Turmeric is considered a superfood because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties and its potential beneficial effects on digestive health.
Turmeric is packed with highly interesting nutrients such as iron, potassium, and manganese. It also contains important vitamins, notably vitamin C, E, and some B group vitamins. But its true star is primarily curcumin, the active compound that gives it its reputation. This bright yellow pigment has incredible properties: it provides turmeric with its recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. It also offers some fiber, which is helpful for digestion. And all of this without being caloric: it certainly deserves its place in the superfood category.
Turmeric is mainly renowned for its star active ingredient, curcumin. This compound has a highly effective antioxidant action against free radicals, those molecules that accelerate cellular aging. By reducing oxidative stress, turmeric helps protect our cells from premature degradation. Additionally, curcumin acts as a fairly powerful natural anti-inflammatory: it blocks or reduces the activity of inflammatory molecules in the body, somewhat like a medication but without the unpleasant side effects. It is often used to soothe chronic inflammation such as joint or digestive pain. In short, turmeric is a true natural shield to protect the body from both troublesome inflammation and age-related damage.
Turmeric takes care of your heart thanks to curcumin, its ultra-effective active compound. Basically, curcumin helps limit the accumulation of bad cholesterol (LDL) in your arteries, which reduces the risk of blockages. It also helps slightly thin the blood, which decreases the risk of clot formation. Turmeric also contributes to better health of your blood vessel walls. The result: a healthier cardiovascular system and reduced risk of heart problems in the long term!
Turmeric is recognized for preserving brain performance and even enhancing its efficiency, particularly thanks to a super active compound called curcumin. This molecule has a real ability to protect neurons from damage caused by oxidative stress and to support memory and attention on a daily basis. Generally, consuming turmeric regularly could help you maintain better mental clarity as you age by boosting the production of a valuable thing: BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor). BDNF, concretely, is an essential protein for the growth of neurons and the formation of new connections in your brain. Therefore, maintaining your BDNF levels is a bit like helping your neurons stay in good shape for longer. Some serious studies even suggest that it could limit certain risks associated with brain aging, such as the onset of cognitive disorders or neurodegenerative diseases (like Alzheimer’s).
Turmeric gives a little boost to your immunity thanks to its high content of curcumin. This substance helps the body strengthen its defenses by stimulating the activity of certain essential immune cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages. It also supports the production of antibodies, allowing the body to better fight against viruses, bacteria, and various infections. As a bonus, turmeric also has handy antibacterial and antiviral properties to keep your health in good shape. In short, your immunity will appreciate this little natural boost!
Turmeric was traditionally used as a natural coloring agent for textiles and food, giving that intense yellow color to dishes like curry or mustard.
To preserve the therapeutic properties of turmeric, it is advisable to consume it alongside a healthy fat such as olive oil or coconut oil, to aid in its absorption by the body.
Combining turmeric with black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin, its main active health-beneficial compound, by nearly 20 times.
In India, where daily consumption of turmeric is high, there is statistically a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and certain cancers. This could be linked to the powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.
Turmeric can be heated without losing all of its properties. Indeed, some studies show that its main active compound, curcumin, remains relatively stable under heat. However, cooking it for too long or at very high temperatures may somewhat reduce its beneficial effects.
Fresh turmeric has a more subtle flavor, a juicy texture, and retains a greater quantity of its active compounds, such as curcumin. Powdered turmeric is more convenient and has a better shelf life, but it may lose some active compounds during the drying process.
The generally accepted recommendation is to consume about 500 to 1500 mg of powdered turmeric per day, which is roughly half a teaspoon to one teaspoon daily, in order to fully benefit from its beneficial properties without causing digestive issues.
Turmeric is better absorbed when combined with black pepper, which contains piperine, or when mixed with a fatty substance. This combination significantly enhances its bioavailability.
Even though turmeric is generally safe, it can cause stomach aches in some individuals or interact with certain anticoagulant medications. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before consuming it regularly in concentrated form.
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