5 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric

If you’ve no idea what turmeric is, you’re not alone; research suggests that some people know what turmeric is, while some don’t.

While this research doesn’t seem very specific or extensive, it does suggest that there might or might not be some confusion and/or ignorance and/or extreme comprehension or incomprehension of turmeric. Clearly, more research is needed. Of that we can be sure. Turmeric is just one of those funny old foreign spices that’s either there next to the Italian All Spice, or it’s not.

What is turmeric?

Well, one look at its bright yellow colour and you might guess that it comes from the ginger family. And you’d be right. Turmeric, known to its friends as Curcuma longa and as a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant, hails from Southeast Asia where most of the delectable spices come from.

In its ground down form, it’s built quite a reputation as a wonder spice. Here are five reasons why.

One: Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory

And a natural and very powerful anti-inflammatory at that. Turmeric contains curcumin, a decidedly powerful anti-oxidant with impressive anti-inflammatory abilities. And as inflammation is a big factor in almost every chronic illness, minimising it has to be a good thing.

Two: Turmeric is good for our liver and digestion

Not that we spend a lot of time wondering how our liver’s getting on or if our digestion is currently up to expectations; these are behind-the-scenes organs and processes we have no vested interest in until they suddenly stick their hand up, announce a medical issue and then we invest a lot in them via medical bills.

And one day they will. Or they might unless we take care of their ongoing health with a decent lifestyle and a side order of turmeric. Turmeric is like tonic to our liver and digestive system.

Three: Turmeric fights ageing and disease

Now we’re talking. Ever heard of free radicals?

Free radicals are rebellious oxidants that age us at a very fast rate. These free radicals don’t just make us sigh and roll our eyes, they attack our very being, our cells, breaking us down and opening the door to disease.

Turmeric is like a bodyguard at that door.

Four: Turmeric is good for your heart

This could have been top of our list. Turmeric’s heart-related goodness is multi-faceted – from reducing cholesterol oxidation and clot formation to cutting down your bad cholesterol, turmeric is spicy, full flavoured heart health.

Five: Turmeric can lower your risk of brain disease

It keeps getting better. Turmeric also helps to increase growth hormone essential for brain function.

Convinced? Turmeric is surely one of the most powerful spices in the world. So what are you waiting for? Head straight for the nearest curry!

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