Turmeric, often hailed as the “spice of life,” holds a prominent position as one of the most extensively studied botanicals worldwide. My own appreciation for the remarkable benefits of turmeric blossomed during my time in India, where I passed the vibrant farmer’s markets in Jaipur while there on a shoot.
Since then, my admiration for turmeric has grown exponentially, leading me to incorporate it into my daily health and beauty routine. It has become my guiding principle, teaching me to view food as a powerful form of medicine. Today, I am thrilled to share with you all that I have learned about this extraordinary spice.
In the following discussion, I will delve into how turmeric possesses the ability to cool inflammation, alleviate common ailments, and even contribute to overall well-being. Prepare to explore why turmeric deserves an essential place not only in your kitchen but also in your medicine cabinet.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric, one of the most revered and ceremonious ingredients in the world, it’s a vibrant orange spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Throughout history, turmeric has been extensively utilized in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its therapeutic properties in promoting skin health, joint health, digestive well-being, and respiratory support.
While the health benefits of turmeric have been recognized by healthcare practitioners for thousands of years, it was not until the early 1800s that scientific research began to substantiate these claims. Today, turmeric is primarily celebrated for its remarkable properties in cooling inflammation and serving as a potent antioxidant. These attributes can be attributed to its primary active compound, curcumin.
Curcumin, a polyphenol compound, exhibits profound effects on the cellular level, making turmeric a valuable addition to our diet. By consuming turmeric, you can experience a range of health benefits, including support for metabolic health and organ function.
Top 6 Ways Turmeric Benefits Your Health
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Thanks to the inflammation-cooling properties of curcumin, turmeric contributes to reducing harmful inflammation, particularly in the gut. Curcumin tends to concentrate in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where it helps combat the production of proinflammatory molecules in intestinal epithelial cells. This support strengthens the intestinal barrier function and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Furthermore, curcumin has the remarkable ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, leading to neuroprotective effects. It stands among the few compounds known to achieve this feat, enabling it to combat inflammation in both the brain and the rest of the body.
2. Supports cardiovascular health
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death, claiming a life every 34 seconds. The good news is that turmeric offers benefits for cardiovascular health as well. It aids in maintaining the proper function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels. Studies suggest that turmeric may help reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides, promoting a healthier cardiovascular system
3. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels can have detrimental effects on the body, contributing to weight gain, increased risk of diabetes, and heart disease. Interestingly, elevated glucose levels can also accelerate the aging process, affecting both internal health and outward appearance. Fascinatingly, research indicates a link between blood sugar levels and the appearance of aging. Individuals with type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar tend to exhibit signs of premature aging more frequently than those with lower blood sugar levels. Turmeric can play a role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, which indirectly contributes to its benefits for the skin.
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to support healthy blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin’s ability to bind to sugar. It is essential to note that individuals taking diabetes medications or insulin should monitor their blood sugar levels while incorporating turmeric into their routine.
4. Alleviates joint discomfort
The inflammation-cooling properties of curcumin in turmeric play a significant role in supporting joint health and alleviating common aches and pains associated with inflammation. Studies have indicated that turmeric may even help reduce joint swelling, providing relief for individuals experiencing discomfort in their joints.
5. Enhances emotional well-being
Beyond its physical benefits, turmeric also promotes emotional well-being by fostering calm and stable moods. Surprising as it may seem, research suggests that curcumin can help combat feelings of anxiety and sadness. Moreover, turmeric benefits brain health by supporting the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which contribute to a sense of tranquility and emotional balance.
6. Promotes liver health
Undoubtedly, one of the remarkable health benefits of consuming turmeric lies in its ability to support liver health. This is particularly significant considering the liver’s crucial role in the body, responsible for over 500 essential functions.
Your liver serves as a filter, removing toxins from the bloodstream, aiding in fat digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and storing vital nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, and more. Turmeric’s composition, rich in inflammation-cooling and antioxidant properties, has led researchers to believe that it plays a role in supporting optimal liver function.
How to Incorporate Turmeric into Your Routine
Wondering about the best methods to include turmeric in your daily routine? This versatile spice can be enjoyed in various ways beyond curry. Here are some excellent suggestions:
Turmeric Golden Milk or Turmeric Tea: Prepare a delightful turmeric-infused golden milk or soothing turmeric tea. These warm beverages provide a comforting and flavorful way to incorporate turmeric into your routine.
We make warm oats in winter with tumeric, cardamom, cinnamon and clove, this combination is super medicinal and the spices work together like magic, oh and don’t forget the raw honey.
Satisfying Salads: Elevate the nutritional value of your salads by including turmeric. Mix it into salad dressings or sprinkle it over roasted vegetables to enjoy the health benefits and unique flavor that turmeric brings.
My favorite and easiest way is to add powdered tumeric, black pepper and powdered ginger to structured water and drink it in the morning and just before bed.
I also make it into a face mask with Avocado and turmeric blended into a cream and applied as a mask on my face for 15 minutes.
Teeth whitening is another surprising use and it works so well, just mix it in with coconut oil and brush teeth and rinse as normal.
Just remember to always use it together with a sprinkle of black pepper when in food or drinking it to help with absorption.
It’s a daily go to medicine and I use it many times throughout my day to support, nourish and bind toxins.
Little tip: Always use organic Turmeric as you don’t want to be exposed to toxic herbicides.
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