Is Turmeric Good For Inflammation and Other Health Issues? What is Turmeric Good For?

What is turmeric good for? Southeast Asian native turmeric is a dark, golden-orange spice that is frequently used in food and as a nutritional supplement. Curcumin, a polyphenol with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, is present in it.^[1] You might wonder if turmeric is a superfood with so many health advantages to talk about. Turmeric is full of several nutrients that are good for your health, such as potassium, vitamin C, iron, and manganese. Besides these minerals, it is also known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities because of the active ingredient, curcumin, which may help with a variety of medical issues. Because of this, turmeric has unquestionably become a food essential to maintain a prolonged healthspan.

Studies have suggested that turmeric may be beneficial for treating or preventing diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver disease, depression, allergies, respiratory infections, arthritis, digestive issues, and liver infections.^[2] It might also be beneficial for the variety of symptoms linked to irritable bowel syndrome.^[3]

 

CONTENTS

• 1. Curcumin in Turmeric is Its Active Natural Chemical Component
• 2. Turmeric May Help Lower Hypertension
• 3. Turmeric is Anti-Inflammatory and May Aid in Heart Disease, Arthritis, Depression, and Skin Disorders
• 4. Turmeric May Aid in Brain-Related Disorders
• 5. Turmeric May Lessen the Risk of Cancer
• 6. Video: What is Turmeric Good For

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Curcumin in Turmeric is Its Active Natural Chemical Component

Curry powder commonly contains the spice turmeric, which contains the natural chemical curcumin as its active component. Curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics that may be helpful in the management of inflammation.^[4] Studies have shown that turmeric and its active ingredient, curcumin, may have potential health advantages, including the prevention of diseases like cancer and heart disease, the reduction of arthritis-related joint pain and stiffness^[5], the improvement of mood disorders, depression, and dementia, and the promotion of longevity. Dietary supplements manufactured from dried rhizomes of turmeric often include a blend of curcuminoids.^[6] Additionally, turmeric paste is prepared for use on skin issues. The health benefits of compounds derived from turmeric have, however, been the subject of extensive research.

Turmeric May Help Lower Hypertension

Curcumin (turmeric’s active compound) is helpful for hypertension.^[7] The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin aid in lowering blood pressure.^[7] By blocking an enzyme that narrows blood vessels and expanding and relaxing the blood arteries, it also aids in decreasing hypertension. Curcumin lowers blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels, both of which can increase blood pressure. When taken for extended periods, curcumin/turmeric may lower systolic blood pressure (SBP), according to a systematic review and meta-analysis.^[8]

Turmeric is Anti-Inflammatory and May Aid in Heart Disease, Arthritis, Depression, and Skin Disorders

Many of the health advantages of turmeric, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities, have been scientifically demonstrated.^[9] Curcumin (which is a polyphenol) has been found to target many signaling molecules and also exhibit cellular activity. It is a very potent antioxidant and has potent anti-inflammatory properties.^[10]

According to studies, curcumin can aid in reducing oxidation and inflammation, both of which have been linked to heart disease. Inflammation-related disorders like arthritis, depression, and other diseases might benefit from it. Additionally, because of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant characteristics, turmeric may be a successful treatment for skin diseases like acne and eczema. Because of its ability to shield the body from free radicals, curcumin may also function as an anti-aging supplement.^[11]

Turmeric May Aid in Brain-Related Disorders

According to research, turmeric may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).^[12] Short-term curcumin/turmeric supplementation increases serum BDNF in adult men and women, according to a comprehensive review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.^[13]

Curcumin also reversed the depressive-like behavior that corticosterone induced in rats and reduced the amounts of BDNF in their brains, according to a study that was published in the journal Behavioural Brain Research. The levels of BDNF were positively impacted by pro/synbiotic supplementation, according to another study that was published in Food Function.^[14]

There is evidence that turmeric may raise BDNF levels overall. More study is necessary to support this, though.

Turmeric May Lessen the Risk of Cancer

There is currently no conclusive evidence in humans that turmeric, or its active ingredient curcumin, can prevent or treat cancer^[15], despite laboratory and animal studies suggesting that turmeric may have anti-cancer properties, such as the ability to kill cancer cells and stop more from growing.^[16] The usefulness of curcumin in treating different types of cancer has been investigated in several clinical trials, however, these studies had small sample sizes and narrow scopes. Before any judgments about turmeric’s potential advantages for preventing or treating cancer can be made, more research is required.

Read Also: What You Should Know About the Amazing Benefits of Garlic?

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What is Turmeric Good For