The Healing Power of Turmeric

The spotlight is on turmeric! Turmeric for many is the yellow spice used in curries but what many don’t realize is the wealth of beneficial health properties that turmeric can provide! (Don't miss the recipe at the end of the post!)

Curcumin is the active compound responsible for the many health benefits of turmeric. It turns out that curcumin is so strongly anti-inflammatory its effects have been comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone and it has been shown to be as effective as ibuprofen with none of the toxic side effects!
Everyday our bodies are bombarded with pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and UV that can spawn free radicals. Free radicals can damage the body’s cells and can alter proteins in DNA that trigger a number of human diseases. Curcumin, in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our bodies from free radicals. Curcumin helps fight against free radicals by neutralizing them and boosting the body's own antioxidant mechanisms.

Cancer: The antioxidants found in turmeric can also help the body’s defence against cancer.  Studies show it can reduce angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumours), metastasis (spread of cancer), as well it may contribute to the death of cancerous cells. The studies explain that curcumin interferes with several important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread.

Arthiritis: Curcumin is also an amazing aid for arthritis management. The same powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals also can provide relief for arthritis sufferers. Not only does turmeric act as an anti-inflammatory and reduce inflammation, studies show that turmeric was actually more effective at preventing joint inflammation.

Brain health: In addition to all these amazing health benefits, curcumin can boost your brain health! Curcumin has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is like fertilizer for neurons that fight various degenerative processes in the brain. This is why studies are showing curcumin to have promise in treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb and it’s powerful healing capabilities have only recently started being backed up by science. Many other health benefits of turmeric including lowering your risk of heart disease, lowering cholesterol, and maintaining good skin health have yet to be scientifically proven but have been used in alternative medicine throughout history. If you haven’t been using turmeric in your diet, try it out, make a delicious curry or turmeric tea!

Want to start incorporating Turmeric into your daily routine? Check out our Wellness Collection!

Turmeric Milk Recipe

Total Time: 5 minutes |  Serves: 2

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil

• 1 tablespoon honey (or other sweetener)

• 2-3 tsp Golden Turmeric Ginger Tea

 Directions:

• Warm coconut milk and water in a saucepan.

• Add in ghee/coconut oil, raw honey and Turmeric Recovery bring to near boil.

• Turn down to a simmer for a few minutes

• Stir and serve right away or pour into a blender and make it frothy before serving.