What is turmeric?
Turmeric is a vibrant orange rhizome (root). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
Studies have shown positive benefits of curcumin (one of the active compounds in turmeric), the active ingredient in turmeric, including supporting a balanced inflammation response, boosting your body’s natural defenses, supporting flexibility and clearing brain fog.
For thousands of years, whole-root turmeric has been used in Ayurveda medicine practice for its many protective wellness properties. A wealth of new research is helping us understand just how potent this root can be. Thanks to turmeric’s benefits and potent properties, this ancient plant has become even more important in maintaining good health. Here are five reasons why we believe in turmeric:
1. Turmeric has Inflammation Management Properties
Inflammation is your body’s essential protective instinct to maintaining balance and health. When inflammation exceeds normal levels and becomes chronic, it can lead to damage to your body’s healthy cells and tissue, or other serious illnesses such as cancer. One of the best turmeric benefits comes from turmeric’s major active compounds, curcumin. Curcumin is one of the best ways of dealing with inflammation response so that your immune system can focus on your body’s essential functions without going into hyper-drive.
2. Turmeric Contains High Levels of Antioxidants
According to the US National Library of Medicine, Curcumin not only encourages a positive inflammatory response, but it also stimulates the body’s antioxidant enzymes.
How does it do this? Curcumin’s potent antioxidants neutralize the body’s free radicals. Curcumin delivers a one-two punch to these overactive cells. First, it blocks them. Then, it stimulates the body’s antioxidant mechanisms. This can help rejuvenate our skin, prevent diseases, and thwart arthritis.
3. Turmeric Detoxes Your Body
Turmeric is a blood purifier because it helps clean your blood and flush toxins out of your system. In a study published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers in South Korea gave turmeric supplements to people with elevated liver enzymes. At the end of the 12-week trial, those taking turmeric found that their enzyme levels were significantly reduced.
4. Turmeric Benefits Your Brain
A significant amount of research shows that adding turmeric to your daily diet can help improve brain function. A study from India shows that turmeric helps the body clear brain-fogging plaques from the brain. In addition to sharpening your thought processes, turmeric might improve your mood. This is attributed to curcumin helping increase serotonin levels. Just another one of the turmeric benefits that can improve your health in the long run.
5. Turmeric Provides Support to Your Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s defense against diseases, viruses, and bacteria. Ensuring that it is in tip-top shape is important. A healthy diet, plenty of sleep, and exercise are key. On top of this, you can also supplement your regimen to give your immune system a lift. That’s where turmeric can help. A University of Texas study showed curcumin to be a potent immunomodulatory agent.
