Top Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, a relative of the ginger family, is one of the most common ingredients used in our daily food, then be it curries, stir fry, lemon rice, or more. Apart from the cuisines, it also has medicinal properties that can heal wounds and treat illnesses.

The vivid-bright yellow color of the turmeric is obtained from curcumin, which also gives it the benefits. It is a powerhouse of essential properties that make it a member of medicinal herbs. Here are some of the health benefits of turmeric that you might have missed:

Helps fight depression:

The anti-depressant property of curcumin helps ease depression by increasing the growth hormone in your brain. So, you no more need those tablets to get off your depression. A regular intake of turmeric via foods or just in a cup of warm water should be your dose. It is also known to help treat headaches.

Controls cholesterol:

Turmeric is known to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood, thanks to curcumin. It is also helpful in managing blood sugar levels and controlling heart diseases. Its anti-inflammatory properties help fight inflammation and can lower the chances of type 2 diabetes.

Treats fungal, bacterial, and viral infections:

The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties of the curcumin help fight a variety of viruses. Therefore, sipping on some turmeric tea can help you get rid of sore throat or cold. It is also helpful in stopping the bleeding from a wound and is said to keep the wound away from infections.

Beneficial for illnesses:

Its anti-inflammatory properties are known to ease the inflammation in joints. It helps cure arthritis, which is a common disorder that is characterized by joint inflammation. Turmeric also has anti-carcinogenic properties that are known to prevent cancer. Curcumin prevents the development of a tumor and kills cancer-causing cells.

Relief for pre-menstrual syndrome and irritable bowel syndrome:

Studies suggest that a regular intake of turmeric can relieve the symptoms of PMSing. Whether cramps, fatigue, or mood swings, all of it can be taken care of with the help of turmeric. Turmeric also eases the abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Good source of antioxidants:

Antioxidants are known to protect the body and boost immunity. Curcumin helps in increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in your body while blocking the free radicals.

Source of anti-aging properties:

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, it also aids in anti-aging properties in your body. This way, it is known to delay aging, giving your skin the desired glow. It also helps fight age-related chronic diseases. Moreover, turmeric also helps in clearing your skin of acne and pimples.

These are some of the health benefits that turmeric has to offer. However, turmeric contains only 3% of curcumin, which is not sufficient. Therefore, along with the regular food intake, you will have to consume turmeric in a warm cup of water or opt for curcumin supplements. Another way could be to go for curcumin-rich, natural health drinks.