Dr.Yashaswi Shrestha 
It helps improve heart health
Studies in the past have shown that the curcumin in the turmeric is good for heart health. More specifically, it improves the health of the endothelial cells which line the blood vessels and the heart.
Healthy endothelial cells help to regulate blood pressure and can retain good functioning of the heart. Turmeric also works to lower the levels of triglycerides in the blood. To reduce high cholesterol, use 700 mg of turmeric extract two times a day daily for 3 months.
Its anti-inflammatory actions
One of the main reasons turmeric is so popular is that the curcumin is a great anti-inflammatory agent. Some past studies have shown that it can be even more effective than medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Combined with other herbal ingredients, it helps to treat chronic inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis, pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Not only this, but it has healing properties as well. For osteoarthritis, use 500 mg of turmeric extract two times a day for 2-3 months.
It reduces risks of developing cancer
We know that inflammation has been linked to growth of tumors in the body. That is why compounds like curcumin can help prevent certain cancers like prostate, breast, colorectal, gastric and pancreatic cancers. A recent experiment done on mice suggests that turmeric can arrest these tumor cells at different points of their growth and interferes with cell signaling pathways too. In mice, turmeric has been shown to treat cancer as well, but such evidence is still lacking in humans.
It can prevent diabetes
Diabetes is another one of the modern ailments. However, herbal remedies including turmeric can be a great protective factor against it. Curcumin in turmeric help to prevent type 1 and type 2 diabetes. But that’s not all, it also protects people with diabetes from developing complications such as diabetic nephropathy(kidney damage that occurs due to diabetes). This can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It improves your mental health
Studies have shown that a hormone called the brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF) helps certain neurons in the brain to form connections and multiply. Diseases such as depression and Alzheimer’s have been linked to lower levels of BDNF. This is where curcumin comes in because studies have shown that it can increase BDNF levels in the brain. By doing so, turmeric helps prevent us from these diseases. Some studies have even shown that its efficacy is just as good as that of some anti-depressant drugs.
It relives itches
According to research, turmeric is useful in people who have itching as a result of long-term kidney disease. The best way to take turmeric to reduce such itches is to take turmeric orally thrice a day for 8 weeks. A combination of black pepper and curcumin can also reduce the severity of chronic itching caused by mustard gas. For maximum benefits, try using 500 mg of turmeric thrice a day for 2 months.
It is great for the skin
Since ancient times, turmeric was used by South-Asians to beautify their skin- and rightfully so! By now you already know that turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory agent and anti-oxidant. It is also a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial which means that it is protectant against many organisms that invade your skin. Because of this, turmeric can help you get rid of several skin conditions including acne and eczema.
It is useful for hayfever
If you are suffering from hayfever, taking turmeric is a good way to get relief from symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing and congestion. This once again can be attributed to the curcumin present in turmeric.
Its anti-ageing properties
Although not enough research has been done, it has been speculated that turmeric can help fight against signs of ageing. It protects the body against free radicals which are the main reasons for cellular ageing and injury. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects are a great bonus too. Turmeric can also help prevent glaucoma, a group of potentially blinding eye disorders which affect people mainly over the age of 60.
It reduces liver injury
Apart from diseases caused by alcohol, turmeric seems to help in the healing of liver injuries. Studies showed marked decrease in the markers of liver injury after intake of turmeric. In addition, it also prevents fatty buildup in the hepatocytes.
How can you use turmeric?
- Add a dash of turmeric to plain rice.
- You can also add turmeric and blend it to make a smoothie. You can also add it to tea or soup.
- Adding a little bit of turmeric into green vegetables such as kale or cabbage can be a good idea.
- Use turmeric as a seasoning for scrambled eggs or tofu.
- For skin, you can use mix it up with other ingredients to make a face mask.
