The Many Health Benefits of Turmeric Include Its Powerful Antioxidant Capability

The benefits of turmeric have been known for centuries in India and China, where the herb is widely used, but in the West it is only in recent years that the many helpful properties of turmeric have been recognized. What doctors and supplement manufacturers have discovered is that this little yellow herb can pack a potent punch when it comes to fighting many common ailments and improving overall health.

Turmeric is an herb widely used in Indian cooking. It contains an active ingredient called curcumin, and this is where the many health benefits of turmeric are derived from. Curcumin acts as both an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, making it doubly helpful in fighting illness and promoting good health. Its antioxidant properties are primary among the turmeric benefits. It helps to rid the body of harmful free radicals which can damage the cells, which are the building blocks to all life.

The damage caused by free radicals can result in inflammation within the body. Since turmeric works not only to rid the body of free radicals themselves but also to reduce inflammation, it is a powerful ally for the immune system, which can become overworked by fighting free radicals. Along with the general benefits of turmeric as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, studies have shown that it can play a specific role in fighting various diseases.

Turmeric has been used medicinally to treat everything from dyspepsia, abdominal pain and fever to jaundice and kidney inflammation. One of the most important turmeric benefits is its ability to flush pollutants from the liver and stimulate the production of bile, aiding in the absorption of fat. In turn, this allows the body to benefit from the effects of other fat soluble nutrients. As more becomes known about this natural medicinal herb, turmeric benefits seem to be almost endless.

As an anti-inflammatory, turmeric can be a great asset in fighting rheumatoid arthritis and has been found to lessen the symptoms of psoriasis. By far, the most significant benefits of turmeric are its ability to stave off some cancers. Both prostate and breast cancer have been shown to respond to the ingestion of turmeric, as its anti-carcinogenic properties help to slow the growth of tumors.

Studies indicate that turmeric may also be a weapon in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The curcumin in turmeric has been proven to reduce the build up of amyloid protein plaque in the brain, a primary indicator of Alzheimer’s. While the exact health benefits of turmeric for Alzheimer’s patients are still not known, it is clear that the rate of Alzheimer’s in India, where turmeric is used in great quantity, is quite low, giving scientists hope that there is a real connection.

While turmeric can be used in powder form in cooking, it has also been made available as an ingredient in many dietary supplements. As with any medicine, you should always do your homework before choosing a supplement and don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you have any doubts about which supplement will work best for you.

You only get one body, so why not do whatever you can to keep it looking and feeling good for as long as possible? Eating a balanced diet, getting proper exercise and taking a daily dietary supplement are the first steps toward living healthy. Take care of your body and consider making a supplement containing turmeric a part of your daily routine.

Find out more about the health benefits of turmeric

If you are interested in learning more about turmeric in general or would like to find out about one of the most powerful natural health supplements on the market, please feel free to contact me on the following page.

Turmeric and other natural antioxidants are the key to vibrant health...discover what they can do for you today!

return to the Your Optimal Health home page