Herbs and spices are popular since ancient times. People used to put them in their foods, teas, and even use them to treat wounds and bruises. With time people are conducting extensive research over the uses and benefits of various spices and herbs. Especially, curcumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and pleasant taste, these spices have gained immense popularity among health-conscious people.
Although many spices provide us benefit, turmeric is one such spice that supersedes others. It consists of curcumin that is known for its antioxidant effects on the body, treating heart disease, digestive issues, skin breakouts, and a lot more. Thus, it is a must-have ingredient in your kitchen. After all, people refer to it as the ‘queen of spices’ for all the right reasons.
The following are the seven proven health benefits of consuming turmeric:
1. Supports Healthy Joints
Do you ever witness consistent body pains and sore muscles? Many people complain of these problems often. Perhaps it is because of a hectic routine or lack of physical activity. Turmeric consists of anti-inflammatory properties, not allowing your muscles to get sore or inflamed. However, you don’t have to wait for the pain to get worse until you start consuming turmeric, consider including it in your diet. Most of the studies even suggest turmeric works best when taken as a preventive measure before symptoms start showing up. So, don’t mind putting a small pinch of turmeric powder while cooking your everyday meal. Not to mention that it regulates your gut as well; check out this list of information if you want to find out about your gut health.
2. Helps with Weight Loss
Sometimes, people are working out regularly, controlling their calorie intake, and yet are unable to reduce weight. That happens due to elevated stress levels; the stress hormones shoot up that build fat near the stomach. Turmeric consists of anti-inflammatory properties, helping you fight obesity and stabilize cortisol levels. Therefore, start having it regularly with your food, or you can also buy turmeric protein to shed some pounds quickly. Thus, it is time to say goodbye to ‘keto’ and ‘no carbs’ diet and enjoy your weight loss journey without compromising on health.
3. Enhances Brain Health
Alongside physical well-being, cognitive health is equally imperative. Surprisingly, turmeric has an amazing ability to boost protein in the brain known as a brain-derived neurotrophic factor – BDNF. It helps the brain grow and develop properly, and the consumption of turmeric increases BDNF, lifting your mood instantly. The high BDNF levels also improve retention and memory. If BDNF levels are low, it leaves people at the risk of depression and Alzheimer’s. Hence, turmeric is more beneficial than one can even imagine.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Usually, heart diseases are common and one of the significant reasons for deaths in the world. High cholesterol levels develop fats in the blood vessels, not allowing the heart to pump blood properly. That happens mainly because of chronic inflammation, and turmeric being an anti-inflammatory herb can come to your rescue. It can improve the lining of blood vessels, regulating blood pressure while closing doors for clotting. Turmeric has the properties to boost the health of the cardiovascular system, so don’t even think about skipping this herb.
5. Maintains Normal Blood Sugar
Believe it or not, doctors used turmeric to treat diabetes. Researchers found that curcumin in turmeric balances glucose levels in the blood, stabilizing the sugar levels. Similarly, regular consumption of turmeric reduces the risk of diabetes, even for people who have a high risk of developing it because of their genes. You don’t have to go over the board with turmeric consumption because everything is beneficial when taken in the right portions. Have one teaspoon of turmeric powder daily by mixing it in milk, food, or have it with water.
6. Brightens Skin Tone
Everyone loves to have radiant and glowing skin, and turmeric is more like an anti-aging powerhouse. It consists of antioxidants that fight pigmentation and produces new skin cells. Thus, you can get rid of all the dead skin cells, boosting the look f your overall skin. It also helps in combating redness and skin conditions like eczema. Moreover, its antiseptic properties are an incredible cure for acne, keeping all the bacteria away from the skin. You can either inject it or apply it directly to your skin by creating a facial mask while mixing it with other incredible herbs.
7. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Turmeric consists of curcumin that has anti-cancer properties, curbing the growth of tumors and the spread of cancer. Researchers concluded from animal research that curcumin has healing properties that kill tumors. Hence, also preventing cancer cells from growing in the body. You can start consuming approximately four grams of turmeric daily to eliminate the risk of cancer. Besides, it also helps with chemotherapy treatments by combating chemo-resistance. Remember, it is not the cure for cancer; instead, it slows the development and growth of cancer cells in the body and inhibits it from spreading.
Conclusion
Turmeric has many benefits, and most people don’t realize, but it is much more than an herb to add flavor and color in food. Drinking turmeric allows people to live a healthy life, closing doors for all sorts of diseases. You can balance out your sugar levels, brighten your skin tone, and even lose weight. With the help of the benefits mentioned above, you can now make a better choice to improve your immunity and health.