25 benefits of turmeric that you didn’t know about

Turmeric is a root vegetable from South Asia and belongs to the ginger family. This golden-coloured spice can readily be found in powder form in most supermarkets but can also be bought fresh from Asian shops and health stores. Turmeric is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and is known for its many health uses. In this blog we share with you 25 benefits of turmeric that you may not have known about.  

Why is turmeric so special?

Turmeric contains three different yellow pigments (curcuminoids) all of which have powerful antioxidant effects. The most bioactive element of the three is curcumin, which is the reason why researchers study it the most. As fresh and dried turmeric contains only 3% curcumin, supplement manufacturers usually extract and package curcumin capsules in concentrated doses of 500mg or higher. Researchers studying the effects of turmeric, usually look at supplements with a high concentration of curcumin.  


The 25 health benefits of turmeric  
(for scientific sources see at the end of blog)

  1. Has anti-inflammatory properties: very concentrated turmeric appears to be almost as effective as anti-inflammatory medication. 

  2. Fights cancer: many laboratory studies and animal tests have shown that turmeric can kill cancer cells in all stages of cancer (including metastasised states). More research is needed to establish how effective turmeric is in deterring cancer growth under humans.  

  3. Strengthens the immune system: turmeric stimulates the production of the protein cAMP, which helps to destroy bacteria, viruses and fungi.  

  4. Protects against heart and cardiovascular diseases: turmeric combats oxidative stress and inflammation of the blood vessels. In addition, turmeric contributes to the repair of elasticity of blood vessels and strengthens the endothelium (the inner tissue of blood and lymph vessels). When taking turmeric, the risk of a heart attack after a bypass operation is also reduced by 65%.

  5. Helps to lower cholesterol: researchers have established that turmeric contributes to lower total cholesterol levels as well as LDL cholesterol levels.

  6. Protects against candida: as turmeric fights mould and fungi, it also works against candida and is often even more effective than the antifungal medication fluconazole.

  7. May reduce anxiety: studies show that turmeric can bring relief to those suffering from anxiety.  

  8. Treats depression: various studies have revealed that turmeric can successfully treat serious depression and is as effective as well-known pharmaceutical antidepressants like Prozac.  

  9. Improves memory and learning ability: turmeric heightens concentration, spatial memory as well as short-term memory and learning ability as it prohibits fatty acid peroxidation in the brain.  

  10. Can prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s: turmeric improves the cognitive functions of people with Alzheimer’s, amongst others because it stops the development of plaque in the brain and stimulates the restoration of stem cells in the brain.   

  11. Beats chronic fatigue:  chronic fatigue is often caused by inflammatory reactions and turmeric is therefore a very useful treatment.

  12. Promotes good digestion: turmeric stops infections of the intestinal wall, supports the digestion of fats and can bring relief to those who suffer from stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.  

  13. Good for the liver: due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric keeps the liver healthy and supports it during natural detoxification.

  14. Protects against gallbladder conditions: turmeric promotes the production of bile and helps the gallbladder maintain healthy functioning.

  15. Helps when losing weight: turmeric prevents the creation of new fat cells and fat storage in the cells. In this way, turmeric can help people to lose weight and to maintain a healthy weight.  

  16. Slows down onset of diabetes type-2: researchers have found that when people who are pre-diabetic take turmeric, they are less likely to develop diabetes type-2. Turmeric is also believed to have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.

  17. Protects against the damage caused by fluoride: Water that contains fluoride can cause damage to the brain. But animal studies have shown that by taking turmeric, the negative neuro-degenerative effects of fluoride can be stopped.

  18. Prevents the damaging effects of acrylamide: acrylamide is formed when certain flour and sugar-based foods are cooked at high temperature (like, for instance, fried foods, cake as well as bread). This substance has been described by the World Health Organisation as “probably cancerous for humans”. Due to its powerful antioxidant properties, turmeric protects against the damaging effects of acrylamide, studies have shown.

  19. Protects against toxic substances: turmeric protects against the harmful effects of chemicals that we accidentally come into contact with on a daily basis; like bpa, parabens and pesticides.  

  20. Can bring relief to those with tinnitus: if the cause of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is caused by inflammation in the body, then turmeric can bring relief.  

  21. Effective pain relief: turmeric is very good at relieving pain and especially in treating chronic pain, like for instance those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism. Researchers have found that turmeric is even more effective than aspirin or other pain medication.  

  22. Helps with muscle pain: sportspeople can find much benefit from turmeric as it helps prevent muscle injury. 

  23. Offers relief for joint pain: Scientists have found that turmeric also brings pain relief to those who suffer from rheumatism, arthritis, arthrosis and joint pain. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. 

  24. Decreases sore throat: Turmeric soothes a sore throat and prevents it from getting worse. Simply stir some turmeric into a teaspoon of honey and swallow.  

  25. Ensures a healthy, glowing skin: Turmeric cleanses and detoxifies the skin and also has a moisturising effect that leaves a lovely glow. Turmeric can also be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory or non-inflammatory skin conditions like acne and an inflamed skin. 


 The simplest and best way to take turmeric daily  

      It is generally known that turmeric is not well absorbed by the body, but when taken in combination with black pepper, you can increase absorption by up to 20 times.  A simple way to optimally benefit from the good benefits of turmeric is by drinking Golden Milk. This spicy drink made according to an authentic Ayurvedic recipe is rich in turmeric and also contains black pepper and other various delicious spices. You could make Golden Milk yourself but it is much easier to simply take the Golden Milk Powder from Superfoodies. You only need to stir 2 or 3 teaspoons Golden Milk into a cup of nut or rice milk, then add 1 teaspoon of coconut, ghee or butter, (turmeric is fat soluble, and this increases absorption) and heat the mixture for a few minutes by stirring in a pot over medium heat. Before serving, add some sweetness with a dash of raw honey and your delicious and warm, healthy and spicy drink is ready to enjoy!

       

       

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