The Benefits Of Incorporating Turmeric Into Your Diet

Over the last few years there have been many foods that have been touted as superfoods. Some of them have a dubious claim to that title but one on which there is no doubt is turmeric. In fact, many people believe that it is the most beneficial nutritional supplement that exists. Let’s dig into the benefits of adding turmeric to your diet.

Antioxidant Power
The condition known as oxidative stress is a key contributor to illness and aging. It causes molecules known as free radicals to create cellular damage that interrupts normal processes. Antioxidants are able to neutralize the activity of free radicals. Your body produces its own antioxidant enzymes. Curcumin has been shown to, not only provide you with more, but to actually increase the body’s own antioxidant production.

The most powerful antioxidant within turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin is in a class of compounds called curcuminoids. As well as being a powerful antioxidant, curcumin is also an effective anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin provides the color to turmeric. It has been shown to help relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis and to improve eye health, especially in those with degenerative eye disorders.

Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Turmeric, again largely due to its curcumin content, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is a key part of the body's defenses against foreign invaders. However, when it becomes chronic, it actually begins to attack the body’s tissues. Chronic inflammation is believed to be a contributor to many diseases. 

Curcumin has been shown in several studies to have just as potent an anti-inflammatory effect as some anti-inflammatory drugs! Its power lies in its ability to block a particularly nasty molecule known as Nf-kB, which is believed to be a contributor to chronic inflammation. 

Brain Boosting Ability
Turmeric is one of the best supplements you can take to boost your cognitive ability. It is now known that the brain’s neurons are able to divide and multiply. A key facilitator of this process is a growth hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Curcumin has the ability to increase BDNF levels. In doing so, it is thought to help stave off such conditions as Alzheimer’s and depression, which are linked to low levels of BDNF. The ability of curcumin to impact neuron multiplication is also believed to give it the power to improve memory and overall cognitive ability. However, more research is needed to confirm this. 

Cardiovascular Benefits
Curcumin has proven to be beneficial in helping to relieve many of the factors that contribute to heart disease. It has the ability to strengthen the endothelium, which is the material that lines your blood vessels. The stronger the endothelium the less likely you are to have high blood pressure and the lower your susceptibility to blood clotting. 

The ability of curcumin to reduce inflammation that we have already discussed also makes it good for your heart health. 

Summary
Curcumin is one supplement that is definitely worth adding to your diet. In addition to the benefits we’ve covered there is ongoing research into its ability to help fight cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and age-related diseases. You can either add turmeric as a spice to your foods or take it as a supplement. If you decide to take a supplement look for a turmeric supplement that includes Bioperine, as this ingredient will greatly increase its absorption into your body.