Turmeric is said to be one of the most effective nutritional supplements out there. There are numerous studies that show it has incredible benefits for your body and total health.
You may recognize turmeric as the component of curry that yields a rich yellow color. The part of the plant most often used in medicine is the root which grows under the ground and can easily be mistaken for ginger.
In addition to providing delicious flavor, it has many evidence-based health benefits. Here are just a few!
- Turmeric and contains a compound called curcumin which is the active component that yields powerful anti-inflammatory. This day in age, all of us could use extra defense against inflammation.
- It’s also an antioxidant! Substances that contain antioxidants, like turmeric, help quench the load of free radicals in the body that can cause damage if left unchecked. Getting a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables + your daily dose of turmeric will help you keep those free radicals in check.
- Curcumin has beneficial effects on factors known to cause heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium (lining of the blood and lymph vessels in your body) through its potent anti-inflammatory pathways. It is also been research to be helpful in other disease processes including cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, depression and aging!
Use turmeric in the kitchen, but also consider taking it in supplemental (or capsulated) form to reap the highest benefit. See your functional medicine doctor or dietitian to get more information and see if a supplement is right for you.
