Ancient cultures have long looked for foods and ingredients with medicinal value, and including them in your daily diet supports your nutritional needs. It gives you a feeling of overall well-being. One such golden star amongst the herbs and spices is Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric. It's known for playing a leading role in traditional medicines, mainly because it is loaded with the goodness of flavour and myriad health benefits. Turmeric is usually cultivated from the rhizomes or the roots of a flowering plant found in India and parts of Southeast Asia. The glistening yellow colour of curries made in these parts of the world owes their vibrancy to this power-packed spice. It's a potent anti-inflammatory and comes straddled with antioxidant properties. Curcumin, the primary active ingredient, is where turmeric gets its yellow colour and the multi health benefits we are about to find out.
Here are a few benefits of turmeric that could suitably impress you. Read on to know more.
1. Turmeric helps keep the oxidative damage that occurs in the body under control by increasing the body's antioxidant capacity. As a potent antioxidant, turmeric helps the immune system by decreasing the free radicals and highly reactive molecules in the body, protecting against diseases. Consuming turmeric regularly helps slow down the oxidative damage responsible for ageing and several diseases.
2. Turmeric is also beneficial in preventing diabetes. Research suggests that curcumin is the primary active ingredient present in turmeric. And plays a pivotal role through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps combat high blood sugar and insulin resistance, one of the main contributing factors to developing diabetes. What's more, it also helps keep bad cholesterol in check, leading to developing diabetes.
3. Turmeric is beneficial for skin-related issues. People who live with chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hormonal acne can all find relief through this wonder ingredient. The antimicrobial properties and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature make it the go-to spice for most skin woes. But that's not all. The beauty industry has further tapped into this gold star, using it in face packs, shampoos, and other cosmetics, making it easier to use and experience its benefits.
Conclusion
While these are only a few of the many health benefits of turmeric, for instance, people looking for relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis can look towards curcumin. The benefits of curcumin have been well documented concerning many inflammatory disorders. What's vital to remember is that when adding turmeric to your diet, you probably won't enjoy its benefits if you were to occasionally consume it by adding a pinch of it to your curries simply because turmeric does not absorb well into the bloodstream. If you are after its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, we recommend you opt for turmeric supplements. Another fact, having these supplements with black pepper increases its absorption as it contains piperine, making turmeric more bio available. So, using a turmeric supplement that includes piperine will ensure you get most of its benefits.
Finally, we must encourage you to buy supplements from a reputable health store that can provide you with much-needed peace of mind regarding the quality and efficacy of their products.
Foods for Life is one of the leading natural food stores in Toronto that offers health foods, vitamins and supplements at discount prices. We've been helping Canadians achieve their health supplement needs for over 44 years in our locally owned store! Send your order for an in-store pick-up today!
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