What are the Benefits of Turmeric?

What are the Benefits of Turmeric?

Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice that is increasingly being used as a healthy supplement. This ancient spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful healing properties. The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.

Its benefits range from reducing joint pain, and improving digestion, to boosting overall well-being. People have traditionally used turmeric for skin, turmeric for weight loss, and more. Here we discuss some of the fantastic benefits of this golden extract. So go ahead, add some turmeric to your life and experience its many benefits.

The general health benefits of turmeric

Turmeric is now among the most studied spice, with more than 7000 research articles published to date. However, before we explore its health benefits further, it is vital to understand that most of its health benefits are due to the yellow-colored compound curcumin. However, turmeric may have some additional benefits, too, as it contains many other compounds.

Natural anti-inflammatory

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory agent due to the presence of curcumin, its active ingredient. Research has shown that it may effectively reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric for inflammation is a safe and natural alternative to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.1

Powerful antioxidant

Curcumin has been found to have strong antioxidant activity and can help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Thus, regular turmeric intake or supplementation may help prevent chronic health disorders and be good for those living with metabolic health issues. It also has a role in slowing down aging.2

Reduces joint discomfort and joint pain

Studies have found that curcumin can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may also help to slow down the progression of these conditions and improve joint function. Some studies suggest that it is comparable to some popular anti-inflammatory drugs for joint pain.3,4 Since taking turmeric daily may be challenging, one way could be using Zengko Joint Support Supplement, as it is highly bioavailable and convenient to use.

Other benefits of turmeric

It would be unwise to consider turmeric as something that is merely good for reducing inflammation or joint disorders. It has a range of beneficial health effects, and most people are still unaware of its many health effects.

Men’s Health

Turmeric can reduce inflammation and even help normalize hormone levels. Thus, one of the most extensive systemic reviews found that it could be quite good for prostate health. It may improve bladder emptying, reduce urination frequency, and have many other benefits.5

Similarly, it appears that turmeric can boost improve male sexual health and boost libido. It may help by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. It is especially good for boosting sexual function in those living with chronic health disorders.6

Heart health

Turmeric is believed to be beneficial for heart health due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies have found that curcumin can help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, and improve endothelial function, which is essential for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. It may also help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the formation of plaques in the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. Curcumin has also been found to have blood-thinning properties, which may be beneficial for preventing blood clots and reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 7,8

Fight depression

Turmeric has been studied for its potential in managing depression. Curcumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the brain and hence depression. It may also affect the levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a role in mood regulation. Though there are few studies in this direction, nonetheless, a meta-analysis of studies confirms that it is good for mental health9

Cognitive health or Alzheimer’s prevention

Curcumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may be beneficial for reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. Studies have found that curcumin may also help to clear amyloid beta plaques. Curcumin has also been found to affect memory and cognitive function in people positively.10

Curcumin is especially good when used with black pepper extract

One of the issues with turmeric is the low bioavailability of its active compound, curcumin. Traditionally, people in countries like India have used curcumin along with other spices like black pepper. Now, new studies show that taking turmeric with black pepper may enhance its bioavailability by as much as twenty times.11,12

To summarize, turmeric has many health benefits. It is not just about curcumin for joint pain but has many other incredible health effects. However, taking natural turmeric every day may be challenging. Hence, one may use turmeric supplements. One such high-quality turmeric supplement is Zengko Joint Support. Though it is specifically crafted for joint health, it has numerous health benefits.

References

  1. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009;14(2):141-153.
  2. Gopinath H, Karthikeyan K. Turmeric: A condiment, cosmetic and cure. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology. 2018;84(1):16. doi:10.4103/ijdvl.IJDVL_1143_16
  3. Daily JW, Yang M, Park S. Efficacy of Turmeric Extracts and Curcumin for Alleviating the Symptoms of Joint Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016;19(8):717-729. doi:10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
  4. Chin KY. The spice for joint inflammation: anti-inflammatory role of curcumin in treating osteoarthritis. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2016;10:3029-3042. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S117432
  5. Bagherniya M, Askari G, Alikiaii B, et al. Curcumin for the Treatment of Prostate Diseases: A Systematic Review of Controlled Clinical Trials. In: Guest PC, ed. Studies on Biomarkers and New Targets in Aging Research in Iran: Focus on Turmeric and Curcumin. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Springer International Publishing; 2021:345-362. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-56153-6_20
  6. Akinyemi AJ, Adedara IA, Thome GR, et al. Dietary supplementation of ginger and turmeric improves reproductive function in hypertensive male rats. Toxicology Reports. 2015;2:1357-1366. doi:10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.10.001
  7. Wongcharoen W, Phrommintikul A. The protective role of curcumin in cardiovascular diseases. International Journal of Cardiology. 2009;133(2):145-151. doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.01.073
  8. Li H, Sureda A, Devkota HP, et al. Curcumin, the golden spice in treating cardiovascular diseases. Biotechnology Advances. 2020;38:107343. doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2019.01.010
  9. Ng QX, Koh SSH, Chan HW, Ho CYX. Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2017;18(6):503-508. doi:10.1016/j.jamda.2016.12.071
  10. Hamaguchi T, Ono K, Yamada M. REVIEW: Curcumin and Alzheimer’s Disease. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. 2010;16(5):285-297. doi:10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00147.x
  11. Suresh D, Srinivasan K. Tissue distribution & elimination of capsaicin, piperine & curcumin following oral intake in rats. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2010;131(5).
  12. Aller LL. What about bioavailability of oral curcumin? CMAJ. 2019;191(15):E427-E427. doi:10.1503/cmaj.71708
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