5 Health Benefits Of Turmeric

When my lovely friend returned from a trip to Istanbul, she brought me one of the best souvenirs ever. Nope, not a magnet…ground turmeric! She handed me this little jar of yellowish colored spice and said, “Here is the real thing!” Seriously, I was excited! Turmeric is a culinary spice common in Asian cuisine and curries, but you might know it best for giving American mustard its bright yellow color. That yellow color actually comes from a powerful antioxidant inside the plant called curcumin. Turmeric has a long history of use in herbal remedies in China, India, and Indonesia, and many studies have been done on turmeric and curcumin’s health benefits. Unfortunately, a squeeze of yellow mustard on your ballpark hotdog isn’t going to do the trick. To reap this healthy spice’s benefits, make space between the cinnamon and the oregano and add turmeric to your spice collection!

A jar of fresh Turmeric from Turkey.

THIS FOR LATER

Health Benefits

1) Anti-Inflammatory

If you know anything about turmeric already, “anti-inflammatory” is likely the buzzword you’ve heard. The spice has long been touted as one of nature’s best inflammation fighting foods. In a study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, the patients found improvements in morning stiffness, walking time, and joint swelling after two of weeks of curcumin supplementation, the active ingredient in turmeric. These results were comparable to those patients who took phenylbutazone, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, for two weeks.

2) Cancer Prevention

Several animal and laboratory studies have found that curcumin demonstrated anti-cancer effects in the lab, according to the American Cancer Society. In the studies, different types of cancer cells were inhibited by curcumin, and curcumin slowed the growth and spread of some cancers. The American Cancer Society notes that clinical trials are underway to find out if it can help humans as well.

3) Liver and Digestive Health

Turmeric has been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestion and liver disorders for centuries. Curcumin stimulates production of bile in the gallbladder. Bile is used by our liver to eliminate toxins and helps rejuvenates liver cells that break down harmful compounds. This bile in our gallbladder may also help improve digestion. Turmeric root is actually on the Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) list of approved herbs used for dyspepsia (upset stomach) according to the American Cancer Society.

Related: What Is The Best Digestive Health Product For You?

4) Healthy Heart

In a University of Maryland Medical Center review on turmeric, early studies suggest that the spice may help prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that can block arteries and lead to a heart attack or stroke. In animal studies, an extract of turmeric lowered cholesterol levels and kept LDL “bad” cholesterol from building up in blood vessels.

5) Potential Alzheimer’s Aid

India’s low incidence of Alzheimer’s (less than one-quarter of that of the United States’ rate among people aged 70 to 79) may be related to a particular intake of specific foods. That particular intake of food? Curry. And what do we know about curry? Ding ding ding—turmeric is a main ingredient! While animal studies have found that curcumin has decreased inflammation and oxidative damage which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease, larger controlled studies need to be done for humans according to the Linus Pauling Institute.

A market in Turkey with tables of fresh and colorful spices like cinnamon and Turmeric.

The market in Turkey where my friend bought the turmeric. Look at all those beautiful fresh spices!

Related: 5 Forbidden Foods That Are Making A Comeback

How To Get Turmeric Into Your Diet

1) Tea Time

Yes, the spice that goes in curry doesn’t sound like the perfect tea pairing, but give it a sip before you say nay. You can buy tea bags that contain turmeric or make your own using the spice.

Try Dr. Andrew Weil’s turmeric tea recipe:

1) Bring four cups of water to a boil.

2) Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.

3) Strain the turmeric water through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey, lemon, and/or ginger to taste.