Turmeric has a bitter, warm taste and is usually used to color or flavor different food items. Along with turmeric, its most active compound, curcumin, is also beneficial for the human body in many ways. It is mostly used in Asia in countries like India and Pakistan.
With so many health benefits of turmeric, let’s take a look at why it is famous and commonly used as a flavoring:
Turmeric has bioactive compounds which exhibit powerful medicinal properties. The active compound curcumin in turmeric has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory compound that can help fight against chronic inflammation to prevent and even treat diseases. It works by blocking NF-kB that is a molecule responsible for inflammation. It might even be able to match the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs, and this is quite beneficial since you won’t need to take such drugs and get rid of their side effects.
Oxidative damage might cause aging and many diseases. Turmeric having powerful antioxidant effects can neutralize the free radicals that damage your body. Free radicals react with vital organic substances, such as DNA, proteins, or fatty acids. So, turmeric protects the body from free radicals and prevents aging-related diseases. Moreover, it also stimulates the antioxidant defenses of our body.
Turmeric can lower the risk of brain diseases and improve brain function. Curcumin is responsible for boosting the brain hormone BDNF; this, in turn, can increase new neurons’ growth and help fight several degenerative processes in the brain. Given that turmeric has a positive effect on BDNF levels, it might also improve your memory.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Curcumin in turmeric also proves to be good for the heart by helping to reverse different steps in the heart disease process. It improves the endothelium’s function since endothelial dysfunction can result in heart disease. It can happen by regulating blood clotting, blood pressure, and other factors.
By causing various changes on the molecular level, turmeric might prevent or probably even treat cancer. It positively affects the spread and growth of cancer at a molecular level.
The active compound in turmeric might cross the blood-brain barrier and become a fighting force against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing oxidative damage and inflammation. Additionally, curcumin helps in clearing amyloid plaques that cause Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric, being anti-inflammatory, can be great for arthritis patients. Curcumin treats the symptoms of joint inflammation in arthritis.
Turmeric is also used as an antidepressant. Depression reduces the levels of BDNF, and curcumin can reverse this reduction and help fight against this disease.
Turmeric usually doesn’t have side effects, but some people can experience diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, or an upset stomach.
Did you know why turmeric was famous before watching this video? If you didn’t, do you want to learn more about this popular ingredient? Let us know about your views in the comments below, and please don’t forget to share this video with your loved ones.
Until Next Time,
Team Doctor ASKY!