Health Benefits of Turmeric

health benefits of turmeric

What is Turmeric and What Are Its Health Benefits?

Turmeric is a ground yellow powder that is derived from it’s root called rhizomes that are native to southern Asia and are similar to ginger. It is commonly associated with Indian dishes as turmeric gives curry it’s color but that doesn’t mean that it is spicy. Turmeric does have a distinct flavor that when taken alone gives a tart flavor similar to mustard. Recently turmeric has caught not only the attention of scientists but also those who are conscious of their health. Health benefits of turmeric are many, and here we’re going to talk about how to take turmeric as well as all the turmeric benefits we find important.

Turmeric is composed of the curcumin which is one of the main turmeric benefits. Although the percentage of curcumin in turmeric is low, it is also composed of protein, vitamin C, calcium, iron, fiber and sodium.

Turmeric Benefit #1:  Inflammation

The Arthritis Foundation states that turmeric not only reduces pain and inflammation but also stillness associated with arthritis and osteoarthritis.  Studies has also shown that curcumin has similar effects on the body as anti-inflammatory drugs without the same side effects.

If you are wondering how to take turmeric as an anti inflammatory you have a few options.

  • Turmeric Shots: Health stores and juice bar sell shots of compressed juice that include a high amount of turmeric. When taken in a condensed shot, although not spicy, it does have a burn to it.
  • Turmeric Powder: You can add turmeric to your food as a way to help reduce inflammation. It’s a good idea to eat pepper with the turmeric to help with absorption.
  • Turmeric Tea: You can either buy turmeric tea from the supermarket or make your own.

Turmeric Benefit #2: Skin

Health benefits of turmeric can also help treat your skin! By using turmeric in creams and cleansers it can help with acne, scars and healing. Here are a few ways that turmeric can help your skin:

Do you have oily skin? Turmeric can help reduce facial oils through using turmeric cream twice a day.

Do you have sun damaged skin? In a study, turmeric helped protect the skin from sun damage at a much higher rate than sunscreen. Not only does it help protect your skin from the sun but it also helps heal damaged skin from the sun.

Do you feel your skin is aging? Turmeric can help it. Moisturizing creams that contain turmeric can help get rid of wrinkles, dark spots and fine lines in the face.

Do you have a skin condition? Due to turmeric’s benefit of anti-inflammation by applying a cream with turmeric it can help not only heal wounded skin but also help with dryness, swelling and irritation.

If you are unsure how to take turmeric and turn it into a way to treat your face, not to worry. There are already premade creams out there that have turmeric in them. If you feel like making your own you can also find recipes online to create your own turmeric cream for your skin in general or for your face. Don’t forget that turmeric does have a color to it so it is possible that it could leave some of that color on your face, but it will come off.

Other Turmeric Health Benefits:

  • High in antioxidants
  • Helps with weight loss
  • Helps with liver health
  • Aids brain function
  • Helps with heart health
  • Can help prevent cancer
  • Can help with Alzheimer’s
  • And so many more!

It’s important to remember that turmeric is not considered something harmful, or an allergic substance, but when consumed in large quantities it can cause certain side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea and dizziness. If you decide you want to start treating health issues with turmeric it’s a good idea to speak to a medical professional before beginning. Turmeric is not a miracle drug but it does have some certainly great qualities.

Sources:

https://www.naturallivingideas.com/turmeric-for-skin/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711309001640

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711305000371

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

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19594223

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/turmeric.php

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

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