Turmeric has long been used in traditional medicine for its great medical properties. This plant contains a chemical called curcumin. It has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help improve overall wellbeing. Because curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream, it is recommended to take turmeric supplements. They provide enough curcumin to give you the desired anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. So what exactly can you expect from turmeric?
Below are 6 health benefits of turmeric that will surprise you.
1. Relieve arthritis symptoms
Due to the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin, turmeric supplements can be an effective and safe way to relieve the symptoms of different forms of arthritis. Arthritis causes joint inflammation that produces other symptoms like pain and stiffness. By treating inflammation you can reduce the symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
You may consult your pain doctor to reduce the intake of pain relievers and NSAIDs by incorporating turmeric supplements into your diet. This will help you prevent unpleasant side effects caused by pain relievers and NSAIDs(diarrhea, constipation, nausea, indigestion).
2. Improve skin health
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties that can be beneficial for your skin. Turmeric supplements can help you deal with skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, eczema, and photoaging. Most of these conditions are associated with inflammation and the negative effect of oxidative stress. Turmeric fights inflammation and protects your skin from oxidative damage.
3. Preserve heart health
Taking curcumin supplements helps improve the function of the endothelial. This is a membrane that covers your heart and blood vessels inside. Poor function or inflammation of this membrane increase your risk of high blood pressure, premature heart aging, and a higher risk of heart disease. Curcumin supplements maintain a healthy function of your heart and decrease the likelihood of age-related heart diseases.
Curcumin supplements are a preventative measure to preserve your heart in the long term. But if you already have heart disease, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using them. Avoid using turmeric supplements if you take medications that slow blood clotting.
4. Decrease the risk of diabetes
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, turmeric supplements can help you improve control over your blood sugar. Inflammation is a factor that can increase your risk of diabetes or worsen its symptoms. Inflammation makes you more prone to insulin resistance and high blood sugar. Moreover, curcumin supplements decrease your risk of a diabetes-related complication called diabetic nephropathy.
You may start taking turmeric supplements if you have prediabetes. If you have diabetes, discuss the use of turmeric supplements with your doctor to avoid interactions with other medications.
5. Preserve brain health
Body inflammation is a major risk factor for age-related degenerative brain diseases. Turmeric supplements can reduce inflammation and decrease your risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. Besides, turmeric supplements help increase the levels of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor. This is a protein in your brain that maintains the health of your nerve cells and regulates communication between them.
If you have a brain degenerative condition, you can ask your doctor about turmeric supplements. The doctor can help you choose the right dosage and decrease the dosage of other medications if needed.
6. Protects the body from free radicals
Turmeric supplements are a rich source of antioxidants that can protect your body from the negative effect of free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive atoms that are generated by your body and environmental pollutants like industrial chemicals. Excessive exposure to them can lead to a number of serious health conditions like heart disease, arthritis, and even cancer.
Curcumin increases the production of enzymes that neutralize free radicals and prevent the formation of new ones. Taking turmeric supplements can improve your overall wellbeing in the long run and decrease the risk of many serious health problems.
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