Golden-orange turmeric or haldi, the spice cousin of ginger, has been utilised in Asian cuisine and herbal remedies for centuries. Dubbed a superfood, it is said to combat cancer, alleviate depression, provide a range of other health advantages, confirms WebMD. Be careful to buy impurity-free turmeric.
Turmeric contains curcumin which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. As it’s fat-soluble, consuming it with healthy fats enhances absorption. High doses may help combat chronic inflammation, which is linked to various health conditions and diseases, states Healthline.
Turmeric can potentially decrease joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Research indicates curcumin is as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but further studies are necessary, cautions Healthline.
This spice can reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and decrease the risk of heart disease, according to Healthline. WebMD says that turmeric was shown in a study to prevent heart attacks in patients after bypass surgery.
States Johns Hopkins Medicine, 'Curcumin (the polyphenol in turmeric) has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties... turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralising free radicals (pollution, sunlight) and shielding the cells from damage'.
Curcumin can soothe depression and increase antidepressants' effectiveness, says WebMD. Healthline underlines the ability of curcumin to increase serotonin, dopamine, and brain function. Research is on to prove if turmeric is beneficial in preventing Alzheimer's, states John Hopkins Medicine.
Research is mixed, but Healthline reports that a study in athletes found 6 gm of curcumin and 60 mg of piperine (found in black pepper), taken in three doses, helped reduce muscle damage after exercise.
According to Healthline, turmeric and curcumin may improve blood sugar metabolism and eventually reduce the effects of diabetes on the body.
Healthline states that curcumin supplements can assist in cancer therapy by aiding in cancer cell death, inhibiting tumour blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and preventing cancer spread (metastasis). It can also prevent digestive cancers. But as a rule supplements are not recommended, without consulting a doctor, cautions Johns Hopkins Health, and should be added into meals.