What is Turmeric Good for? – Check Out These 75 Turmeric Benefits

Turmeric, a close relative of ginger has been used extensively in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking for hundreds of years. Apart from being a wonderful spice that adds a golden color and mouth-watering aroma to the dishes, the medicinal and healing properties of turmeric has made it one of the most valued remedies all over the world.

When it comes to therapeutic effects, it was probably the discovery of the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric that put it in the limelight. As more and more benefits of turmeric were uncovered, people started using it for treating many medical conditions.

What makes turmeric good for your health is Curcumin, a bioactive compound that has been found to have immense medicinal properties. In addition to this compound, turmeric is also a good source of various other nutrients such as fiber, manganese, iron, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is without doubt, one of the most powerful spices on earth that is effective in preventing and even reversing various diseases. The benefits of this spice are so many that you can find thousands of peer-reviewed articles that prove the goodness of turmeric for human health. Let’s see what these benefits are:

Turmeric contains powerful antioxidant compounds called curcuminoids that help scavenge the free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and increase the antioxidant enzyme levels.
Turmeric works wonders on your skin. It helps keep your skin healthy and prevents various skin disorders. This is why you can find many beauty products that contain turmeric as a main ingredient.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of curcumin in turmeric, helps prevent acne and pimples by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause these infections. It also reduces the excess secretion of sebum on the skin.
Regular use of turmeric on the skin can get rid of the scars on the skin and keep it clear and smooth.
The antioxidant property of curcumin is helpful in preventing the early aging of skin. The antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that cause skin damage and prevent the appearance of wrinkles, fine line and dark spots on the skin.
Curcumin is effective in treating skin related disorders like eczema and psoriasis.
Topical application of turmeric is a great remedy for hirsutism, which is excessive, unwanted, male pattern hair growth in women. Turmeric reduces hair growth by softening the hair and dissolving it. Additionally, the intake of turmeric helps in regulating the hormonal imbalances that may lead to hirsutism.
The potent anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric makes the spice one of the best remedies for inflammatory diseases like arthritis and gout. In fact, turmeric is found to be as effective as many of the anti-inflammatory medications available in the market.
Turmeric can support your weight loss goals by preventing the accumulation of fats in the adipose tissues, speeding up weight loss induced by diet, promoting browning of white adipose tissues that store fat and by increasing the rate of metabolic activities in the body, which in turn leads to the burning of more calories.
Turmeric has been long used as a remedy for many digestive disorders such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and cramping. The anti-inflammatory effect of the spice is helpful in reducing inflammation in the gut and lowering the risk of painful ulcers.
Turmeric is effective in improving digestion as well as in preventing bloating, heart burn and acidity. It reduces the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and is also helpfulin treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Turmeric is beneficial in treating pancreatitis. It reduces inflammation in the pancreas, relieves the pain associated with the condition and prevents tissue damage and infections.
The powerful antioxidant component curcumin in turmeric is beneficial in reducing the growth of cancer cells by inhibiting a protein required for the growth of these cells.Studies have confirmed that curcumin is a beneficial compound in cancer treatment as it can prevent the growth, progression and spreading of the tumor cells at the molecular level. It can also reduce the growth of new blood vessels in cancer cells (angiogenesis) and trigger the death of these cells.
While turmeric helps induce DNA damage in cancerous cells, it exhibits a protective effect on normal, healthy cells.
Turmeric is beneficial in preventing as well as treating cardiovascular diseases. It is effective inpreventing various heart conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction and arrhythmia.
Turmeric helps control your blood pressure levels by dilating the blood vessels and by acting on the hormones that control blood pressure.
Curcumin in turmeric is effective in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and in increasing good cholesterol (HDL).
Turmeric prevents the buildup of plaque in the arteries and thus lowers the risks of various heart problems.
Studies have found that turmeric can help protect your bones and prevent conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. The spice can provide relief from the pain and inflammation which usually accompanies the various bone disorders.
The curcumin in turmeric supports the activities of various bone cells such as those that help form new bones (Osteoblasts), those that help absorb the old bones (Osteoclasts) and the cells that constitute the cartilage (Chondrocytes). It can speed up the healing of bone fractures as well as reduce the risk of fractures.
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic and anticancer properties of turmeric have been found to be beneficial for maintaining good oral health as well as for keeping away dental problems such as dental cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, ulcers and oral cancer.
Studies indicate that a turmeric mouthwash is as effective as the standard chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash used for treating plaque and gingivitis.
Turmeric can be used to treat Lichen planus (tender and painful rashes) in the mouth. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of curcumin in the spice help reduce inflammation and pain. Curcumin also helps control pruritus or severe itching associated with the condition.
Applying curcumin gel is found to help reduce the pain and severity of mouth ulcers.
Turmeric has neuroprotective effects and helps boost the functioning of your brain. Studies suggest that the bioactive curcumin in turmeric is effective in treating various nervous system related problems, including anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Turmeric is beneficial for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, as it helps prevent the formation of amyloid beta plaques, reduce inflammation, scavenge the free radicals, protect the nerve cells, enhance memory and strengthen the immunity.
The antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of turmeric makes it a good remedy for Parkinson’s disease. The curcumin in turmeric supportstreatment of Parkinson’s disease by reducing oxidative stress, preventing inflammation, preventingthe decrease in dopamine levels, preventing the accumulation of lewy bodies and preventingthe destruction of dopaminergic neurons.
Turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help in treating and preventing stroke.
For those who’ve tried many anti-depressants available on the market without any positive results, turmeric may be of great help. The curcumin in turmeric treats depression by reducing inflammation in the brain and by increasing the levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are associated with regulating your mood, appetite and sleep.
Curcumin increases the levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), the brain hormone that stimulates the growth of new nerve cells or neurons, and prevents various degenerative diseases.
It also nourishes your brain, increases blood flow to the brain, boosts your memory and prevents memory loss.
Turmeric has been found to be a great remedy for post traumatic stress disorder. It prevents the storage and activation of memories that induce fear and stress.
Turmeric helps control the symptoms of bipolar disorder and prevents its progression by suppressing inflammation, preventing oxidative damage, controlling mood swings and preventing depression.
Turmeric is an anti-epileptogenic agent, which means that it helps prevent the occurrence of seizures.
Turmeric has been used for a long time in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine system to treat various disorders associated with the liver.According to research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, the curcumin in turmeric stimulates the gall bladder to produce bile. Bile helps in revitalizing the liver cells by breaking down the toxic substances that enters your body and eliminating them.
Turmeric is a natural pain killer. It helps reduce pain by inhibiting inflammatory chemicals such as interleukins and prostaglandins. According to research, the analgesic properties of the spice are comparable to aspirin.
Research indicates that turmeric is effective in relieving chronic pain and is therefore a great alternative to opioid pain killers.
Turmeric can bind to metals in the body and remove them. This property, along with the antioxidant property of the spice is beneficial in treating poisoning by heavy metals.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin are beneficial in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It regulateslipid and blood cholesterol levels and preventsthe accumulation of fats in the liver. Curcumin also promotes fat metabolism by improving insulin sensitivity.
Turmeric has wound healing effects, which makes it a very useful remedy for speeding up recovery after a surgery.
Turmeric is a powerful immunity booster. Drinking a cup of turmeric milk daily is a great remedy for keeping away common ailments such as cold and flu.
Turmeric is an age-old remedy for curingvarious respiratory disorders such, including asthma, coldand bronchitis.
Drinking turmeric milk can help provide relief from cough and cold. Inhalingthe fumes of burning turmeric is effective in relieving nasal congestion.
Turmeric has anti-viral properties that is beneficial in preventing viral diseases like influenza and avian flu. Curcumin inhibits the activities of viruses and prevents them from multiplying in the body.
The bioactive compounds in turmeric lowers inflammation and mucus secretions in the nasal airways, thus providing relief from asthma. The anti-allergic property of curcumin helps prevent allergen induced asthma. The anti-microbial property of turmeric reduced bacterial infections in the respiratory system that could lead to asthma attack.
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect the lungs and other organs from damage induced by nicotine or cigarette smoking. It also helps prevent any damage from progressing into lung cancer.
Turmeric is a rich source of iron and hence is useful in treating iron-deficiency anemia.
The anti-platelet property of turmeric helps prevent the formation of clots and protect against stroke and heart problems.
The antioxidant and chelating property if turmeric is found to be beneficial for thalassemia patients. Studies show that curcuminoids can help reduce the severity of thalassemia by promotingthe formation of fetal hemoglobin.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric helps improve your eyesight and prevent various eye disorders.
Turmeric is helpful in reducing the symptoms of chronic uveitis, which is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.
The various therapeutic effects of turmeric are very helpful in treating and preventing glaucoma, an eye disorder characterized by the damage of optic nerves, which may later lead to loss of vision or blindness. Turmeric does this by preventing oxidative stress, lowering intraocular pressure, preventing macular degeneration and controlling the risk factors that lead to the disorder.
Turmeric helps prevent cataract by preventing oxidative stress and protecting against environmental toxins. It can also prevent/delay the occurrence of cataract in people with diabetes.
The anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and antioxidantproperties of turmeric may be helpful for providing relief from tinnitus, an ear disorder characterized by ringing in the ears or perception of sound without the presence of any external noise.
Curcumin helps maintain normal blood glucose levels and hence is a good remedy for preventing diabetes. It helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic patients. Curcumin supplementation has been found to help reverse pre-diabetes.
Curcumin is a natural remedy for thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It controls the activity of immune cells that play a vital role in autoimmune reactions, thushelping to preventautoimmune thyroid disorders such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease.
The medicinal properties of turmeric are found to be beneficial for treating goitre. It lowers the risk of goitre by increasing the thyroid hormone levels and by improving the functioning of the endocrine system.
Curcumin improves the health of the kidneys and protects it from inflammation, oxidative stress and various kidney – related disorders such as ischemia, chronic renal failure, diabetic nephropathyand reperfusion. The antioxidant property of the compound helps lower the risk of renal tumors.
The anti-microbial effect of turmeric can help prevent the growth of microbes that are responsible for urinary tract infections.
The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric makes it a potential remedy for soothing renal inflammation.
Antioxidant curcumin is an anti-cancer agent, which helps in treating as well as preventing bladder cancer.
Studies indicate that consuming turmeric tablets is beneficial for kidney stone patients.
One of the common side effects of hemodialysis is Uraemic pruritus, which is characterized by excessive urea in the blood and severe itching. Studies confirm that applying turmeric is effective in treating the condition. It was also found that turmeric helped in reducing the levels of hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a Uraemic pruritus marker.
Curcumin is capable of preventing the formation and growth of cysts, which is helpful in preventing polycystic kidney disease, a genetic disorder in which fluid filled cysts are formedin your kidneys, causing the kidneys to enlarge and become dysfunctional over time.
Curcumin has been found to reduce the side effects of kidney transplants. By reducing oxidative stress and regulating immune cell activity, the compound helps prevent unwanted immune reactions and rejection of transplanted kidneys.
Turmeric is found to be beneficial for both the male and female reproductive systems.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are factors that cause infertility in men. The therapeutic effect of Curcumin protects against toxicity induced male fertility.
According to animal studies, curcumin is an effective remedy for erectile dysfunction.
Turmeric also benefits treatment of benign prostate enlargement and prostatitis.
Turmeric benefits menstruation in many ways. By reducing inflammation and regulating the chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain, turmeric helps reduce the severity of premenstrual symptoms such as pain, muscle ache and mood swings. It helps regularize menstrual flow by stimulating uterine bleeding.
Turmeric can help prevent some of the root causes of heavy uterine bleeding such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and cysts.
The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidepressantproperties of turmeric benefit menopause in several ways. It increases the estrogen levels in the female body and reduces the menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption and depression.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects of turmerichelps in treating conditions like leucorrhoeaand vaginitis.
Turmeric has powerful anti-microbial property that makes it effective for treating a wide range of Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes.
The use of turmeric in cooking is a great way to increase the nutritional value of foodand alsoto protect against the various diseasescaused by cooking with oils at very high temperatures. Turmeric prevents oxidation of food and hence the formation of harmful carcinogens.

Conclusion

Turmeric is an easily available and inexpensive spice that most of you may have in your kitchen cabinets for cooking. Now that you know the countless health benefits of this spice, try to make the best out of it. Start incorporating the golden spice in your health regime right away. You’ll be glad you did!