10 Health Benefits of Turmeric
The use of plants for purposes such as protecting and improving health and curing diseases has been widespread since ancient times. In addition to meeting the need for macro and micro nutrients required for a healthy and balanced diet, some plants; It also brings positive effects such as strengthening the immune system, preventing cells from becoming cancerous or eliminating infections. Spices obtained by drying and powdering some plants are one of the best options for benefiting from healthy plants, as they contain the beneficial components of these plants in a much more concentrated form.
One of these, turmeric, is a spice that is widely used throughout the world, especially in India, and gives the yellow color to curry spice. Turmeric, which is among the healthy spices and contains very valuable herbal ingredients, is widely used in meals, desserts, herbal teas and cosmetic products with its unique yellow-orange color. Turmeric is considered one of the best nutritional supplements by many scientists today. As a result of numerous qualified scientific studies, it has been determined that turmeric provides great benefits for general body and brain health. Here are 10 important benefits of turmeric that are accepted and proven by the scientific world.
Acts as a Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is a very important defense response to fight infections and ensures the removal of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses from the body. However, apart from acute infectious diseases, when inflammation in the body becomes chronic or caused by autoimmune diseases that cause the body to attack its own tissues, it brings with it many negativities for the body. Alleviating such chronic inflammation with the help of anti-inflammatory agents is included in the treatment plan of many chronic diseases. Turmeric; It blocks the NF-kB molecule, which activates the genetic codes that cause inflammation by affecting the nucleus in cells and is also thought to be associated with many chronic diseases. Turmeric (curcumin), which is a natural and powerful anti-inflammatory with this effect, helps relieve inflammation naturally, unlike anti-inflammatory drugs that have various side effects.
Contains Bioactive Components Important for Health
Curcumin, the main active ingredient of turmeric, is a valuable bioactive component that provides many benefits for our health thanks to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This component, which is naturally found in small amounts in turmeric, is found in sufficient amounts in nutritional supplements prepared using turmeric extracts. The absorption rate of curcumin is quite low. A substance called piperine found in black pepper can increase the absorption rate of curcumin by up to 200 times. For this reason, the beneficial effect of this ingredient can be strengthened by adding piperine to turmeric-based nutritional supplements and consuming black pepper along with turmeric spice. Turmeric spice or curcumin supplements, which is also a fat-soluble ingredient, are much more effective when consumed with meals containing fat.
Reduces Oxidative Stress with High Antioxidant Content
It is thought that free radicals formed in the body are effective in the aging process or the development of many acute or chronic diseases. Free radicals can interact with proteins, lipids and DNA in the human body and cause many diseases, especially cancer. Antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals and render them harmless, reduce oxidative stress and provide important protection against cancer, infectious diseases and many chronic diseases. The bioactive component called curcumin found in turmeric is very effective in reducing oxidative stress in the body and protecting health.
Helps Prevent Cancer
It is known that turmeric, which has high antioxidant content and nutritional value, has important benefits in preventing cancer and supporting cancer treatment. Turmeric is very effective in many types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer, in terms of destroying cancer cells, preventing the growth of tumors, preventing conditions such as angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels in tumors) and metastasis (spread of cancer to different tissues and organs). Research on whether the use of nutritional supplements derived from turmeric containing high doses of curcumin can be used as an aid in cancer treatment is still ongoing.
Strengthens Cognitive Functions and Protects Against Brain-Related Diseases
In the past, it was thought that nerve cells (neurons) formed during childhood could not divide and multiply. However, today it is known that this is not entirely true and that neurons can form new connections and proliferate in various parts of the brain. The main component that functions in this mechanism is a type of growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It is emphasized that insufficiency in the level of the hormone called BDNF is effective in the development of many diseases related to the brain and nervous system. Curcumin found in turmeric increases the level of this hormone, reducing the possibility of brain and nervous system diseases, and also supports strengthening memory and cognitive functions.
Provides Protection Against Cardiovascular Diseases
Many different risk factors and reasons can be mentioned in the development of cardiovascular diseases, which are the most common cause of death in our country and in the world. One of these is that the endothelial layer, which serves as a lining in blood vessels, is damaged for various reasons. This condition, called endothelial dysfunction, is directly related to many issues related to cardiovascular health such as blood pressure and blood clotting. Curcumin strengthens endothelial function and supports the repair of damaged endothelial layer. Turmeric, which also fights against negativities such as infection and oxidation, which are among the causes of heart diseases, is very effective in protecting against cardiovascular diseases.
It is effective in preventing Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is the most common neurodegenerative disease in the world and the most common cause of dementia, also known colloquially as dementia. Although a concrete treatment plan that can be defined as Alzheimer’s treatment has not yet been determined, it is emphasized that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant components may be effective in preventing this disease and slowing down the progression of the disease. Curcumin, which is a very powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, also helps clear accumulated amyloid plaques, which are considered another cause of Alzheimer’s disease. For this reason, it can be said that it can be very effective in combating Alzheimer’s.
Contributes to Prevention and Fight against Depression
One of the disease groups for which turmeric is beneficial is psychiatric diseases. It has been determined that taking curcumin, one of the most common of these, can be as effective as antidepressant drug treatments in depression. It also brings important benefits in combating and preventing depression, thanks to its effects such as increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters in the brain, and increasing the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Helps Prevent Problems Related to Aging
By reducing oxidation and preventing inflammation, curcumin is a bioactive ingredient thought to be effective in slowing down the aging process. In addition, it helps to have a healthier and more vigorous old age thanks to its effects such as protecting against chronic cardiovascular diseases and fighting against diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s. From these perspectives, turmeric, which is thought to be effective in prolonging life, is a type of spice that should be consumed by individuals who want to protect their health.
Supports Treatment in Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of disease that causes inflammation of the joints and is quite common in western countries. In this disease where there is constant inflammation, curcumin, which is a strong anti-inflammatory, provides a significant benefit by supporting the treatment and relieving the symptoms. Some scientific studies emphasize that curcumin supplementation may be more effective than anti-inflammatory drug treatments in arthritis patients. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis patients may be advised to consume turmeric by consulting their physicians.
Turmeric, which has countless positive effects on health, can be consumed regularly by individuals without any health problems by including it in their diet plans. Individuals who have any health problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, use medication regularly, or want to use turmeric as a nutritional supplement can consult their physician to find out whether there is any harm in consuming turmeric. You can live a healthy life by following a healthy and balanced nutrition program, including turmeric, and by having your routine health check-ups on time.
