Have you heard about this amazing spice? Turmeric is often used to provide flavor to our dishes and lots of health benefits to our body. Ever since I became a certified master transformational nutrition coach, I changed the way I cooked and tried to look for healthier ingredients.
One of the top recommendations I got from friends was turmeric. I made my research and learned more about it. I discovered that besides being an outstanding spice, its properties allow it to control acne, bruising, eye infection, among others, making it the perfect partner in crime for those who struggle with skin issues.
Finding out this grew my interest in knowing more about it. Why is it so healthy? What else can it do? Can it be considered a natural remedy?
One of the main ingredients of turmeric is curcumin, which happens to be the first response to provide benefits to our health due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The Arthritis Foundation(1) has shared several studies that revealed the positive impact of turmeric on reducing inflammation. Likewise, the popular golden spice has been used as a treatment joint pain, heartburn, liver illnesses, and stomach related issues.
Feeling down or forgetful? Turmeric may help you with that! Studies have shown the effects of Asian herb on our mood and memory. Turmeric’s component, curcumin, helps improve mental health by enhancing the production of glutathione and balancing serotonin and dopamine.
A research conducted by the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry examined the effects of curcumin on memory performance. The results were impressive. Read the study here.
Studies have shown that curcumin improves the function of the endothelium, which is known to be the lining of your blood vessels. Turns out that this is one of the key factors to keep you safe from heart issues.
Though it’s not considered the main cause of heart disease, endothelial dysfunction is a major driver of it, which is why adding turmeric to your meals may be a great option if you want to keep your heart healthy and strong.
Turns out that this natural Asian spice is a great solution for those who seek a healthy digestive system. Curcumin boosts the secretion of stomach mucus, which is the primary defense against damage from gastric acid. It also supports digestion by pushing the food through the intestines, lowering the risk of developing bloat.
On the other hand, curcumin has been known to support a healthy colon, which is essential to gut health. Curcumin promotes a balance between the microbiota and the immune response in the colon, as it also facilitates the colonic crypts — glands on the inner surface of the colon — to regenerate. This can be especially beneficial for those who suffer from leaky gut.
As you may know by now, Turmeric contains antioxidant components that promote skin health. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from destroying the texture and elasticity of our skin, making them essential in our lives.
As a curious fact, Turmeric got the sixth position in the list of herbs and spices with the highest antioxidants, under cloves and cinnamon. That’s why if you want to keep your skin smooth and glowing, you may want to consider adding turmeric to your grocery list.
Now that you know these interesting facts about turmeric, I encourage you to look for ingredients – foods that can help you stay healthy along the way. These discoveries about turmeric made me more interested in knowing what’s in my food, that’s why I’ve prepared a simple and handy grocery list for you with some ingredients that will help you build your wellness journey.
[Also Read: Side Effects of Turmeric ]
Andrea Caprio, Master Certified Transformational Nutrition coach
My name is Andrea Caprio and I am a Master Certified Transformational Nutrition coach (CTNC and Emotional Eating Expert. I help entrepreneurs to beat emotional eating so they can finally get to their perfect weight, feel confident and energetic.
Website: www.wellnessmethods.com