Turmeric - Anti-Aging Miracle Spice?

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is perhaps the most legitimate of the so-called superfoods. Turmeric is just a spice that researchers are studying and discovering the health benefits in it and learning how turmeric may help with common anti-aging conditions.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a ginger-like plant whose roots are gathered, dried and made into a spice for its flavor and health benefits. The scientific name of turmeric is Curcuma longa. It is a popular spice in many Indian and Asian dishes and a critical ingredient of curry. You can find turmeric spice at grocery stores boiled, dried and powdered roots. It has a distinct yellow color and can stain clothes.

Nutritional Properties of Turmeric

The most important nutrient in turmeric is curcumin which has been studied for its effects on fighting cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The curcumin works as anti-inflammatory agent. Conclusive research has not done yet.

In addition to curcumin, turmeric contains high levels of iron and manganese and moderate levels of vitamin B6 and potassium all vitamins and minerals that are part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Turmeric Supplements

You may find turmeric as tea and pills.

Turmeric Health Claims

A long list of health conditions are claimed to be helped by turmeric. Many of these are currently under research and conclusions have not been drawn yet. Here is a brief list of the conditions:

· Irritable Bowel Syndrome

· Arthritis (Could You Have Arthirits? Take this quiz to find out)

· Cancer Prevention

· Cancer Growth Restriction

· Alzheimer’s Disease

· Cystic Fibrosis

· Prevent Heart Disease

· Lowers cholesterol

Keep in mind that in the studies behind these claims, participants weren’t simply eating a lot of curry with turmeric in it. They were given high doses of curcumin (the key nutrient in turmeric) and closely monitored by researchers. For example, in a study on cystic fibrosis, each patient received almost 500 mg of curcumin. They would have to eat almost a full gram of turmeric a day to get that much (that’s a lot of curry!). Many of the studies also look at a combination of high doses of curcumin along with other substances. Basically, this research isn’t nutritional research looking for a new guideline, but pharmaceutical research seeking to produce new drugs based on curcumin.

Should I Eat More Turmeric?

Yes you can add turmeric to your food as it has been linked with many health benefits but make sure you have an overall balanced diet.

Sources:

https://www.verywellfit.com/turmeric-anti-aging-miracle-spice-2223489?utm_campaign=livinghealthy

https://draxe.com/turmeric-curcumin-benefits/