Benefits of Turmeric For Your Body

For thousands of years, turmeric has been used in India and other parts of Asia as a spice and medicinal herb.

More recently, studies have confirmed what the Eastern world has known for centuries: Turmeric is one of the most powerful nutritional supplements in nature. 

That’s why turmeric is one of the all-natural and organic ingredients included in Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar, a recipe renowned for its ancient health benefits. Together, turmeric and the recipe’s other ingredients have over 500 known health benefits.

What is turmeric?

 

Turmericis a bright yellow spice that is one of the main ingredients of curry powder. It’s grown throughout India and found in other parts of Asia and Central America. 

The primary active ingredients of turmeric, called curcuminoids, give the spice its signature shade of yellow. They are used to add color to cosmetics and food. A type of curcuminoid called curcumin provides significant health benefits. 

Also called Indian saffron, turmeric is used in Ayurveda, a type of traditional medicine in South Asia. Today, the plant’s underground stems, called rhizomes, are made into tablets, capsules, and extracts. Turmeric is also used as a dietary supplement to treat a variety of conditions. 

Health Benefits of Turmeric

 

Research shows that turmeric offers an impressive number of health benefits. Let’s look at a few ways the “Miracle of the East” can give your health a boost. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Inflammation plays a role in chronic diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and a range of degenerative conditions. Fighting inflammation can prevent or potentially even treat these diseases.

Curcumin blocks nuclear factor kappa B, or NF-kB, a protein complexthat plays a role in regulating the immune response to infection. NF-kB has been studied as a biomarker for inflammation. Studies show that suppressing NF-kB limits the body’s production of proinflammatory gene expression, reducing the level of inflammation.

In fact, studiesindicate that curcumin is a more effective anti-inflammatory than aspirin or ibuprofen. It is being intensively studied as a way to prevent and/or treat heart disease, various types of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and more. 

Antioxidant Abilities

Turmeric produces an antioxidant effect that neutralizes free radicalsand boosts the activity of your body’s antioxidant enzymes. 

Free radicals are waste substances that can damage cells and body function. Antioxidants prevent or slow the harm caused by free radicals.

Turmeric’s antioxidant effect can prevent harmful toxins from damaging the liver. This can be helpful for people who take medication for diabetes or other health conditions that may cause liver damage. 

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric aid in digestion. It can reduce gas and bloating and is being explored as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. 

Disease Prevention and Treatment

Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are two major reasons turmeric may treat and prevent diseases, but that’s not all. 

The number one cause of death in the world, heart disease, can be defended against with turmeric(specifically curcumin). 

This is partly because of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric. However, the spice also improves the function of the endothelium. The endothelium is the lining of the blood vessels. It’s responsible for regulating blood pressure and blood clotting, and endothelial dysfunction is one of the top causes of heart diseases.

Studies show that the effectiveness of curcumin in improving endothelial function is comparable to exerciseand the medication atorvastatin(Lipitor). It has been shown to reduce the number of heart attacksbypass patients experienced after surgery. 

Curcumin has also demonstrated anticancer potential. Research indicates that it impacts the development, spread, and growth of cancer at the molecular level. 

There’s evidence that curcumin helps prevent cancer, especially cancers of the digestive system. It’s frequently cited as a factor in the low incidence of bowel cancer in India. 

Alzheimer’s disease, too, may be prevented with curcumin. In addition to addressing inflammation and oxidative damage, which play a role in the disease, curcumin helps clearthe buildup of protein tangles called amyloid plaques. 

People with rheumatoid arthritis have responded wellto curcumin in numerous studies as well.

More research is needed on turmeric’s disease-fighting capabilities. Still, studies suggest that it can prevent or treat heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, and other age-related chronic diseases. 

Pain Reduction

Another benefit of reducing inflammation is relieving pain. So far, most of the research on turmeric and pain relief is related to arthritis pain.

For instance, one studyacknowledged that turmeric was as effective as ibuprofen (Advil) in reducing pain and improving function for people with arthritis in their knees. 

Minor studies have also suggested that turmeric may help reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome(PMS), dental pain, tendonitis, and postoperative pain and fatigue. 

Brain Booster

Curcumin increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), a growth hormone that drives the increase and multiplication of neurons in the brain.

Brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and depression have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF. This is why turmeric is being explored as a treatment for both Alzheimer’s and depression. 

In one study, 60 people with depression were randomized into three groups: one that took Prozac, one that took curcumin, and a third that took both Prozac and curcumin. The first two groups saw similar results. The third group, which took both Prozac and curcumin, demonstrated the most improvement.

Curcumin’s ability to boost BDNF can also reverse the effects of stress-related behavior, release serotonin and dopamine, and improve memory and brain function. 

Oral Health and Hygiene

A 2012 studyshowed that curcumin helps removes plaque, bacteria, and inflammation, which may prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

As mentioned above, turmeric has also been useful in treating dental pain. It’s sometimes used in products that whiten teeth and as an ingredient in mouthwash to reduce plaque. 

Turmeric and Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar

 

In Blazing Apple Cider Vinegar, turmeric is blended with other all-natural, organic ingredients that are powerful health boosters. These include:

 

• Citrus fruit
• Garlic
• Raw horseradish root
• Jalapenos
• Onions
• Ginger
• Thyme

In combination with these ingredients, the benefits of turmeric are multiplied. Citrus, for example, is also helpful for heart health and may fight and prevent cancer. Jalapenos help prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease. Garlic has antioxidant properties, and onions have anti-inflammatory powers that may reduce cancer risk. Ginger, too, has anti-cancer properties and reduces inflammation.

With these other superfoods, turmeric’s many significant benefits are magnified. 

Final Thoughts: Benefits of Turmeric

For centuries, turmeric has been used for its medical properties in Asia and other parts of the world. Now, studies are showing that turmeric is indeed a potent health supplement with a surprising number of benefits.

The benefits of turmeric include:

 

• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Antioxidant properties
• Pain reduction
• Improved memory and brain function
• Reducing plaque and improving oral health and hygiene

Studies suggest that turmeric can prevent or treat heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, depression, arthritis, gum disease and gingivitis, and more. It can slow the effects of aging and increase longevity. 

With such substantial health-improving and life-extending properties, it’s no wonder that turmeric has been called the “Miracle of the East.”