6 Health Benefits Of Turmeric
Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma aromatica, has been widely used in Asiatic countries as a part of Ayurvedic medicines. Asian cultures turned to the spice to treat issues pertaining to respiration, pain, fatigue and arthritis. Fast forward to modern times, and we now use the spice for inflammation, cancer prevention and other ailments. Turmeric grows as a rhizome, which means it flourishes underground.
Its stems comprise the powerful content of capsules, teas, extracts, etc. for medicinal properties. Curcuminoids are the major active ingredient in turmeric, and it gives the spice its characteristic yellow color. The spice is generally safe for oral consumption or topical application. However, long-term use or considerable dosages may cause gastrointestinal issues.
There have been enough preliminary studies to support use of the spice for cardiovascular health, arthitis treatment and a reduction in skin irritation. If you decide to consume tumeric to benefit from its powerful bioactive ingredients, you should notify your physician. They should always be aware of any and all integrative health treatments you implement so they can provide the best healthcare.
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Tumeric possesses high anti-inflammatory effects due to the curcumin within it. Curcumin is the primary active component of turmeric. The compound may be effective for treating arthritis as well as inflammatory bowel disease.
Oral consumption of tumeric can help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. According to clinical studies, turmeric reduces osteoarthritic pain and allows better mobility. The spice helps decrease the need for pain management medications to treat the condition. Turmeric can even be applied topically to alleviate inflamed skin or rashes.
Another function of curcumin is obstruction. The component can block the function and creation of enzymes involved in the body’s inflammatory response. This is important because while inflammation can be good, excessive triggering of the immune response can cause swelling, redness, pain and heat.
An antioxidant component of turmeric, curcuminoids, impede the inflammatory pathways, which prohibits the protein cascades that cause pain and swelling. Turmeric provides a great alternative for pain relief from arthritis compared to medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen.
These non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) are known to cause gastrointestinal damage. NSAIDs likewise have the potential to negatively impact the cardiovascular system, kidneys and liver. To achieve maximum absorption of the spice’s powerful curcumin component, try microemulsion techniques with egg yolks or coconut oil.
[/nextpage]2. Improves Brain Function
Bioactive curcumin in turmeric can easily permeate the blood-brain barrier. Scientific studies have analyzed the compound’s prospective abilities to treat neurodegenerative Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Studies revealed curcumin’s natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties allow turmeric to foster overall brain health.
Curcumin has the ability to penetrate the cell membranes and alter said membranes so as to make them more organized. Turmerone, an aromatic compound in turmeric, potentially increases nerve stem cell propagation in the brain. Stem cells in the brain eventually become neurons. Research findings demonstrated that turmeric may aid in recuperation of brain function in diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
