Turmeric has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to fight inflammation and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. These effects of turmeric on human health make it an all-rounder.
Turmeric is the most effective nutritional ingredient available. Turmeric has significant benefits for the body and brain. Curcumin is the active component of turmeric, which helps slow the aging process and prevent many diseases and depression.
12 Beneficial Effects Of Turmeric On Human Health
1. Has Anti-inflammatory Properties
As mentioned above, curcumin is the main component of turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is more effective in fighting inflammation as compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric and curcumin contribute to relieving many chronic diseases such as arthritis, etc.
2. Improves Digestion
Because of turmeric’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, it contributes to healthy digestion. It stimulates the gall bladder which produces more bile, which is effective for healthy digestion. Turmeric also gives relief from gas and bloating.
3. Protects Against Heart Diseases
Turmeric helps to improve the functions of endothelial or health of the thin membrane that covers the inside of the heart and blood vessels. This thin membrane regulates blood pressure. And the lower endothelial function is related to aging and increases the risk of heart diseases. So consuming turmeric can protect you from many heart diseases and maintain your blood pressure.
4. Helps In Delaying Alzheimer’s Disease
Turmeric increases brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), a protein found in the brain that keeps the nerve cells healthy and regulates the communication between them. Alzheimer’s disease, which destroys memory and the ability to think of a person, is related to lower BDNF. Turmeric can protect you from such diseases. Turmeric can delay or reverse brain cell degeneration.
5. Prevents Cancer
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can treat or prevent many types of cancer. As a tumor is also an inflammation, curcumin can prevent or slow the spread of a tumor. Turmeric can also help to boost the effects of chemotherapy. Turmeric mixed with black pepper can work excellently in preventing cancer.
6. Helps Control Diabetes
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can improve high blood sugar and insulin resistance. It can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in people with pre-diabetes. Curcumin can help you to prevent and treat diabetes and associated diabetic nephropathy which is diabetic kidney disease.
7. Prevention From Arthritis
Turmeric and curcumin play an important role in treating osteoarthritis (inflammation of joints where two ends of bones meet) and rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints). Intake of turmeric daily can show you effective results in treating arthritis problems. The antioxidants in the turmeric destroy the free radicals that damage the cells and which leads to arthritis.
8. Boosts Immunity
Other than anti-inflammatory and antioxidants turmeric also has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that stimulate the immune system. Drinking turmeric with warm milk is the best remedy for treating cold and cough. It boosts the body’s immunity naturally.
9. Promotes Weight Loss
Turmeric promotes weight loss by improving your metabolism. When the metabolic rate is increased, more calories are burned by your body. Curcumin in turmeric lowers the bad cholesterol levels. That is why turmeric is an ideal ingredient in a weight loss diet.
10. Improves And Heals Skin Health
Turmeric has wonderful antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These properties help the wound or infection heal faster. Turmeric helps to reduce the secretion of oil from oil glands under the skin, which prevents pimple. It can also clear the scars and fights the signs of aging like wrinkles.
11. Treats Depression
Depression is also related to lower levels of BDNF like Alzheimer’s. Turmeric increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). Turmeric works as an effective anti-depressant.
12. Prevents Eye Degeneration
Turmeric helps to prevent eye degeneration. Glaucoma is an eye condition leading to vision loss in people over age 60. But once the vision is lost, it cannot be restored, but you can prevent this disease with turmeric.
Conclusion
Turmeric is not just a typical spice in curries; instead, it has many health benefits. Turmeric has many benefits in treating every health problem from liver problems with digestion to ringworm and wounds—the antiseptic properties of turmeric help to speed the healing of wounds and infection. Turmeric is a perfect rival for anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric is used for thousands of years in ayurvedic treatments.
