The use of turmeric started in Asia and dates back over 4,000 years. During this time, turmeric was not only used for food purposes, but also as a medicinal herb. Today, turmeric is used for cooking, but also well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. 

What Does Turmeric Do? 

The health benefits of turmeric can range from boosting brain activity to even clearing acne on the skin. People are using turmeric in almost everything to reap the numerous benefits of the spice.

Anti-Inflammatory

One of turmeric’s main components is curcumin, which acts as an anti-inflammatory. While a moderate amount of inflammation can actually be good for the body—it helps to fight off any foreign substances and increase blood flow to an area of injury—too much inflammation can result in arthritis, fatigue, obesity, infections, and even various autoimmune diseases. By incorporating a natural anti-inflammatory in your diet, you can improve your health while maintaining a normal amount of inflammation that the body needs. 

Antioxidant

In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, there are anti-oxidation properties as well. The process of oxidation in the body can lead to damaged cell membranes, DNA, and other cellular proteins caused by free radicals. These free radicals in the body can lead to various diseases including Alzheimer's, cancer, and heart disease. Natural antioxidants, like turmeric and alkaline water, have the power to neutralize the free radicals and protect your body from the damage they may cause.

9 Reasons To Try Turmeric 

1. Natural Anti-Inflammatory. As we mentioned, the curcumin in turmeric is proved to work as an anti-inflammatory to help prevent disease and illness in the body. 
2. Supports Cognitive Function. Turmeric has been proven to increase one’s Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a growth hormone in the brain that can improve memory as well as lower the risk of various brain disorders such as depression and Alzheimer's.
3. Lower Heart Disease Risk. Curcumin helps to improve the function of the endothelium, which is the tissue that protects our organs. In turn, this can help to increase your body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, stop blood clotting, and prevent heart disease.
4. Helps to Prevents Cancer. Various studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric has helped to reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors as well as reduce the overall spread of cancer through the body. By inhibiting the growth of tumors and cancerous cells, turmeric helps to control and can even prevent cancer. Although studies are still coming out with more evidence, this is definitely something to look out for in the future.
5. Prevents Alzheimer's. There has yet to be complete studies made, however it is known that Alzheimer's can be due to issues with inflammation and oxidation in the brain and body. Since turmeric is a strong fighter against both of these, it has been recommended to consider this as part of treatment and as a preventative measure.
6. Aids with Arthritis. One of the major symptoms of arthritis is inflammation in the joints. Therefore turmeric, an anti-inflammatory, is a healthy and natural method to reduce the amount of inflammation in your body and ease the symptoms and pain from arthritis.
7. Treats Depression. There is some evidence that curcumin is able to increase the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin in the brain which can lead to higher levels of happiness. In a study conducted with depressed patients, it was proven that by taking Turmeric over only a 6 week period, the patients showed signs of improved symptoms with their depression.
8. Delay Aging. Turmeric’s ability to prevent and treat various diseases can clearly contribute as a factor in increasing one’s life span. Turmeric’s anti-inflammation and oxidation properties have also been proven to play a huge role in anti-aging.
9. Promotes Healthy Skin. Turmeric’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties help to clear acne and inflammation on the skin. Consider using a turmeric face masks to reduce oil secretion, resulting in a youthful and radiant glow.

Tasty Techniques for Enjoying Turmeric

There are so many different ways you can use turmeric to both eat and drink. Here are some quick and easy favorites you can try. 

Add it to your scrambled eggs

Simply add 2 tablespoons of turmeric to your eggs along with any other desired veggies and continue to cook the eggs as normal. This is a perfect and easy way to put turmeric into your diet and start the day right! For a more specific recipe to follow, click here and start cooking!

Sprinkle some turmeric onto your greens

Whether you're stir frying some veggies or mixing up a big salad, you can sprinkle on some turmeric to add flavor and color. 

• Here’s a fun recipe to add a different spin on cooking roasted carrots that will be sure to get your taste buds going. 
• Mix up your next salad by incorporating kale, chickpeas, fennel and turmeric! For details on the recipe, click here.

Blend it up in your smoothie, tea, or even Pina Colada

The possibilities are endless—just add turmeric to any one of your favorite juices, teas or smoothies. 

• Do YOU like Pina Coladas and gettin' caught in the rain? All you need for this tropical drink is pineapple, oranges, bananas, coconut milk, and turmeric! Check out the recipe here. 
• An easy recipe for your next detox tea includes ¼ tsp of turmeric, black pepper, 1 tbsp raw honey, and lastly 2 cups of water. 
• Try this quick, easy, and most importantly—delicious—Golden Milk Oatmeal smoothie to start out your day.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways that turmeric can help with your health and nearly as many ways to enjoy this delicious spice. Hop on board the turmeric train and just wait to see what awesome results are coming you way.