Turmeric is a natural supplement with a prominent reputation for its medicinal and health benefits. There are many potential benefits to supplementing with turmeric, including positive effects on inflammation, heart health, and otherwise.
The Background on Turmeric
Turmeric is a plant, seated within the ginger family of plants, that is native to Southeast Asia. The rhizome, or underground stem, of the turmeric plant is where the spice we know as turmeric is harvested from. Turmeric has a long history in China and India as a remedy used to treat skin ailments, upper respiratory ailments, and digestive ailments, benefits now known well to the western world.
The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. It is curcumin, and similar substances known as
curcuminoids, that are most likely responsible for all of the benefits that turmeric provides.
Today, turmeric is recognized for having multiple medicinal uses and applications. Much of the established research on turmeric has been focused on its
potential to alleviate inflammation, and the illnesses associated with inflammation.
The Benefits of Turmeric
With the prominent reputation that turmeric has as a dietary supplement, many potential uses have been attributed to it. Here is a look at five clear ways turmeric can remedy or prevent illness, or symptoms of illness.
Turmeric can interact with some prescription medications, so it is imperative that you speak to your healthcare provider about turmeric before taking it.
Reducing inflammation
Turmeric is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It can be even more effective than
aspirin and ibuprofen at reducing inflammation. Headaches, muscle aches, and other minor symptoms or ills that occur due to inflammation could all be potentially reduced or prevented using turmeric.
Support with arthritis pain
could be possible with turmeric, because of its
ability to combat inflammation. Arthritis symptoms are a direct result of inflammation that occurs around the joints. Studies support the efficacy of turmeric to be as strong as that of some anti-inflammatory medications. Taken regularly, turmeric might even be able to prevent arthritis.
Mitigating depression
Curcumin has the ability to boost the amount of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that remains in your brain. BDNF is a protein that
helps with learning and memory. Low levels of BDNF are associated with depression. Turmeric can also bolster serotonin and dopamine production. Some science suggests turmeric could treat depression symptoms as well as Prozac.
Supporting a Healthy Heart
is another reason to take turmeric. Turmeric can help reduce endothelial production in the arteries, which is a big contributing factor to
high blood pressure. Turmeric could also contribute to a reduction in high cholesterol. It could also reduce the risk of heart attack in those who have had coronary artery bypass surgery.
Supporting Healthy Skin
Preserving youthful skin is the final reason we give here for taking turmeric. Turmeric can support skin health in more than one way. By reducing inflammation, turmeric
can reduce skin redness and irritation. Turmeric also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can prevent skin blemishes.
Turmeric is a healthy supplement that can excel in relieving inflammation, depression, and other symptoms/illnesses. Don't miss out on the great short-term and long-term benefits of supplementing with turmeric. Talk to your healthcare provider about this excellent supplement.
