When it comes to herbal remedies, few can match up to the health benefits of turmeric. Turmeric is part of the ginger family and has been used for generations as an anti-bacterial agent. Not only as a cooking ingredient but also as a health remedy in Southeast Asia.
The active ingredient curcumin gives turmeric its vibrant color and contains tremendous healing properties. To help you become more familiar with this herb, we will list the well-known health benefits of turmeric and curcumin. As well as effective doses and safety precautions.
Below are 7 turmeric health benefits you can obtain by including it in your daily diet.
1. Consists of Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric has high levels of anti-inflammatory properties that halt chronic inflammation in the body. This leads to a significant reduction in swelling and future occurrences. Accordingly, this makes turmeric a highly effective remedy for health problems such as arthritis and other joint pain.
2. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Turmeric has been proven to help control cholesterol levels in the body. This can result in a healthier heart and effectively lower the risk of developing heart disease down the line.
3. Assists with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Ulcerative Colitis and Chrohn’s disease are identified by inflammation in the digestive system. Those affected by IBD have an increased potential for developing colorectal cancer.
By decreasing the inflammatory response, curcumin may improve mild to moderate symptoms. Curcumin increases the release of digestive enzymes and helps to treat and prevent IBD.
Furthermore, it boosts the secretion of stomach mucous, which is the main defense against damaging gastric acid.
4. Protects Against Heart Disease
Studies have shown that there is a protective effect of turmeric on the heart. Initial research shows that turmeric can help to reduce the build-up of plaque in the heart, a key contributor to heart attacks. Turmeric may help to prevent oxidized cholesterol, which is what damages blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels are a crucial factor in many heart diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.
Lowers the Risk of Osteoarthritis
Arthritis is a chronic condition that is mainly connected with inflammation. Turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory capabilities.
As such, it is often used as a remedy for arthritis and joint pain. Adding turmeric to your daily diet can effectively help to curb arthritis problems in the future. Which is a great way to help strengthen your bones and joints early on.
6. Helps Prevent Cancer
Medical researchers have found great potential in turmeric when it comes to halting or slowing the spread of cancer cells in the body. Studies indicate that turmeric can actually help secure vulnerable cells against free radicals. This can ultimately cause harm to the body.
Moreover, when used in combination with cancer treatments, it has been shown to inhibit tumor growth and contribute to the reduction of its size.
7. Contains Anti-Aging Capabilities
In view of turmeric and curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they are now being looked at as a way to slow down and . This is connected to its ability to fight inflammation.
In addition to protecting your body against free radicals, and possibly delaying brain deterioration. This could be the answer to retaining health and energy, even during the golden years.
Related: Turmeric Benefits For Skin
Recommended Daily dosage
Research shows that the daily effective dose for turmeric is between 500–2,000 mg. Nevertheless, higher doses are not recommended for a long period.
Is Turmeric Safe?
Turmeric supplements are unsafe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have specific conditions such as diabetes, gall bladder disease, or kidney stones.
It can also interact with blood thinners and diabetes medications. Despite that, turmeric is safe when used as a spice in food.
When taken in large doses some people may experience mild adverse effects. The most common side effects are digestive issues, headache, nausea, and possible skin rash.
Summary:
The great thing about turmeric is that it contains no toxic effects on our bodies. The antioxidants in curcumin protect healthy cells. These antioxidants also protect cells in the colon from cancer. They help in destroying mutated cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other areas. Turmeric is also effective in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart diseases.
Turmeric comes in many forms. Although extracts are the most potent form of turmeric supplements. They’re very concentrated and pack as much as 95% of curcumin. By comparison, powders and spices can contain as little as 3% of curcuminoids.
Whatever form of turmeric you select, consider combining your supplement with black pepper. Black pepper consists of the compound piperine, which has been found to increase curcumin absorption by 2,000%.