Turmeric - The Spice of Life

There has been a lot of buzz about Turmeric over the past couple of years, and in my opinion, rightfully so! 

Turmeric is an Indian spice in the ginger family and gives curry its yellow color. More importantly, this spice has incredible health benefits. Curcumin is the main active ingredient that contains all these amazing healing properties. 

We all know turmeric has high anti inflammatory properties, but what does this actually mean? Inflammation is actually pretty important. Without it pathogens like bacteria could easily take over the body and kill you. With that said, chronic inflammation IS a problem. When it becomes chronic it attacks your body’s own tissues. It is believed that chronic inflammation plays a big role in almost all western diseases; heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and Alzheimer’s. Anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is extremely important in treating and preventing these diseases. 

What you don’t hear much about when it comes to turmeric is how beneficial it is for the brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain. Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of BDNF, such as depression and Alzheimer’s. Curcumin can increase brain levels of BDNF, which can treat and prevent such brain diseases. 

Turmeric is also high in antioxidants, wonderful for boosting the immune system, and great for digestion. I guess that’s why they call it the “Spice of Life” 

Well played Turmeric, well played.