Health Benefits of Turmeric

We’re often asked about the health benefits of turmeric by our clients. Turmeric has long been used as a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine. This bright yellow spice from the root of the Curcuma longa plant is one of the most well-studied and powerful anti-inflammatory superfoods. The main compound responsible for turmerics’ power is curcurmin, which is responsible for that famous canary yellow color. It is also a powerful antioxidant, giving it wonderful anti-cancer and age related disease properties as well.

Curcurmin has been shown in studies to relieve chronic inflammation, which overtime can lead to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other degenerative conditions [1],[2],[3]. On an acute basis, it also leads to the daily aches and pains that can prevent a more active lifestyle. Curcurmin has been shown to improve the symptoms of arthritis, even more so than some anti-inflammatory medications [4].

Curcurmin has also been shown to improve the function of the endothelium (the lining of blood vessels) which can regulate blood pressure and help with circulation [5]Additionally it has shown promise as an antidepressant, boosting serotonin and dopamine, which can help get into the healthy mindset that is crucial for maintaining overall wellness [6]. Because turmeric contains only 3% curcurmin by weight, try combining it with black pepper and fats in order to boost uptake and maximize it’s powerful beneficial properties.

 

Here are a few of the many terrific NutriFit options that you can order that contain turmeric:

  • Turmeric Matcha Carrot Fruit Juice from our Juice Meal Plans
  • Yellow Lentils with Beet Greens Soup
  • Thai Chicken & Vegetable Curry
  • Vegan Pulled BBQ Sandwich

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[1] Libby, Peter, Paul M. Ridker, and Attilio Maseri. “Inflammation and atherosclerosis.” Circulation 105.9 (2002): 1135-1143.
[2] Coussens, L. M., & Werb, Z. (2002). Inflammation and cancer. Nature, 420(6917), 860.
[3] Lumeng, C. N., & Saltiel, A. R. (2011). Inflammatory links between obesity and metabolic disease. The Journal of clinical investigation, 121(6), 2111-2117.
[4] Chandran, B., & Goel, A. (2012). A randomized, pilot study to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Phytotherapy research, 26(11), 1719-1725.
[5] Akazawa, N., Choi, Y., Miyaki, A., Tanabe, Y., Sugawara, J., Ajisaka, R., & Maeda, S. (2012). Curcumin ingestion and exercise training improve vascular endothelial function in postmenopausal women. Nutrition research, 32(10), 795-799.
[6] Kulkarni, S. K., Bhutani, M. K., & Bishnoi, M. (2008). Antidepressant activity of curcumin: involvement of serotonin and dopamine system. Psychopharmacology, 201(3), 435.