Turmeric is more than just a delicious spice that gives Indian curry its flavor and color. This medicinal herb is a potent disease fighter, and has been used for centuries to treat a myriad of ailments.
Read on to learn more about the nutritional and health benefits available in turmeric.
1. Turmeric has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Curcumin is a substance found in turmeric and is responsible for most of this herb’s prominent benefits.
Most importantly, curcumin acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. This is critical when you consider the fact that almost every chronic disease (from high cholesterol to cancer) can be traced back to chronic inflammation.
Controlling inflammation allows you to avoid numerous diseases.
2. Turmeric has Anti-Cancer Effects
The link between curcumin and cancer treatment has been thoroughly explored, and results indicate significant impact on breast cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer and bowel cancer cells.
Curcumin works by fighting cancer cells, hindering cancer cell growth, and preventing cancer cells from spreading, making it an effective supplement for conventional treatments like chemotherapy.
3. Turmeric can Treat Skin Conditions
Thanks to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric offers several benefits for skin conditions and wounds.
This includes treating scabies (a skin disease caused by an itch mite), healing wounds quicker, and helping with acne scarring, psoriasis symptoms, eczema, and lichen planus (an inflammatory condition that leaves itchy purplish bumps).
Adding turmeric to your skin routine can also clear your skin, leaving you with a radiant and natural glow.
However, turmeric can cause an allergic reaction, so do a patch test on your forearm before you add it to your routine.
If you are supplementing your food with turmeric, consult a professional to ensure your dosing is correct.
4. Turmeric can Reverse Type-2 Diabetes
Curcumin can lower blood glucose levels, resolve hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance complications, and reverse diabetes.
In fact, a study shows that curcumin is 400x more powerful than the anti-diabetic drug Metformin, when it comes to activating an enzyme known as AMPK that enhances insulin sensitivity to reverse Type-2 Diabetes.
5. Turmeric Regulates Cholesterol
Oxidative stress in diabetics and pre-diabetics damages arteries and causes a build-up of LDL cholesterol. Unlike common anti-cholesterol drugs, curcumin treats the underlying cause of oxidative stress and inflammation to prevent the build-up of cholesterol.
Turmeric also acts as an analgesic and anti-depressant, and can offer benefits related to anti-aging, arthritic management, weight loss, inflammatory bowel disease, heart burn, heart disease risk, Alzheimer’s risk, and brain function, to name a few.
The benefits of turmeric are staggering and should not be ignored. However, turmeric comes with side effects and can interact with other medications. Consult with a professional before supplementing with it.