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When thinking of turmeric, people typically associate it with cooking. They think of all the delicious meals they have eaten or created using this spice. It is commonly used in Asian cooking, especially Indian cuisine. What many people do not realize is that turmeric also has numerous benefits for health and, for this reason, it is well worth including it in the diet or taking supplements so that you can reap the health-related rewards. Here is an overview of using turmeric for medicinal purposes and the health benefits of doing so

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that is derived from the turmeric plant, the botanical name for which is ‘curcuma longa’. It comes from the same botanical family as ginger. This plant is native to Southeast Asia and this it is why it is most commonly associated with the cuisines and natural medicinal practices of countries from this part of the world. Turmeric can be used fresh or in its dried form. The drying process involves boiling the roots of the plant and then drying them in a hot oven before grinding them to create a powder. This is a deep orange-yellow color. The active component of turmeric is called curcumin.

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The History of Turmeric as a Medicine

Using turmeric for medicinal purposes is not a new trend or a passing fad. In fact, turmeric has been used in natural medicine for over 4,500 years. Archaeologists uncovered pots in New Delhi that were analyzed and revealed traces of turmeric, ginger, and garlic. The pots are believed to date from 2500 BC.

It is not just India where people have been using turmeric as a natural medicine for thousands of years. There are many other countries and medicinal systems that also use this spice. These include traditional Chinese medicine, Siddha medicine, and Unani.

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General Health Benefits of Turmeric

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Many people wonder why is turmeric healthy? There are many health benefits of turmeric daily. These are varied and range from treating minor illnesses to reducing the risk of developing serious health issues. Some of the health benefits that have been proven with scientific studies into this spice’s use in natural medicine include the following:

• Reducing bruising and swelling

• Easing heartburn

• Easing the symptoms of arthritis

• Stopping diarrhea

• It is a natural painkiller

• Reducing inflammation of the skin and joints

• Reducing stomach cramps and bloating

• Easing the symptoms of systematic lupus erythematosus

• Healing colds

• Reducing the risk of serious conditions including cancer, diabetes, and heart disease

• Treating water retention

• Healing gum disease

• Improving brain function

• Reducing the risk of developing some neurological conditions

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Turmeric for Pain Relief

One of the best effects of turmeric supplements is that it is fantastic for pain relief. Suffering from pain is something that everyone will experience at some point in their life. Turmeric is proven to help reduce pain and inflammation

Turmeric for Arthritis

Arthritis is a common and painful condition. It can significantly impact on many aspects of the sufferer’s day-to-day life. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can help by reducing inflammation in the joints and also relieving some of the pain that people who suffer from this condition on a daily basis.

Turmeric and Weight Loss

Taking turmeric supplements alone will not cause a significant weight loss as you must also follow a healthy, balanced diet and exercise on a regular basis. However, the antioxidants in turmeric can reduce the inflammation that is associated with obesity and can also boost fat burning in the body. Therefore, taking turmeric supplements alongside following a sensible eating and exercise plan can promote weight loss.

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Turmeric and Cancer

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There are many different forms of cancer but the disease, in general, is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells. There has been lots of research into how curcumin can potentially help to treat cancer. So far, multiple studies have shown that slowing down the growth of cancerous cells, limiting the development of cancer, and preventing the spread of the disease at a molecular level are just some of the positive effects of turmeric supplements. There is even evidence to suggest that curcumin may kill cancerous cells.

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Turmeric and Diabetes

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Curcumin is an active polyphenol and there has been lots of research relating to how this can help to treat and even prevent diabetes type 2. The studies have shown that curcumin reduces the liver’s production of both glucose and glycogen. It can also stimulate insulation secretion and suppress hyperglycemia-induced inflammation. Furthermore, it can also improve pancreatic cell function.

Turmeric and Sleep

There are many factors that help you to sleep well. Many sleep problems are caused by inflammation, high blood sugar levels, toxins in the body, digestive problems, and a diminished immune system. Turmeric can help you to overcome many of these issues and get a better night’s sleep as it helps your body to detoxify, lowers blood sugar levels, reduces inflammation, helps with digestive problems, and gives your immune system a boost.

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Taking Turmeric Supplements

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Turmeric is a spice that you can add to food that adds flavor and allows you to take advantage of the benefits. Turmeric is often used as a spice in Asian cuisine and this is fantastic if you love this style of food. However, if you do not enjoy Asian-style meals or you want to vary your diet and not flavor all your food with turmeric, then you need to look for an alternative way to enjoy the health benefits of this spice.

The simplest way to do this is to take supplements containing turmeric. Using turmeric supplements means you can enjoy the proven health benefits of taking turmeric without having to incorporate the spice into every meal.

Another reason to consider taking supplements is that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is difficult to absorb naturally in the body. Supplements are designed to help you to absorb the curcumin and this maximizes the health benefits of this natural remedy.

Overall, turmeric has many proven health benefits so it is something that everyone should consider including in their diet. Alternatively taking supplements that will give you the same medicinal benefits and improves your chances of absorbing the effective properties. Even if you are not currently experiencing any health problems, the effects of turmeric supplements can significantly reduce the risk of you suffering from both minor health problems and serious conditions in the future.

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