No more sugar, try this spice, to have your insides feeling nice. Turmeric is a spice that can be added to many dishes, adding lots of flavour and warmth. Turmeric can be very beneficial to your health, and is not only here to spice up your dishes, it is here to spice up your life.
Curcumin to the Rescue
Curcumin is a compound that is found within turmeric. This active ingredient known as curcuminoids or curcumin, is the most widely used ingredient in turmeric, since it contains the most beneficial properties.
10 Benefits of Turmeric
- The conversation around inflammation
Fighting inflammation has become a major topic of discussion. Preventing inflammation is a key factor in preventing and treating disease. Curcumin is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent that contains a substance known to supress molecules that cause inflammation. It can be just as useful in treating inflammation as some anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Pain, pain go away, you’re no match for turmeric anyway
Inflammation and arthritis go hand in hand, and turmeric is known to help relieve pain and treat this condition. Turmeric can neutralize free radicals, which are known to damage the cells, causing joint pain and deterioration of the joints. By neutralizing free radicals you are actually preventing them from spreading further and damaging more cells.
- Powerful antioxidants gives your body a boost of confidence
Curcumin is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect your body from free radicals. Curcumin also helps to boost the activity of your body’s own antioxidant enzymes, which also aids in fighting against free radical damage.
- A dash of spice, will have you stop thinking twice.
For healthy brain function the brain requires the hormone – brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Low levels of this growth hormone contribute to brain disease. Curcumin can increase BDNF, which can help to delay or even reverse brain disease and decreased brain function.
- Happy healthy heart
Curcumin may reverse heart disease by reducing the “bad” cholesterol. It also improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of your blood vessels. A healthy endothelium can help to regulate your blood pressure and prevent blood clotting. Reducing inflammation also plays a role in lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Cancer prevention
Turmeric does it all. Although research is still at the early stages, curcumin is said to have anti-cancer effects. It does this by not only preventing the cancer cells from growing but can actually kill cancer cells. It is especially effective with breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer.
- Battling depression, turmeric’s here to fight
As mentioned, curcumin helps with inflammation, and chronic inflammation is known to exacerbate depression. Since it reduces inflammation it may actually help to lower symptoms of depression.
- Long live the liver
The liver is responsible for many functions. When the system is overworked the liver suffers trying to catch up. Curcumin is protective against liver damage by reducing oxidative stress to allow for the liver to properly do its job without neglecting its other responsibilities.
- A Boost of energy
Turmeric contains irons, fibre, vitamin B6, copper, and potassium. What this means is that the iron will help will energy, as it helps to metabolise proteins. B6 vitamins help with metabolism, protect the immune system, aids with PMS and hormones and helps to maintain healthy skin. Copper contains those anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties, to aid in lowering the risk of CVD, protect joints, and promotes brain health. Potassium helps with cardiovascular health and bone health and is also a part of electrolyte function.
10. You always win, with healthy looking skin
As mentioned turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits that help promote healthy looking skin. It is also very helpful in treating acne, blemishes and redness. Its antiseptic properties prevent bacteria from accumulating in the skin, to have your skin looking clear and fresh.
Tip:adding black pepper to turmeric helps to enhance the absorption of curcumin
Ingredients
- Serving size: 2
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 fresh lemon squeezed
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 2 Tbsp chia seeds
- Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric (powder)
- Optional: dash of cinnamon and ground pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together, blend and enjoy!!
