Turmeric has a number of health benefits and may, in fact, be one of the most beneficial spices around. 

Colorful plant-based foods, like turmeric, are so good for our health because they have phytochemical properties. The yellow pigment in turmeric helps to tackle a number of brain and body dysfunctions through its oxidative powers.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Whiter Teeth

Despite its bright yellow color, turmeric is actually great for whitening teeth. Mix turmeric powder with a little water to form a paste. You can then use this paste to brush your teeth. It has an abrasive quality which will help to remove any stains on the surface of your teeth. Make sure you rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward though to prevent the turmeric staining your teeth. It may best to brush your teeth with regular toothpaste after using turmeric just to be sure.

2. Fights Infections

Turmeric has been used across India to fight infections for generations. This is because it contains compounds known as curcuminoids within its yellow pigmentation. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Together, these properties help to fight the symptoms of infections and help your body to heal quicker.

 

3. It’s Anti-Inflammatory

A little inflammation is key to helping our bodies fight infection and blocking pathogens. However, if inflammation lasts for too long or becomes too much, it can contribute to a number of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

This means that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are highly important to the functioning of our bodies. In fact, some studies have claimed that turmeric is so powerful as an anti-inflammatory that it’s on par with a number of prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.

 

4. Reduced Impact of Free Radicals

Oxidative damage is thought to be behind many signs of aging and a number of diseases. This is because it produces free radicals which can cause damage to your cells. Antioxidants help to protect your body from the impact of these free radicals, and turmeric is packed full of them.

Curcumin is itself an antioxidant which neutralizes the free radicals in your body. It also boosts the activity of antioxidant enzymes produced naturally within the body.

 

5. Improved Brain Function

Much of the brain’ activity is driven by a growth hormone, as a result, a number of brain disorders are linked to decreased levels of this particular hormone. Depression and Alzheimer’s disease are the most common conditions caused by this deficiency. The same hormone, however, can be triggered by the curcumin in turmeric. This makes turmeric great for improving the strength and health of your brain. By triggering the production of the growth hormone, turmeric can delay and perhaps even reverse many age-related or degenerative brain conditions. It’s also thought that it can help to improve your memory and logical capabilities.

6. Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is one of the biggest causes of death around the world. Turmeric can, however, help to reverse many of the steps towards heart disease. The curcumin in turmeric helps the lining of your blood vessels work correctly. This makes it easier for your body to regulate your blood pressure and clotting. Studies have also shown that curcumin can help to reduce inflammation and oxidation, both of which have an impact on your heart too.

7. Reduced Risk of Cancer

Cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled cell growth it causes. Whilst there are many different forms of cancer, they all come down to that same factor. Studies have shown that because curcumin helps to reduce the impact of free radicals as it helps to keep cells healthy. As such, it prevents the uncontrolled growth that contributes to cancers. Turmeric has also been shown to contribute to killing cancerous cells to prevent them from growing and spreading. Some studies even show that turmeric can help prevent cancer forming in the first place.

 

8. Reducing the Effects of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most recognisable degenerative brain diseases in the world. While there isn’t yet a real treatment for Alzheimer’s, there are things that could slow down the disease and reduce its symptoms. Turmeric is one of those things. Inflammation and oxidative damage play a huge role in the cause of Alzheimer’s and the curcumin in turmeric is great at reducing those factors.  Not only that, curcumin can help reduce the build-up of proteins and plaque in the vessels which could otherwise lead to Alzheimer’s.

 

9. Improve Arthritic Symptoms

Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory qualities are a huge health benefit. By reducing inflammation in and around joints, turmeric can really help to ease some of the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

 

10. Beat Depression

Perhaps one of the lesser known health benefits of turmeric is its ability to help treat depression. In fact, in one study curcumin was shown to be an effective antidepressant. Depression is also linked to a deficiency in a particular growth hormone which turmeric can help our bodies produce. Studies have also indicated that curcumin can help the brain produce serotonin and dopamine which can help to regulate mood.

11. Slow Down the Signs of Aging

Turmeric is often considered a great anti-ageing source for many of the same reasons that it can tackle heart disease and Alzheimer’s. It’s antioxidant qualities are crucial to reducing the effect of free radicals which would otherwise cause damage to cells. This damage can lead to many signs of ageing including wrinkles, age spots, and a number of age-related diseases.

12. Improved Liver Function

We’ve mentioned turmeric’s antioxidant abilities a lot. And with good reason! Its antioxidant effects are incredibly powerful and provide a number of health benefits. One of these is it’s improved liver function. Turmeric can help prevent damage to your liver caused by toxins, helping it to remain healthy and functional.

 

13. Aids Digestion

Turmeric is often used in curry recipes because of its great taste. But did you know that it can also help improve your digestion? This is again because of it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. It can help reduce damage and inflammation in the gut, which keeps it working smoothly and prevents any digestive issues.

 

14. Boost Your Immune System

Yet another health benefits of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties is the way it helps to boost your immune system. Consuming turmeric in conjunction with black pepper helps to increase it’s take-up, meaning more of it is absorbed into the bloodstream. This means it can help give your immune system a boost and improve the way your body fights off infections and pathogens.  

 

15. Improves Long-Term Cognitive Function

Studies have shown that turmeric’s high curcumin content is able to boost your brain’s health. This is largely due to its ability to trigger the production of the BDNF growth hormone. As a result, turmeric is able to promote long-lasting improvements in your cognitive function.  

16. Improves Hay Fever Symptoms

It’s not very well known, but one of the great health benefits of turmeric is its ability to tackle hay fever symptoms. It can help to reduce symptoms including sneezing and congestions thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

17. Lowers Cholesterol

Turmeric has been shown to help lower the number of triglycerides in the blood. This can help to drastically lower your levels of bad cholesterol to improve your blood pressure and heart health.

 

18. Reduced Itchiness

Recent studies have indicated that taking turmeric orally, through food or supplements, three times a day for eight weeks can be beneficial. In fact, it could help to reduce itching in those who suffer from kidney disease. It can also help to relieve the itchiness caused by mustard gas.

 

19. Balances Hormones

Hormones play a role in almost every process in the body.  This is why the correct balance in your hormones is crucial to good health and wellbeing.  Turmeric helps to aid this balance by regulating the health of vital hormone-producing organs.  

 

20. Prevents Hair Loss

Hair loss is often caused by some kind of nutritional deficiency. Hair will fall out or thin when hair follicles become damaged which prevents them from producing new hairs.  Turmeric is often considered one of the most effective natural remedies for hair loss.

Turmeric contains a vast number of nutrients which keep your skin healthy by reducing the effects of free radicals. As a result, it can help keep your hair follicles healthy and functioning.

21. Promotes Fat Loss

Adding turmeric to your daily diet in some way can help to increase your intake of curcumin, which is essential to your metabolism. A working metabolism will help regulate your weight and help you minimise the level of bad fats in your body.

Which of these health benefits are you most impressed by? Comment below!

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section10

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981.php

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/health-benefits-of-turmeric-how-to-use-it

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric

https://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/turmeric-benefits/