The Amazing Health Benefits Of Turmeric
For thousands of years turmeric has been used in traditional medicine practices in many different cultures. From its vibrant golden hue to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is one of the most versatile plants on earth. Part of the ginger family, turmeric is a perennial plant native to southern Asia. While the leaves of the plant look rather ordinary, the rhizomatous root system beneath the ground is where the real power lays.
We most often see turmeric in its powdered form. To reap the benefits of the plant, the roots are boiled and then dried in an oven before being ground into the vibrant powder we see in stores and in supplements.
Turmeric Is The Spice Of Life
While turmeric has many medicinal benefits - which we will cover today - it is also used as the main spice in many Asian and Middle Eastern traditional food dishes, such as curries and rice dishes, as well as teas. The powder is also known for its use in dying fabric used in Buddhist monks’ robes and Indian saris.
Before we had scientific studies to back up the health benefits of turmeric, the root was still used successfully in traditional medicine. When ingested, turmeric was used for treating common illnesses like the flu and colds. When applied to the skin in an ointment, turmeric was used to treat wounds and infections.
Turmeric Withstands The Test Of Time
Traditional and ancient medical practices often go out of style when better, safer alternatives become available through research and development. However, after numerous studies, turmeric has been shown time and time again to have real effects on health.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory
Known as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement, turmeric has been shown to block a specific protein that triggers inflammation in our cells - helping it to inhibit inflammation as a cellular level. Turmeric has, in some studies, been found to be as effective as popular NSAIDS without negative side effects.* Many people who suffer from chronic inflammation, joint pain, and arthritis have found relief in turmeric supplements. And as chronic inflammation plays a role in heart disease and other degenerative conditions, it is thought that taking a daily turmeric supplement could be a good preventative step in future health.*
A Potent Antioxidant
Along with being a natural anti-inflammatory supplement, turmeric is also a potent antioxidant. As we learned in our blog about alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant is a molecule that fights free radicals. Free radicals, which are responsible for harmful cell damage, are molecules that are missing an electron. These rogue molecules steal electrons from health molecules, which then go on to steal electrons from more molecules, and so forth. This causes a chain reaction that can have devastating consequences on your immune system. Antioxidants work to neutralize these free radicals so they cannot cause further damage, which helps to strengthen the immune system and ward off disease.
Support Heart Health With Turmeric
While a healthy heart is the result of a number of factors including an active lifestyle and a healthy diet, turmeric has been found to be an added benefit. Turmeric has been found to support endothelium, which is the lining that protects our blood vessels.* A dysfunction of this lining has been known to negatively affect blood clotting and blood pressure, meaning that turmeric could play a role in healthy blood functions.
Choose Saratoga Supplements For Your Turmeric Extract
Our online health store carries several turmeric extract supplements for healthy joints, heart, and other functions. As a herbal health supplement, turmeric extract is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts, and thankfully we have the ability to harvest the benefits in a bottle. Shop our collection of joint health and herbal supplements today!
