10 Benefit of Turmeric
10 Benefits of Turmeric
By Okunlola Christiana Omolola
Turmeric provides advantages like its ability to reduce inflammation, fight oxidation, and promote heart, brain, and joint wellness. It could also assist with digestive health, safeguard the liver, and possess properties that may combat cancer and microbes.
- Reduces inflammation: Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are its most significant benefit, potentially helping with conditions linked to chronic inflammation.
- Supports brain health: Turmeric can cross the blood-brain barrier and has neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to delay age-related cognitive decline.
- Improves joint health: Its anti-inflammatory action is beneficial for managing arthritis and reducing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Aids heart health: It can improve endothelial function, lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, and help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
- Boosts digestive health: Turmeric can stimulate bile production and help with digestion, potentially alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
- Protects the liver: It has hepatoprotective effects, helping to protect the liver from damage from toxins, alcohol, and certain diseases.
- Combats cancer: Some research suggests curcumin can inhibit cancer cell growth, suppress metastasis, and induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells.
- May lower metabolic syndrome risk: Curcumin may help improve markers of metabolic syndrome, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Promotes healthy skin: Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help with conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
- May enhance immune function: Both turmeric and ginger have shown immune-boosting properties in some studies, although more research in humans is needed
