Herbs and spices promote health in your entire body, not just in a particular area. Due to their nutrient-dense status, they promote your overall well-being with rich antioxidants much more potent than many fruits and vegetables.
Turmeric is one of the most potent spices and a staple in everyday cooking.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color. The main active ingredient in Turmeric is called Curcumin. It has highly powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. It neutralizes free radicals, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
It also boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain. Curcumin maintains a healthy heart by improving the function of the endothelium and by being a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. It also May be Useful in Preventing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease and Cancer. Many studies show that Curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides improving our memory and helping our learning skills, Curcumin is also efficient in depression by boosting the brain's neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It also improves digestion, prevents gas and bloating, enhances wound healing, cleanses the blood, lowers cholesterol, heals stomach ulcers, and improves skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Last but not least, Curcumin is a strong anti-aging agent highly valued for its longevity benefits.
Curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, when consumed with black pepper, its absorption is enhanced by 2.000%. Curcumin is also fat-soluble, so it may be a great idea to take it with a fatty meal or simply add oil to your dish.
Besides, Curcumin and Curcuminoid ingredients, in some products you might see various ingredients like fillers, additives, and excipients. You want to avoid all of these, but especially Magnesium Stearate (or stearic acid), which is a potentially toxic metal additive. Another ingredient in many turmeric supplements, Dibasic Calcium Phosphate (DCP), may even inhibit the absorption of essential minerals within your system. So make sure to check the labels and go organic if possible.
This article by Jitka Robinson was originally posted on www.jitkarobinson.com
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