This article addresses a wide range of benefits that turmeric has for your health. It may lower your risk for heart disease, depression, digestive issues and even osteoporosis.
KAMPALA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Here you will learn that turmeric contains an abundance of medicinal benefits, including its potential to lower your risk for heart disease, depression, digestive issues, and probably even osteoporosis.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and it’s found in the Indian spice rub. It’s a relative of the ginger we use to season everything from salad dressings to curries and curry powders.
Turmeric is made up of a long-chain carboxyl group, meaning it contains a long chain of hydroxy acids (ahyments). These hydroxy acids have powerful antioxidant activity, which may help protect us against cancer, disease and infection.
The turmeric root is well known for its vibrant orange color and aromatic flavor. It’s known for being anti-inflammatory and for boosting the immune system.
A cup of cooked turmeric, a herb native to India, can cost about $4 at your local grocery store.
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But turmeric has also long been linked to helping protect from Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Now, there’s more scientific evidence to suggest that the flavonoids in turmeric may also boost testosterone and sperm quality.
Here’s how it works
When turmeric is digested, the yellow pigment curcumin is absorbed into the bloodstream. According to research, curcumin plays a big part in our ability to process serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for how we feel.
It’s also been known to increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels, decrease triglycerides (a type of fat) and blood sugar.
In addition to curcumin, turmeric also contains high levels of potassium and iron, which are all important to overall health.
Turmeric and its health benefits
It can help treat psoriasis
Turmeric can help reduce inflammation and is said to be helpful in treating psoriasis.
Research suggests that supplementing with turmeric can decrease inflammation and lessen the signs of psoriasis in the skin.
It helps reduce pain
Turmeric has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation, and it’s especially good for relieving arthritis and arthritis pain.
It may even help with Alzheimer’s
Turmeric is known to help improve cognitive functioning in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
It can help treat depression
Turmeric may help treat depression and anxiety. Scientists think the root has anti-inflammatory properties that could help to relieve both anxiety and depression.
It can lower blood sugar
While it doesn’t have the same effect as metformin (a diabetes medication), turmeric can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure.
It’s also anti-diabetic.
It’s an amazing source of antioxidants
Turmeric has over 8,000 anti-aging antioxidants in a single tablespoon. It’s also known for its anti-cancer properties.
Turmeric is great for athletes
Turmeric is a good choice for any athlete because it helps enhance oxygen flow to muscles.
It helps keep the blood flowing
Besides being anti-inflammatory, the spices can keep the blood flowing.
It can help you lose weight
A cup of cooked turmeric can help promote weight loss and reduce appetite, which can be helpful for people trying to shed pounds.
It may help you sleep
Turmeric has antioxidant properties that are known to help reduce stress and promote sleep.
Can turmeric fight cancer?
It’s not likely, but there have been studies that suggest turmeric may slow the growth of certain types of cancer.
One study even found that people with pancreatic cancer had decreased tumor growth when they drank a tablespoon of turmeric in a glass of water twice daily.
Another study found that curcumin can even help shrink some tumors. However, none of these studies were comprehensive and there were far too few participants.
Can turmeric help fight gout?
Several studies have shown that turmeric is helpful in treating gout. While some people say it may even help to prevent gout from developing, others believe that it may even help to prevent gout.
Can turmeric help with diabetes?
Can turmeric help fight insulin resistance? People with diabetes can reduce their insulin resistance and glucose levels by using it, but it does not appear to be effective for controlling their condition.
Can turmeric help prevent Alzheimer’s disease?
In one study, researchers showed that curcumin may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
However, this study was not randomized, double-blinded and blinded, so there’s no way to tell for sure that curcumin was the real benefit.
How to take turmeric
Take turmeric in the form of turmeric supplements, turmeric paste, or turmeric milk. You can also add turmeric to soups, smoothies and recipes for a curry.
Someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should always consult their doctor before taking any new supplement.
Mild side effects may include feeling dizzy, lightheaded, warm, or nauseous, in addition to digestive issues.
People with heart or liver problems, high blood pressure, blood clots, and low blood sugar may experience serious health problems after taking turmeric supplements.
You may want to check with your doctor before taking turmeric supplements or eating turmeric on a regular basis.
