Turmeric – The Super Root
In India, turmeric has been regarded as a treasured spice for many generations; boasting powerful medicinal properties. Turmeric is the spice which gives curry its yellow colour.
Recently, the Western world joined the bandwagon. Many scientific studies confirm turmeric to be as effective as many well respected pharmaceutical drugs.
Here is a list of some of its pharmaceuticals rivals:
- Lipitory/Astrovastatin (For Cholesterol)
- Corticosteroids (Steroid Medicine)
- Prozak/Fluoxetine (Anti-Depressant)
- Asprin (Blood Thinning)
- Anti Inflammatory Drugs
- Oxaliplatin (Chemotherapy Drug)
- Metaformin (Diabetes)
It is very exciting that this plant is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
People active in the health community have been promoting this plant for years, but now they have many reputable studies to back up their claims. Researchers have discovered that this spice is bursting with medicinal properties called curcuminoids, with the most important one being curcumin.
Turmeric has an extensive list of health benefits. According to some it has over 600 possible therapeutic uses. Don’t worry! I’m only going to mention a few of the ones I believe are very important and encourage you to do some additional research on your own.
First, curcumin plays a very important role in keeping the brain healthy. Many cases of cognitive decline are linked to decreased levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Curcumin is known to increase levels of BDNF, which can help prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Although researchers are unsure whether the consumption of a turmeric supplement can reverse the effects of Alzheimer’s, it has been shown to slow down its progression. Curcumin also has the ability to pass through the blood brain barrier, making it extremely effective in dealing with cognitive health.
Curcumin also helps people suffering from depression because depression too is linked to low levels of BDNF. Turmeric is also said to help boost dopamine (motivation) and serotonin (happiness) levels, thus helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. It has been show to work just as effectively as the popular pharmaceutical Prozak.
Thirdly, curcumin also plays a role in helping repair damage from cardiovascular disease. It aids in the repair of the endothelial wall (blood vessel lining) that is often damaged from cardiovascular trauma. Studies have shown turmeric to be as effective in strengthening arterial walls as regular exercise. When turmeric was administered to patients before they went into bypass surgery there was a 65% decrease in the occurrence of heart attacks.
This incredible root is also an extremely powerful antioxidant. But wait, that’s not all. This herb sets up a two-pronged defence system against free radicals. Curcumin stimulates the enzymes responsible for producing antioxidants in your body. While using it’s own potent antioxidants, it simultaneously builds a second defence army using your bodies resources.
Unfortunately, the amount of curcumin in turmeric is very low. It’s simply impossible to experience the full benefits of curcumin by using turmeric as a spice. I would recommend taking an external supplement with the biological properties unlocked to ensure you are getting the full spectrum of benefits provided by this powerful plant. If you do chose to take this supplement be sure to always consume it with pepper because curcumin is poorly absorbed by the body and pepper significantly enhances its absorption capabilities. Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it’s a good idea to consume it with a fatty diet.
These are just a few examples of this multi purpose super-root. In the future, keep your eyes open for new research as they discover additional ways to help people with this miraculous plant.
Please refer to the link below to find out more amazing therapeutic uses for turmeric.
We can all give shout out to those dedicated to the advancements of natural holistic medicine!
http://authoritynutrition.com/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric/
