The Benefits of Turmeric - All You Need to Know
What is Turmeric?
You might have heard of turmeric as a popular spice. It has been used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine for thousands of years. Not only is it known for its incredible flavor in curries and other recipes, it also has amazing health benefits.
It comes from the plant Curcuma Longa, which originates from Southeast Asia, and has a fresh earthy flavor as well as aromatic properties that smell like ginger and orange. It has a remarkable orange color that confers its food-coloring properties. It also has traditional medicinal use in various cultures.
Turmeric vs. Curcumin vs. Curcuminoids
A word that is usually associated with turmeric is curcumin. To explain this, it's important to understand that the active ingredients in turmeric are called curcuminoids, which are chemical compounds responsible for turmeric's wonderful properties and health-promoting effects. Curcumin is one of the main curcuminoids or active ingredients in turmeric, and it's also this component which gives turmeric its distinct color and flavor.Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that react with your body enhancing inflammation and damaging different systems. Air pollution, sunlight, stress, and cigarette smoke are factors that can expose you to them. Fortunately, there are substances that you can use to reduce its negative effects. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals and oxidative damage. Turmeric is one of the most potent ones because it can also enhance the function of other antioxidants.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is a protective function of your body that can help you fight infection and repair damage. The problem comes when it becomes chronic, because this can lead to worse health conditions down the road. The curcumin in turmeric is known to have effective anti-inflammatory properties that neutralize pro-inflammatory substances.
Supports Cognitive Function
This benefit is partly due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin that reduce brain cell damage and help to repair its function, but it is known also believe that another ingredient in turmeric (called turmerone) may also have anti-oxidant properties and help your body maintain brain health.
Strengthens Your Immune System
Curcumin possibly acts by regulating important immune cells, such as natural killer cells and lymphocytes, by making sure they fight better against external aggressors and reducing pro-inflammatory molecules. Using turmeric might increase your energy levels and help give you a stronger immune system.
Enhances Collagen Production
Turmeric has wonderful benefits for your skin. It enhances collagen production and also neutralizes free radicals due to sun exposure that could lead to a dark spot and premature aging.
By adding turmeric to your diet, you will be taking an extra step on taking care of yourself and helping your body become healthier and stronger. Turmeric has been proven to have little to nonexistent side effects and it is well-tolerated in high dosages.
When looking for a supplement that contains turmeric, it is best to ensure it has a high percentage of curcuminoids, so you can get all the health benefits turmeric has to offer.