Turmeric, a spice that contains the compound curcumin, has long been used in India to treat a variety of ailments. It is a cornerstone of the Indian diet and widely used as a skincare staple.

Turmeric is one of the primary spices in curry because of the amazing flavor and color it adds to a meal. Ingestion of turmeric benefits many systems in the body, supporting weight management, reduced inflammation, and brain function.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is so widely used throughout the world for many reasons beyond just the flavor. In light of all the well-documented health benefits, it is now increasing in popularity here in the United States. Studies indicate that some of the benefits of turmeric could even have similar effects to some prescription drugs.

The bioactive compounds in turmeric contain powerful medicinal properties. They can assist in a variety of ailments and afflictions. The primary active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, a very powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. Studies have found many benefits of turmeric supplements in your diet. Here are 12 major turmeric benefits:

1. May Reduce the Risks of Childhood Leukemia
   In studies conducted on childhood leukemia and the effects of curcumin, it was found that eating foods with turmeric may reduce the risk of contraction.

2. Helps Slow the Spread of Certain Cancers
   Cancer Research UK has reported that curcumin has anticancer properties. It has shown the ability to help kill cancer cells and prevent the growth of additional cells. Research also shows that countries that consume turmeric regularly, tend to have lower instances of cancer.

3. Resists Growth of Cancer-Causing Enzymes
   The American Cancer Society has stated that curcumin can interfere with cancer development, growth, and spread. In cumulative studies, curcumin was found to have ‘enormous potential in the prevention and therapy of cancer.’

4. Turmeric benefits cancer drug effectiveness
   A study performed in 2013 shows that curcumin combined with chemotherapy was significantly more effective in providing treatment against chemo-resistant colon cancer cells than chemotherapy alone.

5. May Slow the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
   Multiple Sclerosis affects more than 2.5 million people worldwide. Success in reducing the severity of paralysis in laboratory animals makes doctors hopeful that curcumin may one day be used to treat or slow MS in humans.

6. Might Delay Liver Damage
   In another study, laboratory animals that suffered chronic liver inflammation were given curcumin in their diet for several weeks. The mice that ate curcumin had significantly reduced bile duct blockage and less liver scarring than those that did not.

7. Natural Anti-Inflammatory
   Short-term inflammation is good for our immune system. Pathogens like bacteria could kill us if inflammation weren’t there to stop it. Low-level inflammation plays a role in diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. The curcumin in turmeric has been shown to fight and reduce inflammation at a molecular level.

8. All-Natural Antibacterial and Antiseptic Properties
   Turmeric’s antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic agents can help strengthen the immune system. You will remain healthier longer with the help of a strong immune system.

9. Supports the Body’s Resistance to Psoriasis
   As an anti-inflammatory, turmeric, or more specifically, curcumin, can help reduce many skin ailments. These including: psoriasis, acne, and other wounds. You’ll find that wounds heal more quickly when your immune system can more effectively fight.

10. Natural Pain Killer
    The European Journal of Pharmacology published the results of a study that indicates that curcumin naturally activates the opioid system in laboratory animals. The opioid system is our body’s natural pain-killing response.

11. All-Natural Weight Management
    Curcumin has also been shown to increase the flow of bile, which helps break down dietary fat. Weight loss, weight management, and disease-related obesity can be combated by adding curcumin to your diet.

12. Relief for Depression Symptoms, Naturally
    Government Medical College of Gujarat, India published a study in 2014 that examined 60 volunteers who had been previously diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Their study included the medication, Prozac (Fluoxetine, 20mg) and curcumin (1,000mg). They discovered that all of the patients who received curcumin tolerated it well. In fact, it was as effective as Prozac for depression symptoms.

Turmeric Research Breakthroughs

Breakthroughs in turmeric research come from a variety of sources. Two of the most interesting turmeric research breakthroughs in recent history include, improved cognitive function and impressive skin care properties.

Brain Superfood

Mother Nature provides many natural brain protectors and memory enhancers. Turmeric is one of several brain superfoods that can help boost the memory and fight diseases. Diseases – such as Alzheimer’s – that rob our loved ones of their precious memories. Here’s how turmeric is shown to support brain health:

• Boosts Cognitive Function
  Curcumin binds to normal brain cells and dissolves abnormal proteins.
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• Protects the Brain
  Curcumin boosts the immune system and encourages it to send macrophages to protect the brain.

Curcumin A “Skincare Miracle?”

Recent clinical studies indicate that turmeric has impressive beautifying qualities. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reduce redness from rosacea, psoriasis, and acne. Here are other ways curcumin, or turmeric, helps the skin:

• Reduces Oil and Redness
  Turmeric masks can reduce the amount of sebum, or oil, that the skin produces. Simply apply the mask, allow it to dry for 10 minutes, and rinse off. It is also great for reducing the redness caused by acne and other skin conditions.
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• Anti-Aging Properties
  Look amazing for many years by adding scrubs and masks made from curcumin to your beauty regimen.
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• Improve Skin Elasticity
  Curcumin can help stimulate new growth to keep skin looking young.

Turmeric Curcumin Supplements for Better Overall Health

You would be hard-pressed to find a cooking spice with as many benefits as turmeric! But it is unlikely that you will consume enough curcumin in your everyday diet to achieve the proper dosage for its maximum benefits.

With supplementation, you can easily meet the medicinal dose of 1 gram (1,000 mg) per day. One of the primary things to keep in mind when using curcumin or turmeric supplements for better health, is that it is fat soluble and easily absorbed by the body. Take your supplement with a fatty meal and with piperine (black pepper) to ensure maximum absorption.

How do you take your turmeric supplements? Do you use topical turmeric-infused products for skin and hair as well?

Has your turmeric supplement helped you improve your health? Let us know in the comments below!