Turmeric is a compound found in the spice curcumin. This ancient spice, which has been popular in Asia since 2000 BC, belongs to the ginger family. It is popularly known for its curcuminoids phytochemicals that give wide-ranging health benefits.
This amazing spice is the focus of more than 9,000 medical and clinical research studies. On top of its medical benefits, turmeric’s vibrant yellowish hue is also used in dyeing clothes.
Curcuminoid Family
The curcuminoid family is responsible for the health benefits of turmeric. There are 3 phytochemicals that make this spice a powerhouse health source. First, there is diferuloylmethane. Also known as curcumin, this curcuminoid give turmeric its vibrant color. Then, there are demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, which are known clinically for their potent inhibitory effects.
Studies have shown that these phytochemicals have powerful effects that promote health including its functions as adaptogenic, antioxidant, epigenetic, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory. Curcumin with black pepper is popular supplement for people looking to naturally reduce chronic pain.
Specifically, turmeric is known for the following health benefits:
1.) Helps stabilize mood
Research has shown noticeable effects of turmeric among people who have depression and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders show improvements in the mood of people who are known to have depression and anxiety after taking turmeric for 8 straight weeks.
2.) Promotes speedy healing for wounds and cuts
In a study published in the Life Science, turmeric curcumin has been discovered to speed the healing process of wounds and cuts. Its beneficial properties include oxidation as well as the modulation of redness and swelling.
Recent studies have backed these findings. Turmeric has been discovered to have the capacity to potentiate the natural healing processes of the body. This conclusion was demonstrated in a study where topical turmeric was applied on wounds in rats.
Based on the results, turmeric has improved wound contraction and increased collagen synthesis rates as well as the cell proliferation and tissue strength around the wound. The spice has also shown antioxidant properties that aid the wound’s healing process.
3.) Helps relieve pain and discomfort
A 4-week study published in the Journal of Clinical Interventions in Aging showed turmeric’s capacity to alleviate discomfort and pain. People who took turmeric were reported to enjoy pain relief without any side effects compared to those who took ibuprofen to address their discomfort.
4.) Soothes digestion
Turmeric has been used in India as a taste and color enhancer for thousands of years. Another reason is that it is known to soothe digestion and inhibit ulcer. In fact, modern research has backed this ancient practice. Based on the findings, turmeric has the capacity to inhibit ulcers by a whopping 85% rate. On top of this, it also shows great contribution in reducing tissue necrosis, hemorrhaging, and lesions.
5.) Regulates and balances cholesterol levels
A couple of studies have been conducted on the benefits of turmeric and its ability to regulate and balance the body’s cholesterol levels. Most of these studies show a remarkable reduction in cholesterol and lipid profiles while it increased good cholesterol levels in the body. The best part is that turmeric is known to be consistently safe with very low chances of causing side effects.
6.) Provides relief of active joint discomfort
A study comparing the effects of standard-of-care medication versus turmeric showed turmeric outperforming diclofenac sodium on all aspects of the medication. On top of it all, is that turmeric showed no adverse side effects compared to the standard-of-care medication.
7.) Helps balance sugar levels
Turmeric has been reported to have a number of positive benefits particularly in relation to type-2 diabetes. Studies have shown that turmeric has the capacity to treat B-cell lines and Islet cells, which in effect, encourages balanced blood sugar levels.
8.) Helps the body buffer and modulate excess irritation
Today’s stressful environment causes inflammatory conditions, which is believed to be the cause of many modern diseases. A study published in 2007 credits turmeric for its ability to inhibit inflammatory enzymes such nitric oxide synthase, lipoxygenase, and cyclooxygenase-2.
These are some of the many benefits that turmeric offers. There are turmeric supplements available in the market, but they can also be taken as part of your diet in rice, soups, or milk. 400-600 mg 3 times a day of standardized turmeric powder should be proven beneficial.