Reasons to Love Turmeric
Turmeric Fights Inflammation and Joint Pain. The main ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin has shown an ability to help ease joint problems, in some cases as effectively as prescription drugs. Inflammation is tied to chronic disease of all kinds--making turmeric a dietary must-have as you age.
Turmeric May Boost Your Brainpower. Inflammation plays a role in dulled mental reactions, and here again researchers have been impressed by curcumin’s ability to enhance memory and cognition. Turmeric may also benefit the brain by improving cerebral blood flow. Scientists believe this spice may actually help slow the aging process overall.
Turmeric Tames Tummy Troubles. Ayurveda, India’s system of traditional medicine, has long used turmeric to improve digestion and dispel gas. This usage has been bolstered by studies showing the spice’s ability to promote GI healing. It has also exhibited a beneficial effect on health-promoting microbes in the intestines--a key point in turmeric’s favor, given what we’re learning about the gut microbiome and general well-being.
Turmeric Acts as an Antioxidant. Free radicals are rogue molecules--produced by normal biological processes along with exposure to toxins--that can go on a tissue-damage rampage. Turmeric can help tame this biological riot, thus helping to maintain cellular health.
Turmeric Fortifies Your Morning Cup. Want to supercharge your a.m. coffee or tea? Add turmeric, black pepper, and organic heavy cream (or coconut cream) to your brew. Or simmer turmeric in water for 20 minutes, then stir in some lemon juice, honey and ginger for a comforting immune booster.
Turmeric Has a Track Record. We need to document turmeric’s benefits through research, but remember that it has been used for 4,000 years and is eaten daily by millions. Turmeric wouldn’t have played such a central role in India’s food culture and healing lore for so long if it hadn’t proven its worth.
Source: Energy Times, September/October 2019
