Turmeric is a distinctive yellow-orange spice used as flavoring for ethnic dishes like Indian curry.   Furthermore, research has shown that it is not just a spice for providing pizzazz to food but it also possesses health benefits.  And since it comes in powder form, it can easily be consumed either as supplements or as addition to cooked food.

Curcuminoids, which are the active ingredients in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus, making them useful in both prevention and intervention.  Other properties that continue to be discovered include antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antimutagen and anticancer.

1. Inflammation of the Joints

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can significantly reduce the pain felt by rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Keep in mind that the pain can be attributed to the inflammation of the joints, the less inflammation, the less pain felt.

2. Flu Protection

It must be emphasized that turmeric is not a cure-all substitute for flu shots and staying healthy in flu prevention.  However, it possesses antiviral properties helpful in protecting against numerous flu strains, thus, preventing its replication in the body.

3. Promotion of Cardiovascular Health

A clinical study has shown that turmeric lessens cholesterol levels as potently as Clofibrate.  Other studies have pointed to turmeric’s ability to lower triglycerides levels, too.  These findings point to the great potential of turmeric to promote cardiovascular health.

4. Fight Cancer

Preliminary studies on turmeric’s anticancer possibilities point to its ability to slow down the growth of certain types of tumors.  Plus, demographic research points to the observation that people living in areas where turmeric is a favored spice, like India, have the lowest cancer rates in the world.

5. Weight Loss and Weight Management

Turmeric promotes faster fat metabolism.  As such, it can be very helpful in the promotion of weight loss as well as in the maintenance of a healthy weight.  Said action is attributed to the increased flow of bile and, hence, to faster fat burning.  In fact, many weight loss supplements contain turmeric as an active ingredient.

6. Digestive System Protection

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric lessens the congestion and inflammation brought by stagnant mucous membranes in addition to stimulating gastric mucus production.  As such, it is very useful in people with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s disease and diarrhea.  Even the itching that accompanies anal fissures and hemorrhoids can be significantly lessened by the consumption of turmeric.

7. Pain Reliever

Turmeric acts a natural pain reliever due to its antispasmodic properties, which means that it can smoothen the kinks in the muscles as well as reduce digestive and menstrual cramping.  This is good news for women suffering from dysmenorrheal cramps.

8. Faster Wound Healing

Due to its antiseptic properties, turmeric promotes faster wound healing.  Just apply to the affected area to generate the best results.

9. Protection against Asthma Attacks

If you have asthma, you can take turmeric supplements to strengthen your lungs against the onslaught of asthma attacks.

10. Blood Sugar Stabilization

Turmeric assists in stabilizing blood sugar levels especially in diabetics.

Again, turmeric works when you consume sufficient amounts of it.  Try adding turmeric to your grains and beans as well as oatmeal, take digestive bitters or take supplements.