10 health benefits of turmeric and curcumin

Turmeric, like many spices, is discovered to have a long history of use when it comes to traditional medicine. It is a spice that stems from the root of the Curcuma longa plant known to be a member of the ginger family. The major active ingredient is curcumin where its treasure actually lies. Curcumin is that component in turmeric that gives it that yellowish colour.

It is good to know that beyond their usage as food spices, turmeric and curcumin have some health benefits that I would be sharing with you in this blog post. So, take your time to read through till the end. Smiles!

1. Contains curcumin

One of the major and active ingredients in turmeric is curcumin which I already stated. This substance has some powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which when extracted may be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as bowel disease, pancreatitis, arthritis and the like.

2. Protects against heart diseases

A study reveals that curcumin has the potential to improve endothelial function as well as the health of the thin membrane that covers the inner part of the heart and blood vessels. This membrane is responsible for the regulation of blood pressure.

Meanwhile, the lower endothelial function may be linked with ageing and an increase in heart diseases; curcumin plays a key role in protecting against loss of its function due to age and also help reduce the high risk of developing any heart-related disease.

3. Lowers risks of heart disease

Research says because turmeric has the ability to help reduce inflammation, it should be able to lower the risk of heart disease or reverse the process. More so, due to this, there is a possibility that it can be helpful in managing bad cholesterol levels or improving them. Another related heart disease that turmeric has the potential to reduce its high risk is cardiovascular disease or heart attack.

4. Aids in digestion

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has medicinal components effective for easy digestion or treatment of digestive disorders in the bowel areas such as bloating, gas and any other related health issue.

5. Treats erectile dysfunction and increases libido

Turmeric has the potential to help treat men’s erectile dysfunction due to its effective anti-inflammatory properties. More so, this spice has been tested to be a booster of testosterone levels for men, which can help increase their libido.

6. Promotes liver function

Regular use of turmeric may improve the function of the liver, aid detoxification and lower hepatic disorders. It also has the tendency of lowering levels of liver enzymes which seems to be the cause of liver damage.

7. Aids joint function

Are you an athlete or do you frequently hit the gym? Then, you should always consider including turmeric in your daily meals or a few days a week for effective results. The anti-inflammatory properties in the spice could serve as a supplement that improves and provide less joint pains and arthritis.

8. Improves muscle recovery

Many of us are determined to keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle, so we need to engage the body through rigorous exercises that lead to pain. Sometimes, these pains don’t recover quickly, leaving us to leap or walk slowly. Here is a quick remedy to the pains, especially the muscles that need fast recovery. Curcumin helps in accelerate and enhance the recovery of muscle damage after intense exercise or even training.

9. Aids weight loss

Curcumin supplements may help reduce weight gain by regulating the levels of inflammation which may lead to obesity. A study shows that its consumption may decrease body mass index (BMI), excess weight and leptin levels.

10. Healthier skin

One of the benefits of turmeric is the ability to improve the skin especially when there are conditions such as ulcers, eczema, wounds and rashes. This can be achieved through its properties of antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory linked with brightening and even tone of the skin.