Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America. Capsules, powders, extracts, and teas are some of the turmeric products commercially available in the market. Curcumin (chemical compound) is the most active ingredient in turmeric that has powerful biological properties. Ayurveda wellness potions and dietary recommendations will very often recommend turmeric for a variety of conditions like inflammation, chronic pain, anti-oxidant, improving memory, better heart health, may prevent cancer, reduce aches and pain, anti-aging properties, enhance mental clarity and improve skin quality. In fact, modern science has several published papers and on-going studies on turmeric as a pain reliever/healing agent on various levels. Continue to read to learn the major benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
1. Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric is often used to fight inflammation, and its anti-inflammatory property is attributed to the main ingredient namely curcumin. Curcumin is not only a strong antioxidant but a very powerful anti-inflammatory. Piperine or black pepper supports the absorption of Curcumin. Studies have shown that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many imbalances and ailments thus Curcumin can help treat and prevent such conditions.
2. Digestion
We all know that turmeric adds flavor and color to the food, this explains why it has been present in most asian cooking and curry powders for thousands of years. It has been an intelligent additive as it also plays an essential role in digesting the foods. The anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antioxidant properties ensure it to be a digestive healing agent. It is strongly recommended by Ayurvedic nutritionists on a daily basis in the diet. Western medicine is now studying how turmeric can help with gut permeability and gut inflammation to figure out its digestive efficiency. Turmeric can also be used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
3. Pain Relief
Studies seem to support turmeric for pain relief. In a study, researchers found that turmeric relieves arthritis pain where nothing seemed to work efficiently. Dosing recommendations of turmeric as a pain reliever may vary from person to person.It is important to use Bioperine for the right bioavailability of Curcumin.
4. May Prevent Cancer
Since inflammation is linked to tumor growth, anti-inflammatory compounds like curcumin can significantly treat and prevent different types of cancer, including breast, prostate, gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. Research on mice suggests that curcumin may slow down the spread of tumor cells. It may even prevent tumors from forming in the first place.
5. Benefits Against Depression
Curcumin in turmeric has also shown some promise in treating depression. Sixty people with depression were randomized into three groups to conduct research. One group took curcumin, another group took Prozac, and the last group took both curcumin and Prozac. At the end of the study, doctors found that curcumin had led to improvements similar to those of Prozac. The third group that took both curcumin and Prozac coped best. So overall, it is fair to conclude that curcumin can also be used as an antidepressant.
We conclude by stating that Curcumin is nothing short of being a miracle of nature for keeping the body and mind fit and in balance. For knowing more about the greatness of this ancient science and wisdom called Ayurveda, please feel free to get in touch with us. Our expert wellness consultant Amita Banerjee has been practicing Ayurveda for more than 22 years. You can now schedule an online ayurvedic consultation with her to achieve your wellness goals.