Hailing from humble roots, turmeric’s anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-depressant properties has given it super-spice status.
Long before it showed up in Western lattes, this Eastern classic was used to heal all sorts of ailments. Have a cut? Apply turmeric paste. Feeling under the weather? Drink turmeric powder and milk. Skin issues? Dab turmeric. Feeling blue? Mix some of that yellowy goodness with honey! Like the quintessential Bollywood superstar who is cast in all sorts of roles, this hero of spices features in all scenes and seasons. The only difference is that turmeric can actually, act! The rhizome powder packs quite a punch, combatting inflammation, viruses and even, depression. Here are five significant roles turmeric plays in optimizing health.
It wards of minor viral infections
Before understanding how taking turmeric supplements acts as a preventive measure against viral infection, here’s a quick biology lesson. A virus is essentially a microorganism, with genetic material enclosed by a protein coat that comes alive on reaching the host. This opportunistic villain injects its genetic material by tricking cell receptors, then using the cell’s machinery, it reproduces more! Recent research shows Curcumin, the bioactive component of turmeric, responsible for turmeric’s distinct yellow colour, combats these pesky bugs by activating a gene that encodes an antioxidant protein protecting cells against damage. Studies show that curcumin wards all sorts of viral infections, from small time thugs like the common cold or relentless ones like the Herpes virus.
It tames inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s natural way of attacking invaders and repairing damages. For the busy urbanite, inflammation has become a fact of life. Lifestyles rich in sugar, refine carbohydrates, alcohol, processed meats and trans-fats as well as exposure to environmental toxins lead the way to inflammation. For those living with chronic conditions like heart autoimmune diseases, inflammation takes an even heavier toll. Long-term inflammation can have several symptoms from body pain to swelling and weight gain. In Ayurveda, turmeric supplements are used to treat fatigue, rheumatism and serious pain. Curcumin effectively blocks inflammatory compounds in the body, and unlike anti-inflammatory drugs, it does so without side effects.
It is a powerful antioxidant.
Known as the silent salient of cancer, ‘free radicals’ are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. These rebels react with other molecules causing harmful chemical reactions in the body; a process known at oxidation. Antioxidants such as Curcumin generously donates electrons to free radicals, stabilizing them and making them less reactive, therefore less likely to cause damage. The compound’s antioxidant properties may reduce risks of cataracts, glaucoma and degeneration. Yet another great reason to add turmeric supplements to your daily regime!
It has anti-aging properties.
Age and aging, though related, are not the same thing. Age is a number while aging is cellular damage over time and a decreasing ability to repair it. In other words, rapid aging is what happens when inflammation and oxidative stress burdens down health. According to recent studies, the curcumin in good quality, organic turmeric supplements prevent DNA damage, facilitating repair, as well as helping the body react to stressors like toxins from foods, environment and lack of sleep that build up over time. Specifically, curcumin protects against age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, by reducing the pile up of plaque in the brain.
It reduces depression and anxiety.
In all circles nowadays, mental health is a hot topic. Growing evidence proves the mind-body connection is a significant one. A healthy body starts with a healthy mind and vice versa. Another pesky side effect of over-inflammation is depression, for which, many turn to anti-depressants. While these pills may work, they also bring with it many side-effects and risk of dependency. An organic potent turmeric supplement with substantial Curcumin is a natural alternative to lowering depression, anxiety, and stabilizing mood disorders as it reduces inflammation.
Conclusion
Turmeric is indeed a super-spice and nature’s gift to quell urban illnesses. However, guzzling yellow curries at mealtime isn’t enough to reap the health benefits of turmeric. A high-quality turmeric supplement is one that has up to 95% Curcumin, the potent ingredient that has anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging and antidepressant properties. This multi-tasking hero of a spice is sure to have you feeling on top of the world!
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-turmeric
https://nwapain.com/does-taking-turmeric-for-inflammation-really-work/
https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/the-health-benefits-of-turmeric
https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/turmeric-for-depression#how-it-works
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