus.
The condition can be treated using natural ingredients like turmeric. Curcumin in turmeric helps to reduce the diarrhea, stomach pain and bowel movements that are common among people who suffer from Crohn’s Disease.
Antidepressant Medication
Turmeric tea can be taken as an antidepressant. Its rich flavor and antioxidants helps one to relax and feel rejuvenated. When combined with other ingredients like lemon and ginger, turmeric tea can significantly boost mental health.
Prevent Gum Disease
You may have come across mouthwash that is made using turmeric. The active ingredients in turmeric can help to reduce the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Turmeric mouthwash works effectively well among people who suffer from gingivitis. It is designed to keep the mouth fresh and free of bacteria.
Can be Taken After Surgery
Because turmeric has very powerful antioxidant and antibiotic properties, it can be consumed after surgery to help alleviate the pain, swelling and fatigue that most people experience.
The good thing with turmeric is that it is a natural ingredient with no adverse side effects especially when it’s taken in the appropriate dosage. You can consume turmeric supplements if you get a go ahead from your doctor or make some turmeric tea to help recover from a surgery.
Reduce Ulcerative Colitis
There have been studies that show the effectiveness of the benefits of turmeric in reducing ulcerative colitis. This is a type of inflammatory bowel syndrome that cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Nonconventional treatments such as turmeric extract can be used to deal with the symptoms.
Other Uses of Turmeric
Being a very popular herb, turmeric has been used widely to treat a wide range of conditions. This includes the common conditions such as acne, jaundice and ringworms as well as other serious illnesses like Hepatitis, Fibromyalgia and Cancer.
Women are advised to prepare some hot turmeric tea when having painful menstruation in order to help alleviate the pain.
With all these benefits, you can’t afford not having some turmeric in your kitchen shelf. Just remember to consume it in the right dosage and consult your physician if you are suffering from a serious illness.
(Maggie Martin, who has a Ph.D. in Cell Biology, is very passionate about healthy living and has been writing about Food and Healthy Lifestyles. When she is not busy, she takes interest in a variety of things such as lifestyle, food, health, herbal medicine, and the benefits of turmeric. You can follow her on Twitter @Maggiemartink.)
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