10 benefits of turmeric
Who doesn’t know curry, an inseparable sauce of Indian cuisine?
However, few people know that this spice, like its recipe, does not exist. Its ingredients can vary, as well as the composition of the used condiment, which is actually a mixture of different spices. The one that cannot be missed in its preparation is precisely turmeric, with its characteristic flavor and its strong yellow-orange color. Obtained after drying and grinding the rhizome of Curcuma longa, this spice is not just a simple culinary asset but above all an indispensable ally.
The fight against oxidative stress
To understand how turmeric works, we first need to talk about the evil it combats: oxidation.
Some factors, such as stress, intense physical activity, an unbalanced diet, and even oxygen, contribute to the presence in our bodies of molecules that have unpaired electrons: free radicals. The loss of this elementary particle causes a chain reaction that leads to the degradation of molecules. Free radicals are linked to premature aging: hormonal alterations, DNA attacks, and the appearance of cardiovascular, inflammatory, rheumatic, or oncological diseases.
When the presence of these oxidative substances is higher than the cell's defense capacity, we talk about oxidative stress. To maintain an adequate balance for the body, it is necessary to provide elements capable of preventing the attacks or even the formation of free radicals: antioxidants.
The plant world is a source of these antioxidants. A healthy, varied, and balanced diet provides a significant number of these radical inhibitors. To know the antioxidant value of each food, the ORAC index (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is used. This measurement method has specifically determined the antioxidant level of turmeric: 159,277 μmol TE/100 g, which is 10 times the value of a walnut or an almond.
Benefits of turmeric
The main bioactive compounds of turmeric are polyphenols, curcuminoids, which mainly include curcumin, the main enhancer of its flavor.
This root offers the following benefits:
Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress
Curcuminoids in turmeric help reduce inflammation and neutralize free radicals, which can prevent cellular damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to inflammation.
Maintains the effectiveness of natural defenses
Contributes to strengthening the immune system, helping the body to defend itself against pathogens and to maintain a balanced immune response.
Protects joints
Helps maintain joint flexibility and health, which is especially beneficial for people with rheumatic conditions, relieving joint pain and stiffness.
Promotes digestion
Stimulates liver and bile function, facilitating fat digestion and improving overall digestive health. It can relieve problems such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome.
Improves cardiovascular health
Improves endothelial function, which is crucial for blood vessel health, and reduces the risk of heart diseases by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the cardiovascular system.
Regulates blood sugar levels
Turmeric can improve insulin sensitivity and help keep blood glucose levels under control, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.
For arthritis
Reduces pain and symptoms associated with arthritis, thanks to its potent anti-inflammatory properties, improving the quality of life of people suffering from this disease.
Improves brain health
Increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), enhancing brain function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Supports mental health
Some studies suggest that curcumin may be effective for depressive states, comparing its efficacy to that of some conventional antidepressants but with fewer side effects.
Anti-aging properties
Protects against cellular damage and combats the signs of premature aging, promoting healthier skin and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.
Curcugreen®, bioavailable curcumin
Curcuminoids pose a serious problem: their weak bioavailability. Poorly soluble, they metabolize before they can be absorbed by the intestines. That’s why it’s often recommended to combine turmeric with black pepper (Piper nigrum) or long pepper (Piper longa), whose piperine creates a synergy with polyphenols.
A leading company in phytotherapy, Anastore offers easily bioavailable curcumin that does not need to be combined with piperine: Curcugreen®.
100% natural and patented extract, Curcugreen® is an extract with 95% curcuminoids complex, which remains in the blood for more than 8 hours, an exceptional action time.