The Surprising Health Benefits of Turmeric (Curcumin)

There’s a lot more to this popular Indian spice than just its vibrant yellow hue. Turmeric or haldi as it is commonly called in India, not only makes all our curries palatable and flavourful but it also has healing properties. Turmeric has been used as a medicinal ingredient in ayurvedic medicines for blood pressure for centuries in India, it contains Curcumin and the health benefits of Curcumin are that it is anti-inflammatory and also a strong antioxidant. Uses of turmeric have now become popular all across the globe as a superfood because of the health benefits.

Here Are Some Of The Important Health Benefits Of Turmeric

1. Helps Fight Cancer

In a disease such as cancer, chronic inflammation is one of the major underlying factors. The curcumin chemical found in turmeric contains strong anti-inflammatory properties, which prevents certain types of cancers by reducing cancerous cells and angiogenesis as proved by certain studies, therefore a turmeric medicinal use includes preventing the further spread of cancer.

2. Helps Slow Down Skin Ageing

Another benefit of curcumin in turmeric is strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help prevent cell damage as they boost the activity of our body’s antioxidant enzymes. Turmeric is therefore used to fight off those dark spots and to prevent ageing and wrinkles in the skin. It heals many skin related issues like scars, psoriasis, oily skin and eczema.

3. Helps Fight Depression

Some studies have proved that curcumin works as an antidepressant. It has incredible benefits when it comes to fighting depression. Curcumin is known to increase the BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) levels and boosting the brain neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.

4. Helps Lower Heart Diseases

As the health benefits of turmeric include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is known to improve the function of the endothelium or the lining of the blood vessels. Studies have shown that the Curcumin chemical present in turmeric is very effective in decreasing the risk of a heart attack.

5. Helps Prevent Glaucoma

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness especially in people over 60. There have been scientific reports that the anti-oxidant property found in turmeric helps to protect the eyes against such degeneration. 

6. Helps Fight Flu and Colds

Having antiviral properties is another benefit of curcumin that can combat anything from cold symptoms to more serious influenza infections. Haldi milk or turmeric milk is something that has been recommended over generations to fight a pesky cold and to prevent viral infections naturally!

7. Helps Boost Immunity 

The anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral, properties found in turmeric is known to boost immunity levels and protect our body from a variety of infections. It’s no wonder that our grandmothers highly recommend taking a teaspoon full of turmeric in a glass of warm milk every day!

A tablespoon of turmeric contains minerals such as phosphorus, manganese, and potassium as well as a host of nutrients that keep you healthy and strong, so why not add this magic spice to your diet every day! For more great health and fitness tips you can visit the Nutrition and Fitness pages on the Activ Living Blog. You can also make use of the Health Tools on your journey to a healthier life.