In recent years, the popularity of turmeric as a superfood has grown almost exponentially. Numerous studies have attested to its remarkable and far-ranging benefits and researchers say they still have more to discover.
A new research movement has also emerged around "functional foods"- foods (or therapeutic elements within food) that can contribute to treating acute diseases.
The component curcumin in turmeric excels as a functional food due to its innumerable health benefits. Let's take a look at some of them as proven by research.
Relief from pain and inflammation
Curcumin's most known quality is its potent anti-inflammatory activity. Numerous studies demonstrate that it tackles inflammation at its roots by inhibiting the release of chemicals that cause inflammation, minus the damaging side effects of NSAIDs and prescription painkillers.
Since it quells inflammation at the source, curcumin is helpful for almost all types of pain. According to research, oral supplementation helps reduce postoperative pain, soothe the delayed onset of muscle soreness after physical exertion, and alleviates the painful symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Curcumin also reduces the pain caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, dyspepsia, and ulcerative colitis while simultaneously treating the underlying condition.
Skin health
Consuming curcumin internally contributes to radiantly healthy skin due to its full-spectrum anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that targeting inflammation is a highly effective way to treat several skin conditions, including psoriasis.
Mental and emotional health
Researchers have discovered that curcumin also boosts our mental and emotional health.
Results from one study demonstrated that consuming curcumin is as effective as Prozac for treating major depressive disorder. Other studies have found that it also exhibits remarkable efficacy in alleviating atypical depression, and used alongside conventional antidepressants.
Curcumin also boosts cognitive performance, supports overall brain and nervous system health, and protects against the neurodegeneration that can lead to Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions.
Regulating blood sugar and metabolism
Curcumin shows excellent potential as a remedy for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. Studies demonstrate that curcumin aids those who already have type 2 diabetes by reducing insulin resistance, improving beta-cell function, lowering blood sugar, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular complications often associated with diabetes.
Also, curcumin helps to boost weight loss in individuals with or without metabolic syndrome. This is because it optimizes fat metabolism, reduces adipose tissue concentration, and aids in the transformation of white fat (harmful) into brown fat (helpful).
Gastrointestinal health and microbiome support
Since it's a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, curcumin effectively cures two of the most significant underlying causes of stomach disorders (inflammation and abundance of free radicals).
Also, its antimicrobial activity kills harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria intact, helping to balance the gut microbiome.
Studies have shown curcumin to be an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gastric ulcers, and more.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
