Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, the main spice found in curry, is arguably the most amazing spice and probably the most beneficial one in your spice cabinet. This powerhouse herb has been used as a natural remedy to treat anything from liver problems to depression. Just take a look at the top health benefits found in turmeric…

Fights Cancer

Numerous laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin, the primary natural chemical found in turmeric, has anti-cancer effects. It seems to be able to kill cancer cells and prevent more from growing, having the best effects on breast cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer cells.  

According to the American Cancer Society, “Laboratory studies have also shown that curcumin interferes with cancer development, growth, and spread. Researchers have reported that curcumin blocked the formation of cancer-causing enzymes in rodents.

Recently, curcumin has received a great deal of focus because of it’s ability to reduce tumor size and kill cancer cells.”

Delays and Fights Type 2 Diabetes

Turmeric can help lower blood sugar levels and reverse insulin resistance.

In 2009, Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications published a study out of Auburn University that explored how supplementing with turmeric can help reverse diabetes. The study discovered that curcumin in turmeric is 400 times more potent than Metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating AMPK which improves insulin sensitivity, leading to the potential reversal of Type 2 Diabetes.

Lowers the Risk of Heart Attacks

Heart disease is the largest cause of death in the world. Although there are several items that lead to heart disease, curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process.

The main benefit of curcumin when it comes to heart disease, is improving the function of the endothelium, the lining of blood vessels. Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function. One study shows that it is as effective as exercise, another shows that it works as well as the drug Atorvastatin.

Protects the Brain & Promotes a Balanced Mood

Turmeric can increase BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) levels. By doing this, it may be effective at delaying or even reversing many brain diseases, including depression, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other age-related diseases.

Anti-inflammatory & Curbs Joint Pain

Chronic inflammation is known to be a contributor to many common Western diseases. Curcumin can inhibit many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation. Arthritis, a common disorder characterized by joint inflammation, can even be treated by turmeric. In a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was even more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug.

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Try this tasty “Morning Meditation” Juice {Orange, Lemon, Turmeric, Ginger} to get your morning started on a positive, healthy note!

Morning Meditation Juice {Orange, Lemon, Turmeric, Ginger}

 

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ingredients

• 3 oranges
• 1 lemon
• ½" piece of ginger
• ½ tsp turmeric powder

instructions

1. Peel and juice the oranges, lemon and ginger.
2. Add turmeric powder, then shake or stir.
3. Serve over ice.

notes

If you like your juice a little more watery, simply add ½ cup of water to the juice and mix well before serving.

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