10 Health Benefits of Curcumin In Turmeric

Turmeric might not seem like a big deal. It’s used in curries to add a touch of peppery aroma and a golden color to the brew, but it seems like Turmeric might actually be able to add a whole lot more to your life than just some flavor to your food.

Why You Should Be Paying Attention

Turmeric, and more specifically the Curcumin found in Turmeric is a powerful natural health aid.

It’s an antioxidant, antiviral, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herb that also brings protein, fiber, Vitamins E and K, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and potassium to the table.

Still not sure that this ancient herb can be beneficial to your health? Take a look at these 10 proven health benefits of Turmeric!

1. It can prevent blood clotting.

Those suffering from deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism might be treated with prescription medications such as Warfarin. The curcumin found in turmeric may be a successful treatment against blood clotting, making it far more effective than aspirin to keep the blood thin.

2. It can prevent depression.

A study done on the Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin lent credibility that turmeric may be just as effective at treating and preventing depression as common prescription medications are. It also didn’t cause patients to suffer from a lack of libido nor did it invoke insomnia.

3. It’s one of the most potent anti-inflammatory compounds out there.

Curcumin’s ability to control inflammation is why so many natural health gurus are still turning to turmeric to treat a wide range of diseases. Inflammation might be the single biggest cause of all diseases known to man; it’s the culprit of man’s health downfall. Arthritis, cancer, and high cholesterol have all got one thing in common: it’s caused by inflammation. Curcumin has been found to be a safe and effective anti-inflammatory treatment for a wide range of diseases.

4. It can treat arthritis.

We just mentioned that turmeric can help prevent inflammation, and as you know, arthritis is caused, at the root, by inflammation. Curcumin also has the ability to reduce pain and swelling, and as shown by this 2012 study, it can be used as an alternative treatment for arthritis.

5. It can be used to treat cancer.

Cancer Research UK found that curcumin may help to prevent the growth of new cancer cells. The effects of these studies have been best observed in the cases of breast cancer, bowel cancer, skin cancer, and stomach cancer cells. Curcumin may have the ability to stop the development and spread of cancer cells in the body. More research is needed but initial research is promising.

6. It can fight premature aging and combat age-related chronic disease.

Curcumin has the ability to promote longevity since it addresses two key factors of premature aging: oxidation and inflammation. This study shows that turmeric can be used as a natural remedy to prevent age-related diseases and might also ward off premature aging. It’s also often used topically in face masks and other beauty products, leaving skin glowing. A word of caution, if you do use it on your face or in a scrub spot test it first as some find it can actually stain skin!

7. It can help diabetics manage their condition.

Insulin resistance and lowering blood sugar levels can be naturally treated with the help of turmeric. In this study, Curcumin was shown to help prevent diabetes in pre-diabetics.

8. Turmeric can manage and treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease

IBS, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are all conditions that cause digestive problems and stomach issues for those suffering from the conditions. Curcumin has been found as an effective treatment to help relieve pain, promote gut healing and boost the growth of probiotics in the digestive tract.

9. It can treat high cholesterol.

One of the main causes of heart disease happens to be high cholesterol levels. Diabetics are also at risk of high LDL cholesterol (the bad one) levels since they are prone to oxidative stress. Medical drugs like Lipitor can cause damage to the kidneys and the liver.

Curcumin, on the other hand, has demonstrated that is can help to lower cholesterol. Turmeric reduces oxidative stress and also treats inflammation, which can help prevent the risk of high cholesterol levels.

10. Turmeric relieves pain.

Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is widely known for its ability to relieve pain. Curcumin has the ability to relieve pain and can be used as a safe alternative to over-the-counter painkillers.

Sources of Curcumin

As you can see, the health benefits of curcumin in turmeric are amazing. Obviously, the best way to use turmeric is by consuming the fresh roots.  You may be able to find these at your local health market or Asian market, but if that is not an option for you, there are alternative sources of turmeric. Here are a few natural and effective turmeric extract you can get from Amazon:

• Organic Curcumin Turmeric Extract
• Organic Turmeric Liquid Root Extract
• Organic Sliced Turmeric Roots