Turmeric, a vibrant yellow spice commonly found in Asian cuisine, has been celebrated for its potent medicinal properties for centuries. The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Incorporating just half a teaspoon of turmeric into your daily routine can lead to a variety of positive changes in your body. In this article, we'll explore ten remarkable things that can happen when you make turmeric a regular part of your diet.
Inflammation will Decrease
Short-term inflammation is helpful to prevent and fight disease. However, long-term inflammation actually has been linked to diseases that cause long-lasting damage and eventually lead to death. Therefore, having additional help in decreasing inflammation means your body can retain overall health. Since the Curcumin in Turmeric blocks NF-KB, it works to fight inflammation.
Antioxidants begin Working More Efficiently
Curcumin also acts as an antioxidant, which neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals react with fatty acids or DNA, with negative effects on the body. Therefore, minimizing the effects of free radicals is a great benefit for the body.
It also helps the body’s own antioxidant enzymes to work more efficiently and have more effect on the body. This has numerous benefits.
Improved Brain Function
The hormone BDNF, or Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, is vital to the division and multiplication of neurons in the brain. This in turn means decreased brain function in adulthood. However, with Turmeric in your diet, this hormone is increased. This helps the brain function, improves memory and increases intelligence.
Decreases Risk of Brain Disease
In correlation with the increase of the BDNF hormone in your brain, the risk of brain diseases are decreased. This is due to the improved functioning of the brain and may even reverse the effects already present in the brain.
Delays Aging, Fights Chronic Diseases associated with Age
Most aging and diseases associated with that process can be traced back to inflammation. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory qualities of this herb can mean the difference for various diseases that tend to hit a person as they age.
Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
The lining of the blood vessels decreases function and heart disease is a significant risk due to issues with regulating blood pressure. However, Turmeric in the diet means improved function for this lining (called endothelium).
Prevents and Treats Alzheimer’s Disease
This goes back to the effect on inflammation. Since inflammation is a big factor in the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, Turmeric in the diet can delay the onset or even treat the disease by clearing Amyloid plaques that occur in the body.
Helps with Arthritis Pain
Inflammation of the joints is a common arthritis issue. With Turmeric acting as an anti-inflammatory, it makes sense that it would also address this issue and help with the pain and decreased function caused by arthritis.
Helps Prevent Cancer
On the molecular level, the growth and spread of cancer has been stopped by Turmeric. Cancers of the digestive system in particular seem to be preventable with the addition of Turmeric to the diet.
Treats Depression, Improves Mood
Studies have shown Curcumin to have a similar effect to Prozac, a commonly prescribed anti-depressant. Therefore, the use of Turmeric
in your diet can be beneficial to your mental health and mood.
Sources:
www.healthyandnaturalworld.com
authoritynutrition.com
bembu.com