The top 5 benefits of turmeric
By Louise Belle BHSc (Nut Med)
More than likely, at some point in your life, you have used the beautifully orange-coloured spice that gives that zing to your favourite curry dish. Turmeric has been used in Indian and Asian cuisine and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is from the same family as ginger. In recent years, research for the medicinal use of turmeric has been growing, and it is becoming more apparent that we should all be integrating turmeric into our regular diets. The magic substance (active constituent) in turmeric that makes it so beneficial to our health, is called curcumin. It is this curcumin that is responsible for turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant ability.
These are the top 5 benefits
1. Reduced inflammation
Turmeric has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric has been studied on its ability to reduce inflammatory markers, in many different types of inflammatory disorders. Curcumin works on the same pathway as anti-inflammatory drugs, targeting the COX-2 enzymes to reduce inflammation. Anyone with an inflammatory disorder will benefit from using turmeric, and it’s a great alternative to taking regular anti-inflammatory drugs.
2. Cholesterol lowering and heart health
Studies suggest that turmeric can help to naturally lower cholesterol in the body and can help to prevent the build-up of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Turmeric is also a natural blood thinner, which helps to prevent blood clots and support healthy blood pressure. Due to the fact that inflammation is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease- turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation in the body may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
3. Reduced joint pain
Turmeric can be beneficial to those with arthritis to help relieve joint swelling, joint pain and improve joint mobility. Studies have shown that turmeric can help to reduce inflammation in the joints and is beneficial to those with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Turmeric can also be used to reduce overall pain symptoms and could be used in replacement or alongside of regular pain medication. Paracetamol for example, is toxic to the liver and places a lot of additional strain on it. Try taking the natural route where possible. The combination of turmeric, green lipped mussel and black pepper found in Natural Pain Manager capsules, can help to relieve joint pain.
4. Improved mood
It has become more apparent that inflammation in the brain can contribute to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are all too common in today’s society. Studies have shown that turmeric extract (curcumin) can improve overall mood. This could be due to turmeric’s ability to reduce inflammation and oxidation in the body. Start using turmeric and spice up your life.
5. Strengthens liver health
Turmeric helps to protect the liver against damage caused by free radicals, toxins, alcohol and waste products and supports healthy liver detoxification. By clearing out excess cholesterol, turmeric may help to reduce fatty deposits in the liver and can help to reduce liver inflammation. As turmeric will help you to reduce your use of anti-inflammatory and pain medication, you will be reducing the stress on your liver, and further improving your liver health. Your liver will love you for it! When choosing a liver tonic, ensure it contains turmeric (or curcumin) to give your liver the best possible support. Livatone Plus contains curcumin, along with nutrients and herbs for liver support.
References
Akram, M et al. 2010 Curcuma Longa And Curcumin: A Review Article, Romanian Journal of Biology, Volume 55, No.2, pp 65-70.
Lopresti, A et al. 2014 Curcumin for the treatment of major depression: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled study, Journal of Affective Disorders, Vol.167, pp 368-375.
Rivera-Espinoza, Y & Muriel, P 2009 Pharmacological actions of curcumin in liver disease or damage, Liver International, pp. 1457-1466.
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