You’ve probably noticed the turmeric craze going around: turmeric coffee, turmeric wellness shots, and even turmeric-based skincare. We’re here to tell you that it’s a craze for a reason. Also known as “Indian Saffron,” turmeric is a lot more than just a radiant golden-colored spice. With curcumin as one of its main active compounds, which has anti-inflammatory effects, it has been proven to have many health benefits as well as illness-fighting properties. It’s no wonder that people have been using turmeric to treat various diseases and illnesses for thousands of years.
What exactly are the benefits of turmeric and how do you add it to your diet? Keep reading to find out!
Top 5 Health Benefits of Turmeric
- Fights inflammation
Did you know that inflammation is one of the main causes of major health problems? High rates of inflammation can contribute to further health problems, like heart disease or cancer. Fortunately, turmeric reduces inflammation and helps to alleviate issues like joint pain or swelling! [1]
- Balances blood sugar
Turmeric’s antioxidant properties help balance blood sugar levels. Its ability to balance insulin makes it a great aid for anyone with diabetes or with low energy. [2]
- Helps the gut
Some studies show a positive impact of turmeric in detoxifying the liver to lessen the effects of unhealthy carcinogens. It gets better: it helps with inflammation on the intestinal tract and aids with digestion, too! Some studies have proven that it can also reduce bloating and gas. [3] [4]
- Improves memory
As we mentioned above turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties found in curcumin that may be effective at delaying many brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, as well as the age-related decrease in brain function. [5]
- Immunity booster
Turmeric is known to kill many types of bacteria. It helps strengthen the immune system by killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Feel like you’re getting sick? Turmeric can boost your immune response to help you better fight off common illnesses like the flu or cold. You can also apply turmeric directly onto your skin to kill bacteria. It can help with acne and psoriasis when used externally. [6]
Easy Ways to Get More Turmeric in Your Life
- Savory foods
With its subtle peppery flavor, turmeric can be easily added to veggies, rice, salads, or scrambled eggs. You don’t need to use very much, and even just a pinch (make sure you wash your hands afterward) or a small dash work like a charm. It also adds a hint of color to whatever it is you’re cooking.
- Infused in your coffee
Have you tried VitaCup’s newest vitamin-infused flavor, called Genius coffee pods? It combines your daily caffeine, vitamins, cinnamon, MCT Oil, and you guessed it: TURMERIC! With this exquisite mixture, you’ll be reaping the benefits of turmeric while you sip on your morning cup of joe! The taste is so subtle, you won’t even know it’s in it…Get turmeric-infused coffee here!
- Smoothies
Add a dash of ground turmeric to your morning smoothies. The turmeric root has a stronger taste, so we recommend using the ground version instead. You won’t be able to taste it, but your body will sure know it’s there.
- Tea
Mixed and steamed with some coconut milk and honey, turmeric “tea” is one of the tastiest and most calming drinks. It’s almost like a latte, but healthier and without the caffeine. Try it. We promise you’ll love it! Try turmeric-infused tea here.
- Face masks
Did you know you could make a face mask with turmeric by combining it with some honey? Because it helps with bacteria, this turmeric mask can help clear acne and blemishes by being absorbed into the skin topically!
Needless to say, a bottle (or two) of turmeric is one spice you’ll want to have on your spice rack. Whether you’re looking for immune support, pain relief, or clearer skin, a dash of turmeric will do the trick! You’ll thank us later.
Looking to add more turmeric to your daily diet? Try Genius Blend Coffee! Keto-Friendly and infused with turmeric, MCT oil, cinnamon.
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References:
(1) Chandran B, Goel A. A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytother Res. 2012 Nov;26(11):1719-25. doi: 10.1002/ptr.4639. Epub 2012 Mar 9.
(2) Ghorbani Z, Hekmatdoost A, Mirmiran P. Anti-Hyperglycemic and Insulin Sensitizer Effects of Turmeric and Its Principle Constituent Curcumin. International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;12(4):e18081. doi:10.5812/ijem.18081.
(3) Winkler A, Gessner DK, Koch C, Romberg FJ, Dusel G, Herzog E, Most E, Eder K. Effects of a plant product consisting of green tea and curcuma extract on milk production and the expression of hepatic genes involved in endoplasmic stress response and inflammation in dairy cows. Arch Anim Nutr. 2015;69(6):425-41. doi: 10.1080/1745039X.2015.1093873. PubMed PMID: 26490199.
(4) Chattopadhyay, Ishita, et al. “Turmeric and Curcumin: Biological Actions and Medicinal Applications.” CURRENT SCIENCE 87.1 (2004): n.pag. Web. 24 Feb. 2017.
(5) Mithu VS, Sarkar B, Bhowmik D, Das AK, Chandrakesan M, Maiti S, Madhu PK. Curcumin alters the salt bridge-containing turn region in amyloid β(1-42) aggregates. J Biol Chem. 2014 Apr 18;289(16):11122-31. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M113.519447. Epub 2014 Mar 5. PubMed PMID: 24599958; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC4036251.
(6) Zorofchian Moghadamtousi S, Abdul Kadir H, Hassandarvish P, Tajik H, Abubakar S, Zandi K. A Review on Antibacterial, Antiviral, and Antifungal Activity of Curcumin. BioMed Research International. 2014;2014:186864. doi:10.1155/2014/186864.