The Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is the main spice used in curry. It is said to be the most powerful herb on market today. It has lots of healing properties, which have been attributed to the compound curcumin. It also has nutrients such as dietary fibre, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, niacin, protein, Vitamin K, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Below are some of the health benefits you can get from turmeric.
Anti-Inflammatory Compound
Inflammation can be a problem when it becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation has a role in most Western diseases that include cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease, just to name a few. Curcumin is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that is said to be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs on the market today. Curcumin has been known to inhibit several molecules that play a role in inflammation.
Prevents Cancer
Turmeric can prevent prostate cancer, or stop the growth of existing cancer cells. Various studies concluded that the active components in the spice make it the best protector against radiation-induced tumours. Some of the cancers that it can prevent include colon carcinomas, breast carcinomas, and T-cell leukaemia.
Promotes Balanced Mood
Turmeric has been known to support balanced mood. A test involving two groups was conducted over a period of eight weeks. The first group was given curcumin each day, while the other group got placebo. After eight weeks, the participants were given an anxiety and depression test, and the members of the first group got higher score compared to those who were taking placebo.
Delay Diabetes
People with prediabetes can delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. A test showed that participants who were given curcumin supplements daily over a period of nine months didn’t develop Type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, 16 percent of people who were given placebo were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. The researchers attributed it to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the compound.
Good for Gastrointestinal Issues
Turmeric has been used as stomach soother for years. It can be used to treat cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. And because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps lower the risk of developing ulcers, irritation throughout the gut, and bleeding in the bowels. The dietary fibre found in the spice can help smooth the digestive processes as well.
Improves the Level of Antioxidants in the Body
Oxidative damage is said to be behind aging and other diseases. Free radicals in the body react with vital organic substances that include DNA, proteins, and fatty acids. The role of antioxidants is to protect the bodies from free radicals. Curcumin found in turmeric improves the activity of the body’s antioxidant enzymes, and at the same time neutralise free radicals.
These are the health benefits that you can get from turmeric. Make it a habit to include the spice in your diet daily to improve your overall health and well-being.
