The Great benefits of Turmeric
I Drank Turmeric Every Day—Here Are the Benefits
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“That will fix me.” It’s a phrase that often crosses my mind when searching for a fleeting dopamine hit. But when the bracing, New York–specific winter weather finally hits each year and my immune system decides to ditch me, there’s one thing that I reach for that really seems to help: a turmeric shot.
In my defense, science is on my side here. Turmeric, a pillar of South Asian cooking, is a powerful root that will turn your meals magical and your palms golden. It’s also one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory offerings and is jam-packed with compounds that can do the body some major good. Read: The juice is, indeed, worth the (root) squeeze.
Here’s everything you need to know about turmeric shots.
What are the health benefits of turmeric?
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Turmeric is a pantry powerhouse—and not just because it packs a flavorful punch. The ingredient and its health benefits have been studied for decades, and have shown promise in helping to prevent and treat a vast array of conditions, from Alzheimer’s to eczema. Much of turmeric’s power comes from its active compound curcumin, an antioxidant that’s proven to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. Phew. Here are some of the biggest health benefits turmeric offers.
Perhaps turmeric’s most-famed skill? Easing inflammation. Many studies have shown curcumin’s positive effects on inflammation, and this effect is shown throughout the body.
“Turmeric has a very strong anti-inflammatory effect,” says Zhaoping Li, M.D., Ph.D., chief of the division of clinical nutrition at the University of California, Los Angeles, whose work as a physician and in the lab centers on extending people’s disease-free years. Low-grade inflammation—the body’s under-the-radar response to environmental and dietary stressors—“sets the stage for almost everything we have to fight as we get older,” she explains of her drive to study compounds like curcumin, the key polyphenol in turmeric. Her work has included an investigation into curcumin’s relationship to the microbiome, as well as a collaboration with the university’s psychology department to examine its effects on cognitive function.
Speaking of cognitive function: Research has also shown that curcumin displays neuroprotective activities. Studies also suggest that curcumin and its anti-inflammatory effects can help prevent and treat conditions including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and others.
Turmeric isn’t just beneficial for the skin when it’s infused into toners and creams. Turmeric juice and turmeric supplements can help soothe the skin from the inside out.
“Given the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects of turmeric, incorporating it into a well-rounded diet may be beneficial for most skin conditions including acne, eczema, and psoriasis,” explains Dr. Elyse Love, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
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