Benefits of Turmeric

 

1. Turmeric contains bioactive compounds with medicinal properties

However, the curcumin content of turmeric isn’t that high. It’s around 3%, by weight (2Trusted Source). Most of the studies on this herb use turmeric extracts that contain mostly curcumin itself, with dosages usually exceeding 1 gram per day. It would be very difficult to reach these levels just using turmeric as a spice in your foods. That’s why some people choose to use supplements. However, curcumin is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream. In order to experience the full effects of curcumin, its bioavailability (the rate at which your body absorbs a substance) needs to improve (3Trusted Source).

2. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory compound

Inflammation is incredibly important. It helps fight foreign invaders and has a role in repairing damage in your body. Although acute, short-term inflammation is beneficial, it can be a concern if it becomes chronic and attacks your body’s own tissues. Scientists now believe that chronic low-level inflammation can play a role in some health conditions and diseases. These include (5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source):

heart disease
cancer
metabolic syndrome
Alzheimer’s disease
various degenerative conditions
That’s why anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is potentially important in preventing and helping treat these conditions.

3. Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body

Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases. It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins, or DNA. The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial is that they protect your body from free radicals. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure (11Trusted Source). In addition, animal and cellular studies suggest that curcumin may block the action of free radicals and may stimulate the action of other antioxidants. Further clinical studies are needed in humans to confirm these benefits (12Trusted Source).