
Turmeric, the medicinal spice used in Ayurveda has a glorious history. It has been used for 4000 years in Asian history to treat many health conditions including chronic pain and inflammation
Although turmeric consists of over 100 compounds, the most significant one is Curcumin- or Curcuma Longa which is bright yellow-orange in color and has powerful biological properties that helps it treat and relieve many ailments like arthritis, digestive problems, heart problems in traditional Indian and even Chinese medicine.
Curcumin comes from the ginger family and is typically consumed as a grounded up powder, such as in Indian curry. The root of turmeric is also widely used to make medicine. Turmeric also helps to boost immunity, cleanse skin of its toxins and helps in promoting our overall well-being and longevity.
Here's look at some of its top 5 Health Benefits:
Turmeric can prevent diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. According to a study every 1 in 10 Americans have diabetes. It is a common ailment related to disruptions in your blood sugar level.
Is turmeric good for diabetes? The answer is yes! Curcumin may help in managing the level of glucose in blood as well as other diabetes related complications. It increases insulin sensitivity which leads to lower blood sugar levels. It has also been observed that adding turmeric to our diet may help in preventing diabetes.
Turmeric may also help with blood sugar management in people with Type 2 Diabetes as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, pairing fat or oil with turmeric can improve absorption of curcumin and bring more benefits.
Curcumin improves liver function
Our liver performs multi-functions in the body. It has the ability to purify and remove harmful toxins. Everything we eat and drink, passes through the liver and then enters our blood stream. The liver then processes these foods, turns them into nutrients and supplies them to the body when needed. In short, liver purifies blood and produces bile that stores essential minerals and vitamins.
Turmeric is good for the liver. It has strong antioxidant properties which gives it the power to stop the liver from being damaged by toxins and alcohol. It also ensures the natural and smooth flow of bile duct for the body to get its essential nutrients.
Turmeric lowers cholesterol
Studies suggest that Turmeric helps to reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) as well as prevents LDL from being oxidized which prevents the formation of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in arteries.)This leads to an overall healing effect on the cardiovascular system.
Curcumin also lowers oxidative stress and lowers inflammation that prevents damage to blood vessels and supports overall heart health.
Turmeric prevents Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an inflammatory disease that can lead to end stage renal disease resulting in dialysis and transplant.
Curcumin from turmeric has been found to have positive effects on Chronic Kidney Disease because of its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
Turmeric lowers the risk of heart disease
Turmeric helps to improve the function of the lining of our blood vessels thereby supporting a healthy heart. It helps to regulate blood pressure, blood clotting and other factors which are crucial to heart health.
As Turmeric reduces the bad cholesterol in the body, it can help reduce the risk of heart conditions such as heart attack and stroke among others.
Also good for arthritis, improving memory, sore throat, boosting immunity and more.
Turmeric's health benefits do not end here. Its anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic properties make it a strong contender for immunity booster. It has also been found beneficial to patients with depression, boosting brain health and treating a number of skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and more.
How to consume Turmeric?
There are multiple ways to include turmeric in your daily regimen:
- As a spice in your meals: You can pair the golden spice with a fat soluble diet such as curries to boost the flavour and get its health benefits.
- Turmeric Supplements: You can also take this herb as turmeric supplements but do make sure to take the most natural version available which does not have any extra curcumin added. Click here to know more
- Furthermore, to get the maximum benefit out of your Supplement, choose the one with enhanced bioavailability. You can pick the formulated one which has piperine- a component of black-pepper which enhances the absorption capacity of curcumin in the body by 2000%.
- Forest Raga's Turmeric+ offers you a perfect mix of curcumin and black pepper and even ginger to help its absorption in the body. Know more
- Turmeric Milk: You can also enjoy a warm cup of Turmeric Milk to enjoy the benefits of good health in your diet.
- Besides oral consumption, Turmeric can be used as a powerful skin-care application in a wide variety of forms such as face masks, turmeric paste, brightening creams, antiseptic creams and more.