Turmeric is regarded a powerful natural health foods worldwide. Some studies have proven to be more beneficial against the common flu than vaccines (2009 edition of “Emerging Infectious Diseases”). Why? Because Turmeric is one of the most potent natural whole foods and contains a high concentration of antioxidants, antioxidants keep our immune system healthy and robust.
Studies show Turmeric is a super-spice, given its incredible health benefits. But what are the benefits of Turmeric for different body parts? It’s important to remember that Turmeric works systemically, lending a helping hand to the entire system and specific areas.
Let’s examine a few specific body parts that benefit most from Turmeric. The benefits of Turmeric for different body parts are many – too many to list, and more are being discovered daily. One thing is for sure; this beautiful sunshine spice should be an essential addition to any home’s medicine cabinet.
TURMERIC FOR JOINT PAIN RELIEF & RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, OSTEOARTHRITIS:
Recent studies show Turmeric can be highly effective at reducing the pain of Arthritis. One major pharmaceutical used for arthritis pain is NSAIDs, which have serious side effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric as effective as these drugs without their unpleasant side effects.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, shows promise as a treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. This chronic inflammatory disorder usually affects the joints but if unattended may start to effect other parts of the body such as the eyes, lungs, skin, heart, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid Arthritis causes painful inflammation of the joints that can cause the bones to erode over time and ultimately lead to deformities and physical disabilities.
As a potent anti-inflammatory agent, Curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including 5-LOX and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the target of the drug celecoxib. A trial done on Curcumin -only group saw significant improvements in joint tenderness and swelling compared to the other two groups. Researchers also noted the curcumin treatment was also safe, resulting in no harmful events.
In 2016, an industry-sponsored systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that 1,000 mg daily of Curcumin reduced osteoarthritis pain and inflammation as effectively as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac and ibuprofen. Another 2016 study suggests Curcumin might help prevent bone breakdown in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR THE BRAIN:
Long recognised in Ayurvedic and western herbal medicine as a boost for the brain, Turmeric can help prevent plaque and oxidative damage to the neural pathways. Turmeric can increase concentration, cognitive functions, and memory skills. Studies have also shown promising results that Turmeric can effectively remove amyloid plaque, one of the significant indicators of Alzheimer’s progression.
Curcumin can boost brain-derived Neurotrophic factors. Unlike previously understood, neurons can divide and multiply after early childhood and form new connections, and in some brain regions, they can multiply and increase in number.
One of the main factors of this process is the brain-derived Neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This gene is involved in making a protein that promotes the survival of nerve cells (neurons) by playing a role in the growth, maturation (differentiation), and maintenance of these cells. The BDNF protein plays a vital role in memory and learning and can be found in brain areas responsible for eating, drinking, and body weight.
Most common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF protein, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Recent studies on animals have found that Curcumin may increase brain levels of BDNF. Doing this may delay or even reverse many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function. Incidentally, it may also help improve memory and attention.
Researchers note that more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Turmeric in preventing and treating common brain diseases.
Meanwhile, a study in humans published in Phytotherapy Research saw comparable improvements, leading researchers to suggest that Curcumin may be a safe and effective treatment for major depressive disorder.
You should consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning or changing any medications you may take.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR THE LIVER
Turmeric has been traditionally used in western herbal medicine to assist liver function. Turmeric works by stimulating the lymphatic system, enabling it to reduce the toxicity levels in the body. Due to its potent antioxidant properties, Turmeric can ease liver complaints like fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
The primary effectiveness of Antioxidants lies in the fact that they protect your body from free radicals. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that has the ability to neutralize free radicals due to its bio-chemical structure. The antioxidant property of Turmeric may prevent liver from being damaged by toxins. This is for people who take potent drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR THE STOMACH
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can prevent both mild and more serious gastrointestinal complaints. Studies show Turmeric can reduce irritation throughout the gut, prevent formation ulcers, and reduces the risk of bleeding into the bowels.
The high fiber content in Turmeric can ease the digestive process and may prevent Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD), and even Crohn’s disorder. Turmeric has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a carminative that helps to relieve the intestinal gas that can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, ladies, period pain can be vastly reduced or even eliminated with Turmeric.
Curcumin in Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, instantly making the digestive system more efficient. Turmeric powder has also been known to relieve gas symptoms and bloating.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR SKIN
Incorporating Turmeric into a balanced diet can go a long way to preventing the appearance of spots and pimples. Turmeric can help reduce the secretion of oils from the sebaceous glands, whose bacteria can cause the marks to appear in the first place.
If you’ve previously suffered from acne, you’ll love the benefits of Turmeric on scarring. It can reduce acne scars and marks, making your skin smoother and naturally glowing. If you’re fighting the signs of aging, the Curcumin in Turmeric also acts as a powerful antioxidant. This defies the free radicals responsible for wrinkles, lines, and age-related skin pigmentation. Furthermore, this golden spice’s anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties can aid in the healing of cuts and abrasions and reduce skin irritation.
Turmeric keeps skin healthy in multiple ways. It helps minimises oil secretion by the sebaceous glands, thus hindering the growth of pimple-causing bacteria. The antioxidants in Curcumin have been known to fight signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigmentation by curbing the growth of free radicals.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, Turmeric may be an effective treatment for various skin conditions, including Acne, Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis), Photoaging, and Psoriasis.
A research review article published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences(Jan 2018 issue) suggests oral Curcumin, in particular, may be an effective and safe treatment option for psoriasis (a chronic inflammatory skin disease). Still, more studies are needed before doctors make recommendations.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR HEART:
Various studies have shown that Curcumin may improve endothelial function or the health of the thin membrane that covers the inside of the heart and blood vessels. This membrane plays a critical role in regulating the body’s blood pressure. When the endothelial function is not normal, it is associated with aging and heart disease risk.
Studies conducted on healthy middle-aged and older adults who took Curcumin supplements for twelve weeks improved resistance artery endothelial function by increasing vascular nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress while improving conduit artery endothelial function.
Another study was conducted on 121 people who had undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. The group that took 4 grams of Curcumin , a day , few days before and after the surgery saw a 65% decreased risk of a heart attack in the hospital.
Researchers conclude that more studies and trials are needed to determine if Curcumin is a safe and effective long-term treatment strategy for people with heart disease.
BENEFITS OF TURMERIC FOR EYES:
Glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerves and is considered one of the leading causes of blindness in people over age 60. Glaucoma happens when fluid builds up and increases pressure inside the eye.
Preliminary research published in Scientific Reports (July 2018) reports topical Curcumin treatments may help protect the eyes against degeneration. Researchers applied a proprietary curcumin eye drop solution to rats twice daily for three weeks. By the end of the study, the untreated rats experienced a 23 percent reduction in retinal cells compared with the treatment group, suggesting that the curcumin treatment prevented the loss. The findings sound impressive, but more studies are needed to determine if Curcumin effectively prevents eye degeneration in humans.