Turmeric is a type of spice that comes from the curcuma longa plant’s root and gives the yellow colour to curry. It has curcumin as a major compound. And due to this, turmeric has numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidants. For centuries, it has been used as a spice and medicinal herb in India. Here have a look at health benefits of using turmeric:

1. Lessens inflammation

Inflammation in a good quantity is beneficial. It helps repair body damage and fight against foreign invaders. However, chronic inflammation is not good and attacks on your body tissues. According to a study of the National Library of Medicine, chronic inflammation can cause several health issues and conditions that can be:

• Cancer
• Heart diseases 
• Several degenerative conditions 
• Alzheimer’s disease 
• Metabolic syndrome

Curcumin, a major compound of turmeric, is highly beneficial in your fight against inflammation as it is a bioactive substance. To lower inflammation in your body, you need to consume 2 grams of turmeric a day. 

2. Protects from free radicals 

As per a study of PubMed Central, antioxidant properties of turmeric can protect your body from free radicals by neutralising the same. Another study states that the presence of antioxidants in turmeric might stimulate the function of other antioxidants. Further, a few cellular and animal studies state that curcumin might block the action of free radicals. 

3. Improves brain function and memory 

As per a study published on the ScienceDirect website, consuming 90 milligrams of curcumin two times a day can help improve memory in adults. Several common brain disorders have a direct link with reduced levels of BDNF protein. According to a few studies of ScienceDirect and the National Library of Medicine done on animals, turmeric consumption can help increase BDNF levels in human brains.   

4. Lowers the risk of heart disease

As per a WHO study, heart disease is the primary cause of death in the current world. A large number of scholars state that heart disease is very complicated and several things pave the way of its development. Curcumin, a primary compound of turmeric, might reverse several steps in the development of heart disease. Turmeric consumption can help improve the endothelium’s function. The endothelium is the lining of your blood vessels. According to studies published on MDPI and Hindawi, curcumin can enhance heart health. 

5. May prevent cancer 

Uncontrolled cell growth causes cancer. As per a study of the National Library of Medicine, turmeric is a beneficial herb in treating cancer. According to studies published on the ScienceDirect, Frontiers, and National Library of Medicine, turmeric consumption:

• Reduces metastasis (spread of cancer)
• Lowers angiogenesis (development of new blood vessels in tumours)
• Stimulates the death of cancerous cells

6. Might treat Alzheimer’s disease 

Alzheimer’s disease is a very common form of dementia and has around 70% of contribution in the development of dementia. Apart from treatments for some symptoms, there is no complete cure for Alzheimer’s disease. As per a study of PubMed Central, curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier. Turmeric consumption can lower both oxidative damage and inflammation that have a crucial role in Alzheimer’s disease. 

7. Heals arthritis fast

Arthritis is a common problem caused by inflammation in the joints. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. So, it can help you deal with arthritis. As per a study of the National Library of Medicine, curcumin (a compound present in turmeric) is more effective in comparison with an anti-inflammatory medicine. Another study also has found good effects of curcumin on arthritis. 

8. Helps deal with depression 

As per a study of the National Library of Medicine done on 60 persons with depression for 6 weeks, curcumin is effective in treating depression. Depression has a link with the reduced BDNF levels. Turmeric consumption helps boost BDNF levels due the presence of curcumin. According to studies published on SpringerLink and Frontiers, curcumin enhances dopamine and serotonin, the brain neurotransmitters, that facilitate curing depression. 

9. Might help delay ageing process 

According to a few studies of the National Library of Medicine, turmeric has antioxidants and anti-ageing properties. Inflammation and oxidation cause ageing. And turmeric consumption helps lower both oxidation and inflammation. Thus, it helps lower the ageing process.  

Conclusion 

Turmeric has a highly active compound, curcumin, which is highly beneficial in several health issues like inflammation, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, joint pains, depression, and ageing. You can buy turmeric powder from an ecommerce website like Mirasha to avail all these health benefits.