If you are a fan of Indian cuisine you most probably are familiar with turmeric. And if the name doesn’t say anything to you, you still recognize the characteristic orange color, a warm, peppery taste it yields to food.
For all of you that don’t know what turmeric is, it is a powder spice, also referred to as “Indian saffron”, that comes from the dried root of the Curcuma longa plant which belongs to the ginger family. It has been used for centuries in western Asian cuisines but also as a folk medicine due to its ability to treat a wide range of ailments.
Turmeric, even though not valued for a long time for its health properties, is now proven to be a powerful superfood, as evaluated by a number or scientific studies. In this you will learn about the unbelievable health benefits of turmeric, a spice that you can use to brew a great tea that can guard your health!
1. Natural anti-inflammatory
The health benefits of turmeric are derived from curcumin, a substance that provides its yellow color. Curcumin has very powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. According to a study, curcumin make turmeric a more potent anti-inflammatory than most over the counter medicines like aspirin and ibuprofen. Turmeric can be amazing in treating inflammation and chronic pain and it has for sure less side effects.
2. Helps with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Turmeric’s high anti-inflammatory properties, make it very effective in the management of rheumatoid arthritis pain. A Japanese study has shown that curcumin can significantly reduce an inflammatory cytokine involved in the RA process. Rheumatoid arthritics sufferers who make use of turmeric on a regular basis, can experience reduced level of pain and inflammation around their joints and even prevent the development of the disease.
3. Protects Skin
Turmeric is an antioxidant powerhouse and can help fight damage done by free radicals and prevent aging. It also has the ability to heal and renew the skin. Whether taken in the form of tea regularly or applied topically, it can reduce skin irritations and balance your skin. Turmeric can be greatly beneficial for acne sufferers, people that suffer from redness and other skin conditions. It can beautify you from the inside out.
4. Anti-Cancer effects
One of the most important health benefits of turmeric is its ability to fight and prevent cancer. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and even destroy cancerous cells. Curcumin can boost the immune system and guard the body against cancer. There are several types of cancer that curcumin has been proven to be effective in killing such as breast cancer, colon cancer and bladder cancer.
5. Manages Depression
According to a research conducted by the Government Medical College of India, curcumin can aid significantly in the management of depression. Turmeric can be as effective as some depression medicine and of course much safer since it has no unwanted side effects. Curcumin has been found to enhance nerve growth in the frontal cortex and hippocampal areas of the brain.
6. Aids with Diabetes
Another great benefit of turmeric is its ability to lower blood glucose levels and gauge insulin levels, making it a great health choice for diabetics. Many studies have shown that turmeric can be as effective as many diabetes drugs and in some cases even more potent. It can be great for people that suffer with type 1 diabetes and can even reduce the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries of type 2 diabetes.
7. Protects Heart
Turmeric has been proven to reduce cholesterol levers and as a result it can protect your heart and prevent cardiovascular disease such as heart attack. Lower levels of cholesterol can also stall the development of cardiovascular problems, such as dyspepsia, heart attacks or angina.
8. Boosts Brain Health
Regular consumption of turmeric can help improve mental health by improving the flow of oxygen to the brain. By taking turmeric often you can heal the brain and even improve basic functions such as memory problems. When the brain functions well, mental illnesses can be prevented.
How to Prepare Turmeric tea
There are many way to take turmeric but one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to take it is in the form of tea. To prepare a delicious cup of turmeric you will need:
- one cup of water
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ginger pieces (optional)
- honey (optional)
Bring your water to a boil and add your turmeric powder and ginger. Let steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain and add some honey to sweeten.
Are you ready to explore the amazing benefits of this powerful superfood called turmeric?