5 Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Health Benefits
1) Anti-Inflammatory
If you know anything about turmeric already, “anti-inflammatory” is likely the buzzword you’ve heard. The spice has long been touted as one of nature’s best inflammation fighting foods. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, the patients found improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling after two of weeks of curcumin supplementation, the active ingredient in turmeric. These results were comparable to those patients who took phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for two weeks.
2) Cancer Prevention
Several animal and laboratory studies have found that curcumin demonstrated anti-cancer effects in the lab, according to the American Cancer Society. In the studies, different types of cancer cells were inhibited by curcumin, and curcumin slowed the growth and spread of some cancers. The American Cancer Society notes that clinical trials are underway to find out if it can help humans as well.
3) Liver and Digestive Health
Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestion and liver disorders for centuries. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, curcumin stimulates production of bile in the gallbladder. Bile is used by our liver to eliminate toxins and helps rejuvenates liver cells that break down harmful compounds. This bile in our gallbladder may also help improve digestion. Turmeric root is actually on the Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) list of approved herbs used for dyspepsia (upset stomach) according to the American Cancer Society.
Related: What Is The Best Digestive Health Product For You?
4) Healthy Heart
In a University of Maryland Medical Center review on turmeric, early studies suggest that the spice may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke. In animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL “bad” cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.
5) Potential Alzheimer’s Aid
India’s low incidence of Alzheimer’s (less than one-quarter of that of the United States’ rate among people aged 70 to 79) may be related to a particular intake of specific foods. That particular intake of food? Curry. And what do we know about curry? Ding ding ding—turmeric is a main ingredient! While animal studies have found that curcumin has decreased inflammation and oxidative damage which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, larger controlled studies need to be done for humans according to the Linus Pauling Institute.