Turmeric is a herbaceous plant that is a member of the ginger family. The plant is native to India and has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is a form of alternative medicine that is based on the principle of using natural substances to promote healing.
Turmeric is a rich source of nutrients, including iron, manganese, vitamin B6, dietary fibre and potassium. It also contains curcumin, the primary active ingredient in turmeric. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the health benefits of turmeric. Here are some of the ways in which this turmeric can improve your health:
- Turmeric has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This is due to the fact that curcumin inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
- Turmeric has also been shown to boost immunity. In one study, curcumin was found to increase the production of immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA is an antibody that helps to protect the body against infection. Another study found that curcumin could help to improve the function of T cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in immunity.
- Turmeric has also been shown to be effective against cancer. This is likely due to the fact that curcumin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and cause them to self-destruct. Studies have shown that turmeric can be effective against various types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
- Turmeric can help to treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These are two important neurotransmitters that play a role in mood and emotion. In one study, curcumin was found to be as effective as Prozac, a common antidepressant medication, in treating depression.
- Studies have also shown that turmeric can improve memory and cognitive function in those with Alzheimer’s disease. This is likely due to the fact that curcumin can reduce inflammation and remove amyloid plaques from the brain. Also, curcumin has been shown to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays an important role in brain health. BDNF helps to promote the growth of new nerve cells and the development of new neural connections. Low levels of BDNF have been linked with cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
Overall, turmeric is a safe, versatile and powerful spice that can be used to improve your health in many different ways. If you’re not already using it, be sure to add it to your diet.
References:
(1) Aggarwal, Bharat B., et al. ” Curcumin: An orally bioavailable blocker of TNF and other proinflammatory biomarkers.” Molecules 18.12 (2013): 20855-20873.
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(3) Aggarwal, Bharat B., et al. ” Curcumin: The “scientifically proven” natural drug for multidimensional therapeutic activities.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology 378 (1995):269-297.
(4) Sinha, Rajesh, et al. ” Curcuminoids and depression.” Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition 16.Suppl 1 (2007): 15-19.
(5) Aggarwal, Bharat B., et al. ” Curcuminoids and dementia.” Advances in experimental medicine and biology 627 (2009): 191-199.