Turmeric is the yellow spice often used for coloring up many curries. Along with looking good, it is known for many healing properties. The secret behind turmeric’s healing power is a compound called curcumin, which is also responsible for the yellow color of this spice.
As with many other healthy foods, turmeric is also healthier when consumed with black pepper. So, you could add some black pepper while preparing your food with turmeric. Doing this will activate curcumin and many health benefits will be unlocked.
Table of Contents
- 10 Benefits of Turmeric
• Fights Inflammation
• Protects Your Heart
• Relieves Joint Pain
• Strengthens Your Immune System
• Enhances Brain Function
• Eases Digestion
• Improves Skin
• Combats Depression
• Slows Down Aging
• Helps Prevent Disease - How To Use Turmeric Correctly
• Add Black Pepper
• Eat with Fat
• Consistency is Key - Conclusion
10 Benefits of Turmeric
- Fights Inflammation
Inflammation, to an extent is healthy and is the body’s response to harmful pathogens. But a lot of it can be harmful and cause many chronic diseases. Turmeric is one of the few food items that has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is very comparable to many of the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.
- Protects Your Heart
Studies have shown that turmeric improves the health of the lining of the blood vessels, which is called endothelium. Good health of the endothelium is associated with lesser heart attacks, as it improves heart’s ability to pump blood and eases blood pressure.
- Relieves Joint Pain
Turmeric can aid those with arthritis, or stiff joints. People tend to experience pain free mobility after daily consumption of turmeric, as swelling in the knees and hands is considerably reduced.
- Strengthens Your Immune System
Antioxidants in turmeric help shield your cells from damage caused by smoke, pollution, and unhealthy food. This makes your body stronger against illnesses like the cold and flu.
- Enhances Brain Function
Turmeric can stimulate the production of a certain hormone that helps form new brain connections. This can enhance your focus and memory, and may protect against age-related diseases.
- Eases Digestion
Turmeric can help with that by encouraging your gallbladder to make more bile, which helps break food down and reduces gas.
- Improves Skin
Turmeric combats the bacteria that cause acne, making it effective for your skin. It can reduce under-eye circles and give your face a natural glow.
- Combats Depression
Curcumin is known to elevate serotonin and dopamine, which are the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain. Several studies show that it can help with depression and anxiety.
- Slows Down Aging
Turmeric helps fight cell damage. Because of this, it can slow the signs of aging. The healthier the cells, the longer they can last, leading to a healthier life overall.
- Helps Prevent Disease
Harmful cell growth and spreading is usually the target of research and so is the study of the active compounds contained in the rhizome of turmeric for chronic disease prevention. Leaving turmeric out of your diet is removing an extra layer of disease prevention from your body.
How To Use Turmeric Correctly
To get the best benefits from turmeric, remember the three rules listed below, as the instructions may be deceptively simple.
Add Black Pepper: It is proven that a chemical constituent of black pepper enhances the body’s absorption of turmeric by 2,000 percent.
Eat with Fat: In order to absorb turmeric, the body needs to have fats from a source such as olive oil, cream, an avocado, or some nuts.
Consistency is Key: The benefits of using turmeric will not be seen immediately, so you will need to make an effort to have some turmeric in your diet every day.
Conclusion
One of the effective and inexpensive ways to enhance your health is by using turmeric. In case you are a supplement taker, your body will definitely appreciate you more for taking turmeric with your Ayurvedic morning smoothies or adding turmeric to your warm soups.
Caution Note: If you are pregnant or on blood thinners, consult your physician prior to using turmeric supplements, especially the high potency ones.
