What is Turmeric?
If there's one spice that has been making waves in the health and wellness industry recently, it's turmeric. This vibrant golden spice, commonly used in flavourful cuisine, has been hailed for its numerous health benefits.
Not only does it add a burst of colourful flavour to dishes, but it also boasts a wide range of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have been celebrated by non-traditional medicine for centuries.
Turmeric is a flowering plant, often grown in warm climates of India. It’s a member of the ginger family, and it’s the plant’s rhizome (or roots) that are dried and ground to produce the distinctive bright orange powder.
Benefits of Turmeric
- Combats joint pain and inflammation.
- Supports heart health.
- Promotes digestive health and a healthy gut microbiome.
- Supports a healthy immune system.
- Potential to support cognition and brain health.
- May also reduce the signs of ageing.
One of the main active ingredients in turmeric (the part that produces the biological or chemical effect) is called curcumin. It’s curcumin that gives it its distinctive colour and it is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals are compounds that can cause harm if their levels become too high. They are linked to multiple illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. Our bodies have their own antioxidant defences to keep free radicals in check, but consuming additional antioxidants within our daily diets can significantly help increase the productivity of our immune systems and assist the fight against harmful free radicals.
1. Combats joint pain and inflammation.
Perhaps most famously, turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent natural remedy for the symptoms of joint pain and arthritis. Its natural ability to alleviate inflammation in the body makes it a popular choice for those seeking a natural alternative to traditional pharmaceutical relief for joint pain and discomfort.
The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help relieve joint pain and inflammation.
2. Supports heart health.
Recent research has shown that the antioxidant properties of turmeric may have a positive impact on heart health. Studies have suggested that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin may protect against some of the factors involved in heart disease, these include helping to balance cholesterol levels and blood pressure by improving vascular Endothelial function. (The inner lining of the blood vessels).
Turmeric also contains high levels of Potassium which contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
3. Promotes digestive health and a healthy gut microbiome.
Turmeric has also been linked to improved digestive health. It can help stimulate the production of bile, which aids in the breakdown of fats and enhances digestion. Turmeric is also known to have antimicrobial properties that can help combat harmful bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy gut biome and encouraging healthy bacteria to flourish within the gut.
4. Supports a healthy immune system.
In terms of vitamins and minerals, turmeric contains impressive amounts of Iron, and vitamin C, both of which are known to support a healthy immune system as well as contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Turmeric can help naturally boost our immunity because it contains Iron & Vitamin C that support a healthy immune system and contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
5. Potential to support cognition and brain health.
Another area where turmeric shines is its potential to support brain health. Its high Iron content contributes to normal cognitive function and Potassium also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system. Studies have suggested that turmeric may help improve memory and even help to potentially protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Although there is much more research needed to scientifically support these theories, this continues to be a vast area of exciting ongoing research.
6. May also reduce the signs of ageing.
Turmeric may help slow the ageing process by activating certain proteins and protecting cells from oxidative stress damage. In this way, it may help to delay the progression of age-related conditions and alleviate some of the associated symptoms.
How to easily add Turmeric to your diet
Turmeric has a very strong earthy taste, and although delicious when added to your favourite dishes, you may want the health benefits without consuming turmeric-heavy dishes every day.
We’ve enriched our Immune Rescue supplement with 200mg of antioxidant turmeric, so now it’s quick and easy to consistently incorporate this powerful spice into your daily diet.
As with any supplement, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before adding turmeric supplements to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with curcumin.
This article is for information only and should not replace professional medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Always check the ingredients for allergens if you have any food allergies or intolerances.
References:
Efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in lowering blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (biomedcentral.com).
Curcumin and Endothelial Function: Evidence and Mechanisms of Protective Effects - PubMed (nih.gov).
Curcumin supplementation improves vascular endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and reducing oxidative stress - PMC (nih.gov).
Effects of Curcumin on Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Evidence - PubMed (nih.gov).
Top 11 health benefits of turmeric | Good Food (bbcgoodfood.com).
