6 Reasons to Consume Turmeric Daily
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice native to India for more than 4000 years, commonly known to impart flavour and a rich yellow golden colour to Indian curries. But did you know it is one of the important super foods in Ayurveda and has a wide range of medicinal properties?
Here are six reasons backed by science and the wisdom of Ayurveda on why you should consume Turmeric daily to maintain optimum health.
Reduces Oxidative Damage
Oxidative damage is one of the major factors behind premature aging. Free radicals and unpaired electrons that are released during the physiological processes can damage the cells and can cause early aging. Curcumin, the active phytoconstituent of Turmeric is found to be a potent antioxidant and can reduce the damages caused by the free radicals by neutralizing them. Also, many studies have suggested that Curcumin can also stimulate the action of other inactive antioxidants in the body making it a great pro-antioxidant agent.
Promotes a Healthy Heart
Tackling lifestyle diseases linked to the heart has been the focus for modern healthcare systems. The ancient super root Turmeric has been known support a healthy heart and reverse the progression of many heart diseases. Also, it is found that daily consumption of Turmeric can help to improve the function of the lining of blood vessels and thereby decrease the chances of heart attacks or strokes.
Fights Against Depression
Curcumin is found to be effective in treating depression and is an effective mood enhancer. According to one study, curcumin that is found in Turmeric is as effective as an antidepressant drug. However, unlike some modern drugs Turmeric has no side effects on the body and mind over prolonged consumption when taken in the recommended dosage. It is also found to boost the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that promotes the life of neuron cells.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the response of the body towards any stress, injury or infection. However, chronic and acute inflammation in the body can be harmful and can act against the body and its functions. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce the chronic inflammation in the body which in turn could help stop progression of many serious lifestyle or auto immune diseases. Also, it is a great alternative to the pain killers that have serious side effects.
Lowers Cholesterol Level
Low Density Lipids (LDL), often called as bad cholesterol, are group of lipids that can clog up the blood vessels and can put your heart health into risk. One study has found that the curcumin is effective in reducing the amount of LDL and Total Cholesterol level in the body. Thus, Turmeric is an effective hypolipidemic agent and decreases the probability of heart disease such as ischemia or stroke.
Our bodies see potential health benefits when we intake 500–2,000 mg of curcumin. However, our varied ethnic diets and cooking styles may include none to 2,000–2,500 mg of turmeric in food, providing only 60–100 mg of curcumin per day. Powdered turmeric has low absorption in the body and has to be mixed with some natural fat and penetrating spices like black pepper to increase absorption which is the reason it is consumed as curry often. The best way to consume Turmeric for its medicinal properties is through a purified form that increases it’s bio-availability like the EGA water-soluble Turmeric Essence.