For centuries, turmeric has been revered not just as a vibrant culinary spice, but also as a powerful medicinal herb. This golden-hued root is a staple in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine, packed with compounds that offer a plethora of health benefits. So, if you’re looking to boost your well-being, it’s time to let turmeric shine in your diet! Let’s take a look at how…
The Powerhouse Compound: Curcumin
The magic behind turmeric’s therapeutic properties lies primarily in a group of compounds called curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most active and well-researched. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant and boasts incredible anti-inflammatory properties, which are at the heart of many chronic diseases.
Unveiling the Health Benefits:
A Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Chronic inflammation is a silent enemy, contributing to conditions like heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions. Curcumin effectively blocks NF-kB, a molecule that plays a significant role in inflammation. Studies have even shown curcumin to be as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs, but without the side effects.
Potent Antioxidant: Our bodies are constantly battling oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can accelerate ageing and disease. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralise these free radicals and even stimulate our body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
Boosts Brain Health: Curcumin has been shown to increase levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a type of growth hormone that functions in our brain. Decreased BDNF levels are linked to brain disorders, including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric may help to improve memory and mood, potentially delaying or reversing several brain diseases.
May Lower Risk of Heart Disease: Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Curcumin can improve the function of the endothelium, the lining of our blood vessels, which plays a major role in heart health. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, both of which are crucial for preventing heart disease.
Potential Cancer Fighter: While more research is needed, curcumin has been studied as a beneficial herb in cancer treatment. It can affect cancer growth, development, and spread at the molecular level, showing promise in reducing angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors), metastasis (spread of cancer), and even contributing to the death of cancerous cells.
Eases Joint Pain and Arthritis: Given its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is a popular supplement for those suffering from arthritis. Many studies show that curcumin can significantly reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
How To Incorporate Turmeric Into Your Diet:
If you’re ready to embrace the golden glow of turmeric, then here are some delicious and easy ways to include it in your daily routine:
- Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte): This comforting and warming drink is a fantastic way to enjoy turmeric. Simply warm milk, I prefer plant based, with a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper to enhance curcumin absorption, and a dash of cinnamon.
Tumeric Vitality: Bio-Fermented Turmeric
A quick and easy way that I incorporate tumeric into my daily diet is to take bio-fermented tumeric liquid which contains eight probiotic cultures and papaya extract which is rich in enzymes to support digestion – the silent cause of inflammation and joint pain. You simply pour a delicious 15ml serving, naturally flavoured with antioxidant-rich elderberry and maqui berries, making the liquid easy to absorb.
99% sugar-free, 100% natural with no artificial additives, preservatives, colourings, stabilisers or food acids, each high strength serving provides 1000mg of turmeric with 70mg of active curcuminoids, 5400mg papaya extract, 330mg ginger and 250mg black pepper. I take 1-2 servings per day, at the start of a meal, and drink it straight from the measuring cap provided. You can also dilute it with water or add it to a cool drink or smoothie if you prefer.
By fermenting the turmeric there is no need for digestion, as it’s immediately ready for the body to absorb. Having digestive issues since childhood, my IBS and twisted bowels affect my guts natural ability to absorb nutrients and so taking fermented turmeric with probiotic cultures mimics my own digestive process to activate and unlock its active compounds and is highly beneficial for me. How will you add, and reap the rewards, of tumeric in your day?
