Perks of including turmeric in your diet
Turmeric has been a major food ingredient throughout Southeast Asia, although it grows in most tropical regions of the world. Bearing the scientific name Curcuma longa, the active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which tastes bitter and earthy. Besides using in food, it’s a treatment for cuts, bruises and burns; cures stomach ailments and much more. The plant is a perennial herb and the plant part used are the rhizomes.
Turmeric is widely used in most countries in Indian subcontinent, and now scientists are backing up the fact that Indians had known for long—turmeric’s medicinal properties are anti-inflammatory and it’s a very strong anti-oxidant.
So what are the benefits of taking turmeric with your food on a regular basis? Here’s a few:
Natural anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a major reason of many diseases like metabolic syndrome, heart disease, arthritis and even cancer. Inflammation also has something to do with cognitive decline. It’s been seen that curcumin actually inactivates inflammation on a molecular level.
Lower the risk of lethal diseases
Curcumin can lower the risk of lethal diseases like cancer, heart disease etc. it improves endothelial function and reduces inflammation and free-radical damage. It can affect cancer growth, development and spreading at a molecular level. Studies have shown that curcumin can reduce the growth of cancerous cells in the lab and reduce tumour growth in test animals. Regular ingestion of turmeric might help prevent colorectal cancer in the first place.
Increases body’s anti-oxidant capacity
Research shows that turmeric increases anti-oxidant capacity of the body and helps fight free-radical damage. Its antioxidant properties protects skin from free radical damage caused by environmental pollutants. That is why it’s also popular as a skin mask in India too.
Boosts immune system
Turmeric’s amazing anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties boosts our immune system. It reduces histamine levels and curcumin has positive effects on liver tissue as well.
Although beneficial, you cannot always cook food with turmeric and the small amount as a spice or food ingredient might not be enough to work as a healthy supplement. The best solution to this is to take turmeric as diet supplement. Try Bio-Medicals’ organic turmeric capsules, made from a synergistic blend of turmeric, ginger, black pepper and Lactobacillus acidophilus for ultimate absorption!