Turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement out there. Many high-quality studies show that it has significant benefits for your body and mind.
Turmeric Benefits
Here are the top 10 evidence-based health benefits of turmeric:
1. Contains biologically active compounds
Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Most studies have used turmeric extracts that have been standardized to include significant amounts of curcumin (s).
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream.
It helps to take black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that boosts curcumin absorption by 2,000% (s).
2. A natural anti-inflammatory compound
Chronic inflammation contributes to many common Western diseases. Curcumin can inhibit several molecules known to play key roles in inflammation (s, s, s).
3. Increases antioxidants in the body
Curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own but also stimulates the body's antioxidant enzymes (s).
See: 8 Difference Between Turmeric and Curcumin and Common Benefits
4. Boosts BDNF
Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, a brain-derived hormone, linked to improved brain function and reduced risk of brain disease.
This increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in your brain (s).
5. Reduces the risk of heart disease
Curcumin has beneficial effects on many factors known to play a role in heart disease.
It improves endothelial function and is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent (s).
6. Preventing (and possibly treating) cancer
Curcumin leads to many changes at the molecular level that may help prevent and possibly treat cancer (s).
7. Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment
Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer's disease (s).
8. Relieves arthritis
Arthritis is a common disorder characterized by inflammation of the joints. Several studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs (s).
9. It has incredible benefits against depression
A study in 60 people with depression showed that curcumin was as effective as Prozac in relieving symptoms of the condition (s).
10. To delay aging
Because of its many positive health effects, such as preventing heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, curcumin may help extend life (s).
A lot of research has been done on substances from turmeric, but its health effects are still uncertain. Therefore, it should not be consumed in large quantities (s).