Health Benefits of Turmeric
A ray of nutritional sunshine, turmeric bursts with myriad health benefits while giving dishes a savory flavor and bright yellow color. This ancient Indian herb was widely used throughout centuries in traditional Indian medicine and is now used in modern medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, from cancer, to skin wounds to Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric’s healing properties hail from its chief bioactive polyphenol, curcumin, which has been researched extensively for its ever-flowing health benefits. Research continues to provide a broad spectrum of evidence of how this pantry staple used to spice curries can aid the body in healing and prevent illness. (Source)
Turmeric for Brain Health
Turmeric, specifically curcumin, has been widely researched for its positive implications on Alzheimer’s disease and other mental illnesses. Turmeric has shown to effect multiple processes and components of Alzheimer’s in positive ways. One study found curcumin to aid macrophages in clearing the amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer’s disease. (Source) Another study examined the impact of turmeric (curcumin) on inflammation of nerve cells, a key player in Alzheimer’s, and multiple studies have shown turmeric to profoundly inhibit cytokines that cause this type of inflammation. (Source) Another study showed curcumin oil to counteract oxidative stress and reduce ishemic lesion volume in rats – evidence that suggests the promise of turmeric (curcumin) in treating cerebral stroke and other instances of oxidative stress. (Source)
Turmeric for Depression and Stress
In addition to its significant impact on symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease, curcumin has been studied for its potential to alleviate symptoms of depression and stress. In one study, rats with chronic, unpredictable mild stress were treated with curcumin. The results of the treatment showed curcumin to have significant neuroprotective, antidepressant-like effects in the rats, implying a therapeutic potential of curcumin in treating depression. (Source)
Turmeric for Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric also have implications beyond the brain and into the body. Curcumin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate osteoarthritis. In one study, curcuminoid-loaded liposomes were shown to have preventative effects on bone turnover of osteoarthritis due to downregulation of the expression of inflammatory markers on osteoblasts, thus slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. (Source) Another study examined the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin on cardiac disorders related to obesity. The study showed curcumin to reduce cardiac inflammation and oxidative stress in obese rats and mitigate cardiac injury. (Source)
Turmeric for Diabetes Treatment
The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric (curcumin) also have positive implications for diabetes treatment. One study examined turmeric as an adjuvant to type 2 diabetes therapy, and found it to reduce inflammation, regulate blood glucose and alleviate oxidative stress after 4 weeks of treatment with type 2 diabetes patients. (Source)
Turmeric for Cancer Prevention
As if it doesn’t already have enough healing potential, turmeric has also been shown to have anti-cancer effects on the body. One study examined the effects of curcumin on mice with breast cancer, and found curcumin treatment to reduce tumor growth and cell proliferation. (Source) In another study, demethoxycurcumin, a component of turmeric, was found to damage lung cancer cell DNA and suppress proteins associated with this DNA. (Source) Thyroid cancer is another common cancer that has displayed a positive response to curcumin treatment. One study showed curcumin to inhibit the invasion, spread and metastasis of thyroid cancer cells, indicating turmeric’s potential in thyroid cancer treatment. (Source)
Turmeric for Thyroid Health
In addition to thyroid cancer treatment, studies have also shown an association between turmeric and reduction of hyperthyroidism symptoms. Though more research is needed, one study conducted in Pakistan showed a reduction in goitrogenesis incidence when patients with thyroid diseases consumed a diet that contained turmeric. (Source)
Turmeric for Arthritis Treatment
Due to its high anti-inflammatory activity, turmeric (curcumin) has also been shown to combat symptoms of arthritis. In one study, rats with induced arthritis were given an oral dose of curcumin, which reduced inflammation after 6 hours. (Source) Another study investigated the effects of turmeric combined with devil’s claw and bromelain, and found the combination treatment to alleviate joint pain in individuals with chronic and acute osteoarthritis pain. (Source)
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
1 Tbsp (7g) Turmeric
Calories: 24
Total Fat: 1g
Sodium: 3g
Total Carbohydrate: 4g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Vitamin C: 3% Daily Value
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 16%
Magnesium: 3%
Phosphorus: 2%
Potassium: 5%
Zinc: 2%
Copper: 2%
Manganese 26%
Niacin: 2%
Vitamin B6: 6%