A Quick Look at the Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most nutritionally beneficial herbs in nature. A strong opening statement but the facts speak for themselves.  Not a few high quality studies have shown Turmeric provides major benefits to the body and brain.

The first question to answer is what makes this root such a powerful healing support.  Turmeric Contains Bioactive Compounds which have powerful medicinal properties. The most important of these compounds is curcumin.

In this article I want to offer some of the benefits Turmeric can offer a body & mind.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.  Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. It helps to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine… a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2000%.

A pinch of black pepper added or swallowing a few whole peppercorns along with the Turmeric, is an excellent way to enhance absorption.

Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a healthy source of fat, try using Flax or Coconut oil added to the turmeric paste or directly into the liquid mix before drinking.

Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Working as a natural anti-inflammatory compound Curcumin aids in clearing chronic inflammation from the body. It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.

Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

Curcumin Boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Linked to Improved Brain Function and a Lower Risk of Brain Diseases

Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.

Curcumin Leads to Various Improvements That Should Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease

Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.

Curcumin May be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease

A key feature of Alzheimer’s disease is the buildup of protein tangles called Amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques.  Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease.

Studies Show That Curcumin Has Incredible Benefits Against Depression

Curcumin has shown some promise in treating depression.  Depression has been linked to reduced levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and a shrinking hippocampus. Curcumin boosts BNDF levels, potentially reversing some of these changes. Evidence has shown curcumin can boost the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.