Turmeric, though often used as a spice, it is also used to help many areas in the body. It all started when turmeric became widely used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal remedy. Fortunately, science was recently able to back up these traditional actions with some evidence of their incredible properties.
Here is what you need to know:
Anti-Inflammatory
Curcumin is actually the main active ingredient of turmeric. The compounds known as curcuminoids have powerful anti-inflammatory potential and act as very strong antioxidants. It is critical that we all have the proper mechanism to treat inflammation, wherever it may be in the body. Turmeric is such a strong anti-inflammatory substance that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, minus the side effects. What’s better than that?
Anything that can essentially fight chronic inflammation such as heart disease or cancer is very beneficial for one’s health and this is why incorporating turmeric in your daily life is nothing short of crucial.
Improved Brain Functions
Believe it or not, turmeric can not only help improve brain functions but aids in lowering the risk of brain disease. Neurons, the main connections in the brain, are driven by a process called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a form of growth hormone to help the brain function even better.
Guess what increases BDNF levels? Curcumin, the essential part of turmeric. Note that many common brain disorders such as depression of Alzheimer’s are linked to decreased levels of BDNF, so a proper intake of turmeric on a daily basis can help prevent such illnesses.
Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer, globally. Heart disease is complicated to treat, especially when it becomes severe. This is why it’s important to take preventative measures and properly care for your cardiac health. The good news is that turmeric and curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease progression.
Curcumin, the dominantly active ingredient of turmeric can help improve the functions of the endothelium, the lining of the blood vessels. It is perhaps very common that endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of heart disease, and should be prevented by a good dose of turmeric every day.
Arthritis
More and more we are hearing of people suffering from joint pain and arthritis, inflammation of the joints. Given that turmeric is a strong and powerful anti-inflammatory compound, it would only be fitting to use this for people suffering from arthritis.
In an important study, people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than the anti-inflammatory drugs! In others, the effects of turmeric and curcumin on arthritis patients improved their symptoms.
Depression
Not many know how to really deal with depression. While antidepressants are definitely an option, it would be best to stick with naturally curing the body. This can be done with the proper dosage of turmeric supplements. In one study, sixty individuals suffering from depression, either took Prozac or curcumin. Within six weeks, curcumin led to similar, if not the same results as the anti-depressant drugs.
Note that depression is also linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and guess what compound helps increase those levels? Yup, turmeric.
Dealing with common health issues like arthritis, heart disease, and depression is not easy. But instead of searching for a cure in the pharmaceutical world, head over to Codeage.
With Codeage’s high-quality supplements and powerful resources, you’ll finally get a chance to know your body and treat it the right way.
Written by Sharone Houri.
