15 Benefits of Turmeric to Use in Your Diet
Turmeric has been used in some cultures as a medicinal treatment for centuries. In Hawaii, turmeric is called Olena. It’s grown fresh on the Buddha’s Cup family farms, then dehydrated and turned into a powder supplement to add to smoothies and cooking. Order it today on our site. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds called curcuminoids. The most powerful and beneficial curcuminoid we know of is curcumin. Because turmeric is only about 3% curcumin, you probably won’t experience the following benefits from your diet without a supplemental powder or capsule. It’s important to note that curcumin’s bioavailability is poor on its own. Ingesting black pepper with it will increase its bioavailability by 2,000%. Each of the following benefits requires more human study and you should talk to your doctor before treating any condition or taking anything new.
1. Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that might make it useful against many inflammatory conditions. In one study, it was found to be more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Antioxidant
Oxidation is a major cause of aging and tissue damage. It produces free radicals, unpaired electrons that travel through your body erratically and damage cells. Turmeric not only inhibits oxidation but also neutralizes existing free radicals in your body.
3. Neurodegeneration
Turmeric boosts a substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This brain hormone increases the growth of neurons and fights degenerative processes. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier to clear protein tangles known as amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s.
4. Depression
Depression is associated with a reduction of BDNF and a shrinking hippocampus. Curcumin can boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine while increasing BDNF to fight these effects. In a study, it was equally as effective as Prozac in treating depression.
5. Heart Disease
Curcumin has shown evidence of reversing several of the processes that lead to heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium, lining of the blood vessels, to decrease the risk of heart disease, help regulate blood pressure, and improve clotting. It’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties also help reduce the risk of heart disease, and it’s believed to lower LDL cholesterol. One study found that turmeric can reduce the risk of heart attack in patients who have had bypass surgery.
6. Cancer
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of certain cells. Turmeric is believed to cause the death of cancerous cells and prevent the formation of new blood vessels in tumors (angiogenesis). It might also reduce the spread of cancer (metastasis), particularly in the digestive system, and reduce colon lesions that are likely to become cancerous in the future.
7. Blood Sugar
People with prediabetes or type II diabetes might find it easier to maintain steady blood sugar levels while taking turmeric powder. One animal study found that prediabetics that took curcumin for 9 months had a lower risk of developing diabetes.
8. Premenstrual Syndrome
Those who suffer from cramps and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) might find some relief from taking a supplemental turmeric powder with food or drinks. This is likely related to curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties.
9. Headaches
Turmeric is related to ginger, which is a known remedy for headaches. Turmeric has been recently used as a treatment for chronic migraines. There’s little clinical evidence to support this claim as of yet.
10. Aging
The combination of turmeric’s benefits is likely to improve longevity and reduce signs of aging. If researchers are right, turmeric will reduce your risk of developing age-related chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s while the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect your tissues from damage. Antioxidants are also known to have anti-aging effects on your skin and hair.
11. Digestive Health
Turmeric may aid digestion and reduce symptoms of digestive disorders. Curcumin, its active compound, is thought to stimulate bile production, which can improve the digestion of fats.
12. Immune System Support
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may bolster the immune system. Its antimicrobial qualities can also help in fighting infections.
13. Skin Health
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can contribute to healthier skin. It may help in treating conditions like psoriasis and eczema and can promote wound healing.
14. Joint Health and Arthritis
Curcumin in turmeric may help reduce symptoms of arthritis, including joint inflammation and pain, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
15. Liver Function
Turmeric is believed to improve liver function by increasing its detoxification abilities and stimulating blood flow. This can help in the prevention of liver diseases and improve liver health overall.
