Turmeric comes the root of the curcuma long plant and it’s a member of the ginger family. If you have seen the raw turmeric in your supermarket you would notice that it looks like a smaller version of ginger, but bright orange on the inside.
Turmeric has many health benefits and contains serval antioxidant compounds with the main one being curcumin. Curcumin has strong anti bacterial, anti fungal, and anti inflammatory properties. Have a read below to learn about the benefits of adding turmeric to your diet whether into your cooking or in supplement form.
Anti-inflammatory - curcumin has excellent anti-inflammatory abilities, and when used with piperine (a compound found in black pepper) it has the ability to improve absorption of the curcumin. So if you are wanting to get the full benefit of the curcumin make sure you are grinding black pepper into your meal too. Alternatively if you are taking a turmeric supplement make sure it contains piperine.
Slow or prevent blood clots - studies have shown that turmeric may have the potential to decrease the risk of blood clots forming thanks to its anticoagulant effects.
Help treat arthritis - Thanks again to curcumins anti-inflammatory properties turmeric is great for helping to reduce the pain associated with rheumatoid, osteo arthritis and joint pain.
Good for skin health - people have used turmeric for many years to add ‘glow and luster’ to their skin. Again the curcumin with its anti-inflammatory, anti bacteria and anti fungal abilities it can speed up wound healing, help treat acne and even help get psoriasis flare ups under control.
May help treat or prevent certain types of cancer - Studies have shown curcumin to have anti-cancer benefits. Killing cancer cells and stopping them from growing. It has been shown to be more beneficial on breast, bowel, skin and stomach cancer cells.
May help with depression and anxiety - a study has shown that curcumin vs a placebo helped improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Turmeric can be added to you diet in many different ways, powder into cooking and even lattes (see my next recipe for a delicious turmeric latte). Although keep in mind that turmeric powder only contains around 3% of absorbable curcumin so if you are after the impressive health benefits I would recommend taking a supplement like FSC Turmeric which contains bioperine to help with the absorption of the curcumin.
Whist Turmeric is a natural supplement, it can have a few negative side effects, make sure you speak to your Doctor or Dietician before starting a new supplement, especially if you have a health condition or on existing medication. I wouldn’t recommend supplementing with turmeric while pregnant or breast feeding.
