Turmeric Rock-Star Spice

Long before this orangey goodness started popping up in your favorite latte or tea on trendy café menus, this 4,000-year-old root first gained its popularity as a medicinal herb in India. Known then as a healing food, turmeric’s revival has health enthusiasts stocking up pantries and medicine cabinets with one of the oldest known medicines in human history.

So what has catapulted turmeric to be the frontrunner for the most
effective nutritional supplement on the planet? The big fuss isn’t so much over the golden spice itself, but rather a unique antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory agent found within turmeric called curcumin. It is this compound that gives turmeric its signature golden color, and it is believed by scientists to contain profound healing potentials. In fact, researchers argue curcumin could be the most powerful food known to reduce the risk of chronic conditions and diseases like arthritis and heart disease by fighting inflammation in the body.

  1. REDUCES THE RISK OF CANCER
    Combating chronic inflammation, a known contributing factor to the development of cancer, turmeric promotes the body’s ability to fight the spread of cancerous cells. Its potent antioxidants support the body’s natural immunity to oxidative change that can cause cancer to develop and progress.
  2. PROVIDES ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS
    This may be one of turmeric’s most powerful health benefits. Chemical compounds like curcumin found in turmeric combine with vitamins and minerals to support the body’s natural processes of fighting inflammation. Not only does inflammation cause pain and discomfort, but it can contribute to the development of serious illnesses and disease. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory benefits perform similarly to over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen, but without the side effects.
  3. BOOSTS IMMUNITY
    Your immune system, which is directly related to the digestive system protects the body from the development of illness and disease Nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals support the body’s immune system, and turmeric has shown to be one of the best foods to keep the digestive system functioning at its best.
  4. CLEANSES THE LIVER
    A healthy liver means keeping oxidative properties and free radicals at bay, allowing the body and mind to thrive. Turmeric’s cleansing phytochemicals act as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents to protect and cleanse the liver and the entire body.
  5. PROMOTES FAT LOSS
    The body requires special nutrients to increase metabolism, regulate blood sugar, regulate hormone production, and improve the communication between the digestive system and the brain to support the function of healthy fat burning. Turmeric’s unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals provide the essential building blocks for the optimized function of each system
  6. MAY HELP PREVENT ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
    The curcumin found in turmeric helps curb inflammation and combat oxidative stress, two factors found to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  7. MANAGES ARTHRITIS PAIN AND STIFFNESS
    The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric block inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, which is especially helpful for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
  8. IMPROVES MOOD AND COMBATS DEPRESSION
    As the curcumin in turmeric boosts the brain-builder protein BDNF, it can help ease depression symptoms. Curcumin can give a boost to serotonin and dopamine, the two “happy” chemicals in the brain.
  9. ENCOURAGES HEALTHY CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
    High cholesterol is known to be caused by oxidative stress, brought on to the body by chronic inflammation and high blood sugar. Reducing inflammation in the body supports healthy cholesterol levels.

By Wendi Fournier

Kudos Magazine 5.1