Turmeric : What Is It and Why Do I Need It?
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice derived from a plant that is most commonly used in Asian dishes and is the main spice in curry (it’s also what gives curry its yellow color).
On top of being used as a spice, turmeric is known to have natural medicinal properties.
One of the main active ingredients in this herb is called curcumin. Curcumin is a high level antioxidant, as well as a powerful anti-inflammatory. These benefits make turmeric highly desirable for so many people.
What’s The Scoop On Inflammation?
Acute (short-term) inflammation in the body is normal and actually beneficial as your body inflames when it’s protecting itself from foreign invaders. By doing so, your body is repairing any damage that is being done by the foreign invaders.
However, when inflammation is chronic (long-term), it can be lethal on your body. When chronic inflammation settles in, your body is in a continuous state of attacking itself.
Inflammation is really not great for your body, it is now said to play a major role in most chronic diseases. This includes autoimmune diseases, cancers, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and many, more.
Can Turmeric Really Help?
As serious as many of the diseases listed above are, turmeric really is known to help. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are so strong that they’ve been compared favorably to many anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
This is awesome news because it is a natural remedy, meaning it comes without all of the negative side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. The serious side effects of many drugs include stomach ulcers, ringing in the ears, and swelling. They are also known to increase blood pressure, and possible liver and kidney damage.
You can clearly see why finding natural remedies, like turmeric, is so important.
What else can Turmeric do for me?
On top of the high anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric has countless other benefits.
For one, it is successful in disinfecting cuts and burns due to its antibacterial and antiseptic qualities. In doing so, it increases the healing time of wounds and helps to repair damaged skin.
This plant can help the liver, and it’s been said to increase metabolism. (We all know that an increased metabolism helps with managing weight issues.)
Turmeric has even been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
In numerous studies done on mice, this well-known plant spice has shown a decrease in the progression of multiple sclerosis. It has even shown a decrease in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, among many other positive studies.
Well-known Advocates
You betcha! Gwyneth Paltrow has spoken openly about her love of turmeric and how it can be made into lattes and teas. Victoria Beckham has mentioned mixing it with aloe vera for her skin. The former supermodel, Rachel Hunter, also recommends turmeric for any and all skin issues. And finally, even queen Beyonce has been rumored to be a big fan of the spice.
BRB, going to grab some turmeric…
As you can see, there are countless health benefits deriving from this wonderful herb and it can be consumed and used in a variety of ways. From cooking to lattes and teas, to ice cream, to facial washes, to cocktails – turmeric is awesome. It’s a spice that has been around hundreds of years but has just now been picking up steam in the health and wellness world.
And you better believe Well Pared is on the turmeric train and includes the ingredient in a few of our items (such as the ‘Turmeric Shot’ and the ‘Get Snappy’ Juice). So by all means, come in, try it out and let the healing properties begin working their magic.
