Yes, you can. Turmeric is a plant that is commonly used in many Asian dishes. In this article, we are going to talk about the benefits of turmeric and why it makes an excellent addition to your diet. Using natural food as medicine or supplements has been growing in popularity for quite some time now and it can be easily found at your local grocery store or health food store. You might have heard about curcumin and its benefits before, but this is not the only active ingredient in the turmeric plant.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a plant that has been known to be used as a spice (as well as medicinal purposes) in Asian food for over 5,000 years. The root of the turmeric plant has been used as a natural remedy for many ailments since ancient times. It contains phytochemicals and essential oils that are beneficial to your health.
The active component in turmeric is curcumin. Most research has been conducted on methods of improving the bioavailability of curcumin, which is when the body can readily absorb and utilize it. Once you ingest turmeric (in the form of a supplement), your body can convert curcumin into active compounds such as epicatechin, p-coumaric acid, and ferulic acid. These molecules are known to have antioxidant properties that are beneficial to your heart and brain health.
Antioxidant Properties
Curcumin has been shown to be a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger, which helps prevent harmful free radicals from damaging your cells. Once these free radicals have damaged your cell, they can cause inflammation in your body. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to fight off harmful invaders. This can lead to chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Another function of antioxidants is to prevent DNA damage due to excessive cell damage from free radicals.
Antimicrobial Properties
Curcumin has been shown to have antimicrobial effects on many different types of bacteria, including:
It has also been found that turmeric extracts inhibit the growth of certain strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and E. coli. Additionally, curcumin kills staphylococcus in vitro (in a test tube). This indicates that curcumin can be effective as an antibacterial agent against staphylococcus when applied topically to the skin.
Antithrombotic Properties
Curcumin has been shown to have an effect on several key cardiovascular risk factors and may be effective in treating atherosclerosis, one of the leading causes of heart disease and death. Curcumin reduces both plaque formation and stimulates collagen synthesis within the arteries. Additionally, curcumin acts as a blood thinner through reductions in platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. This is great news for those suffering from stroke or heart attack because it can lead to quicker recovery times.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Turmeric contains a variety of ingredients that contribute to reducing inflammation. It has been shown to be an anti-inflammatory agent, which is good news for those people suffering from joint pain, stiffness, or aches/pains due to arthritis. A study was conducted using patients with rheumatoid arthritis and it was found that consuming curcumin supplements reduce symptoms by 48%.
Anti-cancer Properties
Curcumin has been shown to be effective in treating colon cancer, uterine cancer, and breast cancer when administered orally. Some studies show that curcumin is able to inhibit the growth of different types of human cancers in vitro as well as inhibiting gallbladder and prostate cancer in animals. It also shows promise for inhibiting the growth of mammary gland and skin cancers when applied topically.
Antidepressant Properties
Curcumin has been shown to be a natural antidepressant with positive effects on mood and behavior in clinical studies. It helps to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety by increasing production of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. It also prevents their breakdown by inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes. This can lead to feelings of increased well-being and happiness, reduced brain inflammation, protection against oxidative stress, and protection against neuronal damage.
Antimicrobial Properties
Curcumin is actually a natural disinfectant and has been found to be effective against many different types of bacteria. It can kill several different types of bacteria:
Antidiabetic Properties
Turmeric is beneficial for those suffering from diabetes due to its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. It helps increase insulin sensitivity, reduces insulin resistance and prevents the onset of diabetes. The active ingredients in turmeric also have a direct effect on improving glycemic control by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon production.
In clinical studies, turmeric was shown to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. Additionally, it helps prevent the onset of diabetes and protects against diabetic complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
Anti-progesterone Properties
Curcumin has been shown to produce a reduction in progesterone levels when applied topically on the skin of both men and women.
Anti-carcinogenic Properties
Curcumin has been shown to be potentially effective in treating cancer due to several mechanisms of action including:
In studies involving animal models of cancer, turmeric showed significant tumor growth inhibition and tumor regression. It can also inhibit the formation of new blood vessels that supply tumors. Curcumin was shown to inhibit a variety of different types of cancers including skin, prostate, and lung cancer.
Anti-allergic Properties
Curcumin has been shown effective in reducing symptoms of allergies through its antihistamine properties, which can be helpful when treating allergic reactions such as hay fever or asthma. In one study, participants were given between 500 and 1000mg of turmeric and found that they experienced less cell swelling in their nasal passages. Additionally, they had fewer symptoms of allergic rhinitis (such as sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes).
Anti-inflammatory Properties
As mentioned above, curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects that can be useful for those suffering from arthritis, eczema and other inflammatory conditions. When applied topically, it has been shown to reduce swelling in joints as well as symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
Antioxidant Properties
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and helps protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. It protects your body from:
Antiparasitic Properties
Turmeric may be effective in killing different types of parasites. An animal study was conducted using people infected with intestinal toxoplasmosis and it was found that turmeric extracts reduce the number of parasites and reduce inflammation.
Liver-protective Properties
Studies have shown that curcumin can protect the liver from damage by reducing liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation as well as improving mitochondrial activity. It also works to improve acetaminophen toxicity and prevents cell death caused by alcohol consumption.