HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Are you adding turmeric into your diet? If not, you definitely need to. It has been used in traditional Indian medicine for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Not only does this spice add some color to your food, it is also loaded with health benefits! Here is why turmeric is beneficial for us:

1. Reduces muscle and joint pain

It basically works the same way as anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers like Advil, Motrin and Ibuprofen but without the nasty side effects these drugs can have on our bodies.

In 2009, a study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, which compared the pain relieving effects of curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) and ibuprofen. It was found that the curcumin provided equally effective results as the ibuprofen.

Dr. Minerva Santos, the director of integrative medicine at Northern Westchester Hospital in New York, suggests turmeric as an effective remedy for joint pain.

2. Speeds up recovery

This is probably the most powerful impact curcumin can have on athletes. Curcumin has a muscle strengthening effect, and this is most visible in muscles that are recovering.

3. Promotes Weight Loss

The golden spice, turmeric, helps accelerate the metabolism rate and lets your body burn a significant number of calories, leading to weight loss. It is also useful in reducing fat mass and detoxification of the liver, which are essential contributors when it comes to diet-induced weight loss efforts. Also, with curcumin, turmeric can be an ideal weight-loss supplement as it lowers bad cholesterol levels and is responsible for suppressing inflammatory messages in muscle, pancreatic and fat cells. So, while your body isn’t fighting inflammation, it can easily focus on reducing weight.

4. Reduces Inflammation

Turmeric directly influences the inflammation of bone and the muscles within the heart. It has been used in plenty of studies with people with osteoporosis and arthritis, and has been proven to lessen inflamed areas within the body. The active portion of turmeric, called ‘curcumin’ is the most effective natural remedy known to impact bone health.

5. Gastrointestinal Issues

Turmeric has long been used as a stomach soother, and is particularly useful for constipation, cramping, and irritable bowel syndrome.

6. Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant agent that has been directly linked with a reduction in colon cancer cells and is also a direct inhibitor of a protein that is essential for tumor growth. This makes turmeric a wonderful addition to any diet as a preventative measure and as a means of slowing metastasis of cancerous growth.



7. Reduces risk of heart decease

Turmeric, can possibly reduce blood clots and improve heart health by decreasing the adhesive quality of the clots. By doing so, there is less stress upon the heart and the arterial walls, which when relaxed, also can lower blood pressure.

8. Reduces The Symptoms of Arthritis & Osteoporosis

In several studies, it is shown that curcumin has a profound effect on bone degeneration.

9. Skin care

The constant use of turmeric clears acne scars, which makes your skin flawless and glowing. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties accelerate the healing of a cut and soothe skin irritation. Turmeric’s major component curcumin, loaded with antioxidants, fights signs of aging like wrinkles and pigmentation by curbing the growth of free radicals.

10. Brain health

Curcumin boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, linked to improved brain function and a lower risk of brain diseases

11.Helps with depression


Turmeric Interactions, And Warnings:

Turmeric is considered safe when used appropriately and according to the label. Those with liver disease should use turmeric with caution, if at all.

There are no known drug interactions, but in rare instances, daily use of turmeric over an extended period of time may cause stomach upset or heartburn in some patients. Those taking medication for diabetes should be aware that turmeric may reduce blood sugar levels.

Women who are pregnant should avoid turmeric due to the possibility of uterine stimulation. There is insufficient information for women who are nursing, so contact your doctor before taking it.

Do not take turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct dysfunction, as it may cause gallbladder contractions. Turmeric also exhibits antiplatelet effects and may promote bleeding if used immediately before surgery. Discontinue use of turmeric two weeks before surgical procedures.




References

http://www.muscleandfitness.com/features/edge/alleviate-joint-pain-turmeric


https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/turmeric.html

Nataliya Olifer