It’s no secret that inflammation is the root of all disease. What’s tricky about inflammatory responses is that there are so many everyday triggers that may cause these intruders to form. There are germs from coworkers and strangers beating down your immune system. Demands from work, family, and friends driving stress levels through the roof. Even the healthiest foods are manufactured with allergens!
The best way to fight inflammation is the same way you’d fight fire… with an extinguisher. One of the most potent anti-inflammatories out there comes from the Middle Eastern root known as turmeric. This is due to the rare chemical compound predominantly found in this root known as curcumin.
Studies on curcumin find this unique compound can inhibit the growth of at least 22 prominent pro-inflammatory biomarkers. Think that sounds great? The benefits of turmeric don’t end there. Let’s take a look at the many reasons why you should add the all natural anti-inflammatory turmeric to your wellness regimen.
What is Turmeric?
Many equate ginger with anti-inflammatory properties. Well, that all makes sense seeing as it’s related to turmeric. So, you can say turmeric is ginger’s cousin … on steroids (but way healthier).
This aromatic root is native to India and is used in many native dishes including:
- Vegetable Korma
- Tandoori Chicken
- Chana Masala
- Lentil Dal
- Turmeric Tea/Lattes
As you can see, the root is very versatile in the kitchen. However, it can also be very versatile in your wellness routine.
Turmeric has a long-standing history in Ayurvedic practices. The earliest recorded use of turmeric dates back to 250 BC. Back then, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners used this popular plant to help fight off food poisoning.
Since this first use of turmeric, the yellow-fleshed root has been used in the alternative medicine realm for centuries. Many studies have shown promising benefits of turmeric including:
- Chronic anterior uveitis
- Chickenpox
- Conjunctivitis
- Live ailments
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Skin cancer
- Smallpox
- Urinary tract infections
- Wound healing
- Abdominal pain
- Distention
- Flatus
- Jaundice
- Menstrual difficulties
- Anti-inflammatory actions
- Antimicrobial actions
- Appetite
These are just some of the areas in which turmeric can help. Let’s take a deeper look at why you should supplement with turmeric and how to make the most of your turmeric supplements.
Why Turmeric is an All Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is the cause of numerous Western conditions. That is why the homeopathic world rejoiced when all of the hunches about the benefits of turmeric were confirmed by science.
The main chemical compound within the genetic makeup of turmeric is curcumin. This puppy happens to be one of the strongest anti-inflammatory compounds out there.
One study compared the effectiveness of curcumin in fighting off pro-inflammatory cytokines. Researchers compared the efficacy of curcumin to over-the-counter NSAIDs.
All of the anti-inflammatory treatments used in this study included:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Sulindac
- Phenylbutazone
- Naproxen
- Indomethacin
- Diclofenac
- Resveratrol
- Curcumin
- Celecoxib
- Tamoxifen
Results concluded, “Overall these results indicate that aspirin and ibuprofen are least potent, while resveratrol, curcumin, celecoxib, and tamoxifen are the most potent anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative agents of those we studied.”
The reason for this is that curcumin blocks a pro-inflammatory molecule known as NF-kB. This is the greatest agitator for inflammation within your cells. At it’s worse, this protein may trigger a disruption within the DNA of cells, altering your genetic makeup.
What’s even better about curcumin as an anti-inflammatory is that it doesn’t come with the hoard of side effects that some over-the-counter medicines do. That’s why daily supplementation with turmeric can go a long way in controlling the breeding ground for inflammations in your body. However, there’s more to turmeric than just being an all natural anti-inflammatory. Let’s get to the root of this root’s benefits!
Turmeric is an Antioxidant
Hey, if you’re going to get rid of inflammations, you might as well sweep out all the debris that cause them! Turmeric contains a load of unique compounds that are also known to be antioxidants. These rare organic chemicals include:
-
Curcumin Demethoxycurcumin - 5’-methoxycurcumin
- Dihydrocurcumin
Unique compounds are the key for turmeric to keep your system clear of any precursors to inflammation. Studies on the antioxidant effects of curcumin found that curcuminoids bind onto biomarkers that cause cells to oxidize.
In particular, curcumin puts the kibosh on:
- Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
- Lipoxygenase (LOX)
- Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
Additionally, turmeric boosts the bioavailability of other antioxidants. Turmeric has been known to help increase the effectiveness of popular (and essential) minerals like vitamin C and vitamin E.
Turmeric May Boost Brain Power
Need a daily pick-me-up? Take a turmeric supplement. As we get older, it’s harder for our brain to create new neurons. As a result, we may start to lose grey matter in our later years.
One of the ways your brain used to replenish these neurons was through a hormone known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Decreased levels of BDNF have been linked to Alzheimer’s Disease and depression.
Luckily, turmeric may naturally boost levels of BDNF. Curcumin stimulates the hippocampus. This is the area of the brain where we store our memory. By boosting BDNF in this area, turmeric may help improve the overall health of your brain.
Turmeric May Lower Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
The World Health Organization reports that heart disease is the number one cause of death. One of the greatest contributors to this statistic is blood pressure and blood clotting. These crucial factors are all beholden to the endothelium.
The endothelium is the lining of blood vessels. When the endothelium is not functioning properly, it may cause symptoms associated with heart disease. Thankfully, curcumin shows promise in repairing the vitality of the endothelium.
One study compared the active compound in turmeric to the prescription medication, atorvastatin. The primary goal of this drug is to help the endothelium function optimally. Results found that turmeric was comparable in aiding the endothelium to rejuvenate itself.
Transform Your Wellness Routine with Turmeric
Our ancestors had a hunch and technology has confirmed their thoughts. Turmeric is a life changer. However, not all turmeric supplements are created equally.
In general, our body has a hard time digesting turmeric. Therefore, just taking a supplement on its own might not be the best option. Luckily, studies show that black pepper increases the bioavailability of curcumin.
The main chemical compound in black pepper, piperine, helps the body absorb the beneficial nutrients in turmeric. In fact, this compound ups the chances of absorption by a whopping 2000%!
This reason is why Tranquility Labs incorporates biopiperine in our turmeric formula. Our advanced formula makes the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric that much more efficient.
Do you include turmeric in your supplement regimen? Let us know in the comments below!
