Turmeric, the yellow healing spice, has been utilized in Ayurvedic Medicine traditionally in India for several thousand years. Not only is it a principal ingredient in curry dishes, but it has documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Its traditional medicinal applications have related to neurological, digestive, autoimmune, pulmonary conditions, arthritis, skin disorders, aches and wounds and much more.1
The turmeric root, Curcuma longa, has hundreds of phytocompounds. However, it is the primary polyphenol known as curcumin that gives the spice its golden color and has been the focus of much clinical research in recent decades.
While its health applications in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia have spanned more than a millennia, turmeric has been a popular health fad item in western culture for not much more than the last two decades. Turmeric has extensive health properties, applicable to a wide array of issues and conditions. Best of all, it is highly accessible, cheap and easy to use.
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effects outshine common medications
The journal Oncogene in 2004 published a study demonstrating that curcumin along with resveratrol is an effective alternative to the drugs aspirin, ibuprofen, sulindac, phenylbutazone, naproxen, indomethacin, diclofenac, dexamethasone, celecoxib, and tamoxifen in both anti-inflammatory effects and anti-tumor proliferation.2
Brain support and neurological repair
Neurogenesis, is the natural physiological process of brain cell renewal, the birth of new brain cells.
Neural stem cells exposed to a fat-soluble component of turmeric (Ar-turmerone) demonstrated increased growth in both number and differentiation into various neuronal cells.3 Therapies that target neuronal stem cell renewal- neurogenesis, are the basis of brain anti-aging. These findings are especially important for research on treating and managing neurodegenerative diseases. For more on neurogenesis, please read our article Exploring neurogenesis and harnessing its potentials.
Turmeric and Alzheimer’s disease
A 2006 study found that curcuminoids present in turmeric enhance and modulate the immune system’s response for clearing amyloid-beta plaques found in Alzheimer’s.4 This of course does not substantiate treatment, but opens an important direction in natural therapies for addressing Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric reduces cholesterol levels
Though cholesterol comes from the diet, the human body, mainly the liver, makes all the cholesterol the body needs. Cholesterol is a vital nutrient-material from which cell membranes, various hormones and Vitamin D is made. Why, however, does cholesterol accumulate in the arteries and cause heart disease?
Cholesterol is also a cellular repair material. It cements into arteries over time to reduce inflammatory microtears from high blood pressure. Atherosclerotic plaquing, the build-up of cholesterol in the circulatory system may therefore be interpreted as a marker of chronic inflammation and blood pressure issues. Turmeric may help reduce arterial cholesterol by reducing systemic and local inflammation while simultaneously increasing cellular repair. A 2008 study showed a curcuminoid preparation performed favorably in reducing / modulating the underlying pathology of atherosclerosis, at levels comparable to Lipitor/Atorvastatin, the standard cholesterol reducing medications.5
Turmeric as a natural anti-depressant
Turmeric demonstrates considerable anti-depressant qualities and compares favorably to Prozac and other similar medications for treating Major Depressive Disorder. This may be due to its capacity to increase serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Importantly, it does not have any undesirable side effects.6,7
Lowers blood glucose in Diabetes
Curcumin is 500 to 100,000 times more effective than Metformin (diabetes drug) in increasing glucose uptake.8, A 2012 study demonstrated that it is effective in preventing type-2 diabetes in pre-diabetic patients.9
Anti-cancer, anti-tumor
Curcumin mediates anti pre-cancer activities by increasing levels of vitamins C and E, and preventing lipid peroxidation and DNA damage.10,11,12
Daily health support with turmeric
You can support general health by including turmeric in a variety of dishes every day. When it comes to specific health concerns like gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s, Inflammatory Bowel Disease or Gastritis, one should consume the whole root in order to “coat” the intestinal lining. To address other issues such as arthritis, cancer or neurological dysfunctions, a more concentrated highly bio-available form of curcumin is required.
What are the some effective ways to use turmeric?
Curcumin is not well absorbed orally, however taking it with equal amounts of bromelain (pineapple) or in a lipid base such as coconut oil may enhance its absorption. A pinch of black pepper also enhances curcumin bioavailability. It is easy enough to include turmeric in one’s daily cooking. Often, I start the day at home by drinking a hot water with lemon, turmeric and sometimes cayenne pepper.
How to enjoy turmeric at home:
- Add dry or freshly grated turmeric to baked vegetables or in soups.
- Include fresh turmeric in your morning green juice or smoothie.
- Eat more curries!
- Carrot Ginger Turmeric Orange Juice – simple as it sounds, great juice to supercharge your energy levels
- Baked Cauliflower – with ginger, turmeric, cumin and sesame seeds, serve alongside quinoa
- Golden Tea – boil equal amounts of ginger, turmeric (about a finger size each) along with Ceylon cinnamon. Drink it hot to maximize the bioavailable curcuminoids.
Disclaimer. The information represented in this article is meant to provide concepts from evidence based research. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition. For appropriate treatment methods please contact your healthcare provider.
