Ever wonder what turmeric is good for? Learn the top benefits of this powerful antioxidant and how it can bolster your immune system, your memory, and your digestive system so that you can enjoy greater health and longevity.
What is Turmeric good for?
The spice turmeric is a member of the ginger family that contains curcumin and has long been recognized for its brilliant contribution to human health. It gets its yellow color from the curcumin in the root, which is where the health benefits begin.
Turmeric has many uses. It is often used as an ingredient for cooking, especially as a key ingredient in curry powder. Its warm, earthy flavor adds distinction to recipes such as soups, dressings, and curries. But it’s not merely those savory dishes that are spiced up with turmeric. The flavor profiles in smoothies, lattes, teas, and chia puddings benefit from the mild, aromatic root.
But it’s so much more than a flavor boost to your food. It’s a boost to your health. Turmeric is a potent antioxidant with many benefits:
- Promotes cellular repair
- Fights free radicals
- Improves brain function
- Boosts immunity
- Provides digestive health
Immune System
Turmeric is a natural way to bolster the immune system, which makes it an effective tool for cold and flu season. Curcumin has anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial assets. As a powerful antioxidant, it can enhance antibody responses, which is brilliant news for your immune system3.
Memory Function
Inflammation in the brain reduces cognitive ability such as memory and problem-solving. Curcumin is a nutritional compound located in the root of the turmeric plant and is known worldwide and anciently for its anti-inflammatory1 properties. Bolstering concentration and easing learning capabilities are a huge benefit to this unassuming spice.
Inflammation is also a major factor in chronic conditions. Because of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, that inflammation is decreased and can help promote healing and lengthen the time of remission2.
Digestive Health
Turmeric contributes to healthy digestion as a result of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s used in ayurvedic medicine as a digestive healing agent. Combined with high fiber foods, turmeric increases the liver’s efficiency to trap cholesterol and is often used as colon cleanse since it acts as a natural laxative.
So if you’re feeling a little under the weather and a cold might be coming on, turmeric tea can help to fight off the virus or bacteria. Or if you’re looking to keep your cholesterol in check or if you’re looking for an aid for inflammatory issues, a warm mug of golden turmeric milk may be the boost you are looking for.
Turmeric Golden Milk
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups coconut milk
- 1 teaspoonground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
Warm all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to simmer and simmer for 10 minutes to flavors fuse. Pour into your favorite mugs, breathe in the warm scent, and enjoy!
You can mix this recipe up by adding coconut oil, ginger or black pepper.
The potent antioxidant properties in turmeric make it so much more than a wonderful warming spice. Try it today and see what benefits it can give you!
