A spice like turmeric is one of the staples of every Indian kitchen. Besides adding flavour and colour to different kinds of food, it has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that not only keep illnesses at bay, but also treat pre-existing chronic health conditions. Both in the past and in the present, turmeric is used as a spice as well as a medicinal herb.
One of the most important compounds in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for most of turmeric’s potential health benefits. Unlike any other spice it holds the cure to many illnesses and benefits you in a myriad of ways. That said, here are some of the proven health benefits of turmeric (curcumin) you should know about.
Turmeric is loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components
For many decades, turmeric has been used for its medicinal properties. While it is a flavorful spice, it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that clears one's body of all the harmful toxins and keeps inflammations at bay. The curcumin in the turmeric is one the main ingredients that makes it highly beneficial for our health. With its unique medicinal compounds, it keeps the body healthy and fights deadly pathogens.
It can treat viral infections
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, it has become extremely important for us to take care of our health. Cold and flu are illnesses that are always present to torment our lives. While these are not as serious as illness as COVID-19, if left untreated, it can cause similar damage and cause serious discomfort.
That said, sipping on turmeric tea or adding turmeric to milk and drinking it regularly can work wonders for your health. It can boost your immune system and steer clear of all the possible dangers of viral infections.
Curcumin can lower risk of chronic illnesses
It is believed that the curcumin presence in turmeric can prevent chronic illnesses like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, helping you live a longer life.
Heart diseases are one of the leading factors contributing to the death toll in and around the world. Several studies have suggested that curcumin can improve heart health and prevent one from developing any heart-related illnesses.
In respect to chronic illnesses like cancer, curcumin is said to be a beneficial herb in cancer treatment and has been found to impact cancer growth and development. Besides helping in eradicating cancerous cells, it can also reduce metastasis, which is the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
Given that curcumin can control inflammation, it is said to have the ability to control blood sugar levels too. This in turn helps people prevent Type 2 diabetes in the long run.
Can turmeric also prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Alzheimer's disease or dementia are neurological conditions that involve loss of memory.
While it is not proven, turmeric is said to protect your brain against common degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s. Given that turmeric leads to an increase in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein found in the brain and spinal cord that ensures healthy nerve cells and regulates communication between the nerve cells, so as to enable learning and memorizing.
However, it is important to note that most research has been conducted on mice and more studies are awaited in order to confirm the effectiveness of turmeric in preventing Alzheimer's.
It helps fight depression
Considering the hustle and bustle of today's world, people have become extremely busy. So much so that the level of stress has only increased. Poor mental health has become a growing challenge and we need to do everything in our hands to address it and treat it simultaneously.
Studies have also claimed that turmeric has the power to treat depression and ease stress and anxiety. It has even been compared with antidepressants and has been found to be as effective. While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of turmeric in combating depression, it can be taken as a natural remedy to treat other illnesses.
Turmeric helps ease Arthritis symptoms
Arthritis is a joint problem caused by chronic inflammation in the joints.
Since curcumin is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, it is probably one of the best natural remedies to cure arthritis or any other joint-related condition.
Several studies have also indicated a positive association between curcumin and its ability to treat arthritis. However, more research and evidence is awaited.
