For thousands of years the health benefits of turmeric have been widely celebrated in India, but they’ve only recently emerged and are starting to become known in America. The colorful, orange-yellow spice has traditionally been used in many Indian dishes, most notably curries, and comes in powder form. Most of the world’s supply is grown in India where the Turmeric plant’s roots are gathered, boiled, and dried in super hot ovens.
Once fully dry they’re ground down into a fine powder that’s very strong and easily stains whatever it comes into contact with, which is why it’s also often used as a dye agent. While turmeric’s most widespread and common use is as a spice for flavoring foods, the health benefits that it can provide us with are increasingly being touted by health experts.
Backed by recent studies and ancient Ayurvedic medicine, they claim that if you eat a little bit of turmeric each day, about a teaspoon or so, you can help your body fight off inflammation, pain, aging, even some cancers, and more.
This is mainly due in part to the most active compound turmeric contains, which is called curcumin. Curcumin is what makes turmeric anti-inflammatory and it helps to fight free radicals, plaque, and other toxins in your body. However, it should be noted that our bodies are not that great at absorbing curcumin by itself. This can easily be overcome by adding a little bit of black pepper in with the turmeric, which has the effect of greatly increasing our bodies absorption ability.
Here are a few of the best health and beauty benefits that turmeric can provide:
1. Brain Support Boost- Turmeric helps keep brains healthy and functioning properly. Researchers have found that curcumin, the main bio-active ingredients found in turmeric, can cross the blood-brain barrier and bind directly with plaque. It’s been found to have a positive effect on overall cognitive function and may delay or even reverse certain brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Relief- The curcumin found in turmeric is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that works just as well, if not better, than many of the current anti-inflammatory drugs available. It can help ease inflammation and swelling due to inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, arthritis, pancreatitis and many other diseases.
To help alleviate the painful symptoms of arthritis and aching, inflamed joints try making turmeric tea. Simply simmer 4 cups of water with one teaspoon of ground turmeric for 10 minutes before straining into a mug. In addition, try adding some fresh ginger to the hot tea for a flavor boost as well as an extra inflammatory-fighting agent.
3. Aids in Cardiovascular Health- Once again the curcumin naturally found in turmeric is what works to remove built up plaque in our arteries and thus helps to prevent blood clots from forming. It helps our whole cardiovascular system and can effectively reduce levels of bad cholesterol (LDL).
4. Improves Digestion- The curcumin in it has powerful anti-inflammation effects and works to ease and reduce bloating, gas, and other digestive tract problems. It also stimulates the gall bladder, so people with gall bladder disease should avoid turmeric in a daily basis to avoid the risk of over-stimulation.
5. Whiten Teeth and Improve Oral Health- Turmeric has proven antimicrobial effects and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to whiten teeth naturally, safely, effectively, and cheaply, but more importantly, it helps with a number of other oral issues like tooth sensitivity. It won’t irritate swollen gums further like many commercial grade toothpastes tend to.
Instead, turmeric reduces overall irritation and sensitivity and helps with tooth aches, gum reddening, oral infections, and more. It also helps to strengthen teeth and prevent them from becoming brittle. You can make turmeric mouthwash at home by simply dissolving turmeric powder in warm water. To make a whitening toothpaste mix together 1 tbsp coconut oil with 1 tsp turmeric and a few drops of peppermint oil. Pick up a little bit with your toothbrush and start brushing.
6. Acne and Facial Treatment- Zits, acne, redness, dark spots or under eye circles, unwanted facial hair, wrinkles, if you have any one of the those facial skin issues then try treating them with this turmeric face mask. The natural anti-fungal properties of turmeric help prevent breakouts and the almond oil helps to heal acne scars. In a small bowl mix together 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tbsp almond oil, and as much milk as it takes to get a creamy consistency that’s not too runny or thick.
Apply it to your face but be extra careful to avoid your eyes, eyebrows, and hairline since it works to remove facial hair and can take your brows off. Leave on for 20 minutes, wash it off with lukewarm water and use a towel you don’t mind ruining or getting all yellow to wipe any remaining bits off your face. Wash a second time with face wash, pat dry and moisturize. WARNING- turmeric will stain almost anything it comes into contact with including your hands and nails, counter tops and towels.
There are more positive health effects that can be gained from eating a teaspoon or so of turmeric everyday. Try working it into meals and it tastes great in soups, stir fries, and smoothies so sprinkle a bit on your dinner tonight and start using it to flavor recipes. Also try out the beauty treatments covered above for glowing skin and a bright healthy smile!
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