AN OVERVIEW:
Turmeric, an ancient spice with an intense aroma, has been used in Indian and Asian cooking for thousands of years. It’s also known as “Indian saffron” because its deep orange-yellow color resembles the more expensive spice saffron. Turmeric contains curcuminoids, potent antioxidants that can help prevent and treat cancer and other diseases.
Turmeric pills are an effective way to get the benefits of turmeric without the taste. The taste can be disguised with other ingredients. You can take turmeric pills in many different ways, such as via a capsule, mixed with water or juice, as tea, or even sprinkled on food like eggs or rice. The choice is yours!
In this article, we’ll discuss turmeric pills’ health benefits so you can decide if this supplement suits your diet!
1. FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Inflammation is natural when the immune system reacts to injury or infection. It’s a protective response that helps your body remove harmful stimuli and promote healing.
Inflammation can be beneficial in fighting off infections. Still, it can also cause pain, swelling, and redness if it becomes chronic (long-lasting). This is especially true for people with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis—chronic inflammation caused by these diseases causes them to flare up repeatedly over time. Inflammation also plays a vital role in other common health issues,i.e., heart disorders, type 2 diabetes, and even cancer.
2. RELIEVE EAR INFECTION
Turmeric is an excellent remedy for ear infections. If you have an ear infection, all you need to do is:
Mix turmeric powder with water – the ratio should be one tsp. of the powder for every two tbsps. of water. Apply it to your ears using a cotton ball. Repeat this process every few hours until the infection subsides
3. CLEAR SINUS CONGESTION
Turmeric pills for sinus infections are an effective way to treat the symptoms of a sinus infection. If you’re experiencing a runny nose, cough, and headache, turmeric can help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and even aid in helping your body fight off the infection itself.
To use turmeric for sinus infections: Make sure you’re using high-quality curcumin supplements (if you decide on whole turmeric powder instead of capsules). Take 100 milligrams every three hours until symptoms reduce—this may take 3–7 days or more, depending on your infection.
If you have allergies or asthma and a bacterial or viral infection, this could make things worse rather than better! Some studies show that those with chronic inflammation improved with turmeric supplements over six months; however, it’s important not to take too much because it can cause liver problems at high doses.
4. SOOTHE MUSCLES PAIN & STIFFNESS
Turmeric pills are a great way to soothe muscle soreness and pain relief. This benefit is significant for you if you like to spend a lot of time in the gym.
To gain the most out of your turmeric pills, you must find one that contains at least 450mg per serving. This will ensure that you’re getting enough curcumin each day.
The best turmeric pills come from organic sources. Third parties have tested them to ensure their purity and quality standards are met. Therefore, turmeric is a prevalent remedy for those undergoing muscular pain after post-exercise workouts, inflammation, or arthritis.
5. BALANCE HORMONAL ISSUES IN WOMEN
Turmeric pills are also known to help with hormonal imbalances in women. In fact, they can be an effective alternative treatment for menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms.
If you’re considering using turmeric supplements for this purpose, it’s best to work with a qualified professional who understands how the herb interacts with your body and can recommend dosages based on your specific needs.
6. IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Turmeric may help improve brain function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain and increasing blood flow to the brain. The antioxidants in turmeric have also been shown to inhibit the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which can cause Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. And one study found that taking curcumin supplements twice daily improved memory and attention span in adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This condition often precedes Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
7. INCREASE COGNITIVE CAPACITY
Turmeric is an antioxidant, which means it can help boost cognitive function. Antioxidants counteract the effects of free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells in the body. This is important because neuronal degradation caused by free radicals plays a role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), one of the most common forms of dementia.
Moreover, research has shown that curcumin supplementation may help combat depression and improve cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
MCI includes symptoms such as forgetfulness and slower thinking speed—but they are not severe enough to interact with daily life or activities essential for independent living. Hence, to enhance your brainpower without popping pills or taking shots, turmeric supplements might be what you need!
8. STRENGTHEN THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
There are quite a few different ways that turmeric can help your immune system. One of the most significant is its ability to double the production of white blood cells, which fight infection and inflammation in the body. It also boosts the activity of T and B lymphocytes, which recognize foreign invaders in our bodies, like bacteria or viruses. It also helps stimulate natural killer cells (NK), which fight cancer cells and infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Finally, turmeric increases antibody production so you can fight off illness more effectively.
If there’s one thing that we all need when it comes to our health—especially during the cold season—it’s an effective immune system!
9. IMPROVE HEART HEALTH
Turmeric can help lower your cholesterol, one of the leading causes of heart disease. Turmeric also has a positive effect on blood pressure, so it can help to prevent strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, turmeric helps prevent atherosclerosis—the buildup of plaque in the arteries that contributes to many common heart conditions. Also, it has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, which are significant indicators for preventing heart disease.
Turmeric inhibits an angiotensin-converting enzyme that narrow downs blood vessels. It can further help relax blood vessels, thus regulating blood pressure.
10. CURE ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS
In a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers found that curcumin extract could help to reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Other studies have shown similar results, demonstrating that curcumin can help with pain reduction, swelling, and joint mobility.
Taking turmeric extracts or other herbal medicines can lessen pain and improve function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Turmeric and ibuprofen may work simultaneously to lower pain. But it doesn’t seem to work with diclofenac.
A survey found that adults who most frequently used turmeric for arthritis in amounts up to 1.5 grams daily for nine months observed optimistic relief from arthritis and joint inflammation.
11. TREAT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
RA is an autoimmune situation where the body’s immune system erroneously strikes healthy joint tissue. Resultantly, inflammation occurs, leading to bone destruction and joint damage.
As such, turmeric’s exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may satisfy RA patients. Since RA forces the body’s defense system to attack itself on joints,curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant marks may support your journey toward its health.
The Arthritis Foundation advises taking turmeric supplements, i.e., capsules or gummies of 400-600 mg 3 times daily. One can take half to three grams of turmeric root powder daily.
12. PREVENT DIABETES
Diabetes is a serious and growing health condition. According to the Centers for Disease Control, around 30% of adults in the United States have pre-diabetes or diabetes—and if you’re one of them, it’s essential to stay on top of your symptoms. One way to do that is by taking turmeric pills as a preventative measure.
Curcumin has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in mice with Type 2 diabetes. It may hinder the growth of diabetes by behaving as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agency. It interferes with the inflammation markers in the body.
Also, oxidative stress harms healthy cells, compelling chronic inflammation. As turmeric decreasesinflammation and works as an antioxidant, it can control oxidative stress.
Antioxidants in turmeric destroy free radicals during our body’s metabolic activity. External factors produce free radicals, i.e., smoking, air pollution, industrial chemicals, ozone depletion, and certain foods.
13. HELP HEALTHY WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
One of the most enormous benefits of turmeric is that it can help you maintain a healthy weight. In a study posted in the Journal of Medicinal Food, turmeric has been shown to drop cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is one reason why turmeric can help you lose weight.
According to the Journal Frontiers in Pharmacology-2019 study:
Curcumin uptake results in a visible reduction in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and leptin. But it does not affect the hip ratio in people with metabolic syndrome.
Another study publicized in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that supplementation with curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) improved how much fat mice burned after eating a meal high in fat. The researchers noted that this effect is likely due to curcumin’s ability to increase fat oxidation and energy expenditure.
The bottom line? If you’re trying to lose weight, adding turmeric pills to your daily routine won’t hurt your chances!
14. REVERSE SIGNS OF ULCERATIVE COLITIS
Growing evidence suggests that turmeric may be a helpful treatment for ulcerative colitis (UC).
In a study published in the journal Inflammatory Bowel Diseases,researchers found that a topical gel having turmeric was more convincing than a placebo in treating UC-associatedpain and inflammation.
Among the multiple potential benefits of using turmeric for UC, some of the most noteworthy have:
1) Comfort from pain and inflammation.
2) Improved bowel role.
3) Less chance of replication.
That is why an encapsulated turmeric dietary supplement is the most promising treatment. It likely will only be effective if it contains piperine in the form of BioPerine. Best-rated turmeric brands also include AstraGin, a component that increases the absorption of turmeric by 90%. As a bonus, AstraGin has proven supporters of gut health, especially for those with IBD.
15. AID IN DIGESTION
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. This can help to relieve symptoms of some digestive disorders, including gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
It’s also a natural digestive aid that will get your stomach moving more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial for those suffering from constipation or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
So if you have an ulcer or other type of gastric injury in your stomach lining, turmeric has been shown to protect against further damage by scarring the area and making it less susceptible to irritation.
16. MANAGE CANCER SYMPTOMS
Turmeric pills have been shown to have anti-cancer benefits, but why? Because it contains curcumin, a compound that helps prevent cancer. Studies suggest that it may also affect cell growth, making it helpful in preventing the development of new cancer cells and stopping existing ones from spreading. Further, it can also help reduce pain and inflammation associated with cancer.
Curcumin for cancer has displayed incredible anti-cancer benefits. In countries where people eat turmeric daily, research has shown lower rates of certain types of cancer. Gulping about 100 to 200 mg daily over long periods seems to work best in most cases.
17. REDUCES RISKS OF BREAST CANCER
Research revealed thatthe risk of breast cancer in females is linked to the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Her ovaries make these hormones. Too high hormone levels have been coupled with an increased danger of breast cancer.
Fewer studies stated curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties aid in decreasing estrogen levels and fighting breast cancer by:
- controlling cancer cells from developing
- stopping cancer cells from distributing
- arresting the cycle of duplication in cancer cells
- trashing cancer cell
18. IMPROVE MOOD BY REDUCING DEPRESSION
Turmeric has been shown to have a positive effect on memory and mood. It’s an antioxidant, so it can help fight free radicals and prevent cell damage in the brain. Studies have shown that curcumin may be effective at treating depression.
In one study, 44 patients with major depressive disorder were given either 2 grams of curcumin per day or a placebo for eight weeks. Those who took curcumin experienced improvements in their symptoms compared to those on the placebo.
However, more research needs to be done before we know exactly how much turmeric you need to take or what kind of dosage will work best for you if you’re looking into using this herb as an antidepressant alternative (the American Psychiatric Association recommends that people only use herbs under supervision).
19. CONTROL CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Cholesterol is a waxy compound that your liver produces. It’s necessary for healthy cells, whereas too much can lead to heart disease and further health concerns. Turmeric can also help lower cholesterol.
Turmeric helps keep cholesterol levels under control by boosting your body’s ability to absorb bile acids, which are released from the gallbladder after meals and break down fats into smaller particles. By helping your body break down fats better, turmeric reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in your blood while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
20. HELP DEMENTIA PATIENTS
Dementia spoils the brain nerve cells, leading to inflammation, oxidative damage, and, most notably, the formation of beta-amyloid plaques and metal toxicity. Worldwide, over 1000 published animal and human studies, both in vivoandin vitro, have examined the impacts of curcumin on various diseases. Also, studies have primary and clinical research on AD.
Due to the different impacts of curcumin, such as delayed degradation of neurons, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and decreased microglia formation, the overall memory in dementia patients showed improvement.
21. PREVENT ALZHEIMER DISEASE
Reliable evidence shows that oxidative stress, free radicals, and cerebral deregulation caused by abnormal inflammatory reactions contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipophilic action, enhances cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer’s. Moreover, it has been used in various dementia and traumatic brain injury treatments.
A recent study found that people who took a turmeric supplement performed better on tests for mental function than those who didn’t. Therefore, turmeric supplements have also been shown to improve mood and cognitive function among those with mild cognitive impairment.
22. BOOST SKIN HEALTH
This sunset-colored spice, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, and antioxidant effects that can aid in the following:
- heal wounds fast
- prevent breakouts
- fight eczema and psoriasis
- lighten fine lines & acne scarring
- remove dark circles under-eye
- boost natural glow
Turmeric pills can be a great addition to your beauty regimen. You can utilize them to lighten your skin or alleviate acne. Moreso, it has been shown to protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals—the molecules that cause premature aging. It also helps fight inflammation, another major contributor to the early signs of aging.
23. REMEDY AGAINST PSORIASIS
If you want to try natural remedies for psoriasis, plenty of options are available, including topical solutions and oral medications containing ingredients such as minocycline or sulfasalazine.
Generally, psoriasis results from an autoimmune inflammation that causes skin cells to build upon each other, creating scaly patches cracking, and bleeding. If you are suffering from psoriasis, turmeric pills can help. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and can also act as an antifungal. Some have found comfort in taking turmeric-based supplements, while others say they’ve tried it with no success.
DIY Overnight topical paste for psoriasis
- Mix a part of turmeric root powder with two parts of water.
- Simmer in a pot until the mixture turns into a paste.
- Let it cool, and apply the paste to the affected area.
- Wrap a piece of bandage around the affected area of your body.
- The very next morning, remove the application
- n and rinse your skin with lukewarm water.
24. CONTROL HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE)
High blood pressure is the dysfunction of endothelial cells. Endothelial cells regulate blood vessel walls and aid in expanding or contracting the vessels for the healthy functioning of the heart.
As we age, this endothelial function gets weaker. The oxidative stress triggers inflammation, plaque deposits, and hence blocked arteries leading to a heart attack.
Curcumin in turmeric improves the function of endothelial cells. By widening and relaxing the blood vessels, curcumin helps bring down blood pressure.
25. PROMOTES LIVER HEALTH
Since ancient times, Curcuma longa has been used as hepatoprotective (liver-friendly) and for treating digestive tract problems. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps the liver to function better. It can help your body eliminate toxins, fats, and heavy metals. Turmeric also affects genes responsible for detoxifying the liver. This means that it supports healthy liver functions, including digestion and storage of nutrients.
The liver is an essential organ in our body; it produces bile which helps us digest fats, breaks down proteins into amino acids, helps produce glucose (our energy source) from stored glycogen or sugar, removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, turns fat into ketones or energy as well as performs many other functions throughout our bodies.
______________________________________________________________________________________
