Turmeric (Curcuma longa), a traditional Indian spice native to South Asia, is currently a hot topic spice and dietary supplement. However, it’s long been used in Ayurvedic medicine practice for thousands of years. Traditionally, turmeric has been used to fight infections, promote anti-inflammation, improve digestion, and much more.
Today, we’re going to discuss this incredible spice and its benefits, along with the current scientific research on turmeric’s health benefits, especially regarding curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric.
Anti-Inflammation & Arthritis Relief
Whether you’re experiencing inflammation after you’ve exercised or from a chronic health condition, like arthritis, there is ample scientific research showing that turmeric may help manage inflammation and soreness.
Some studies have even suggested that turmeric may be just as or more effective in the right doses than Advil or aspirin when fighting inflammation. Another study on participants with knee osteoarthritis showed that the group that took 40 mg of nanocurcumin (from Turmeric) in capsules twice daily experienced a significant decrease in stiffness and pain in their knees compared to the control group.
Interested in adding turmeric to your life? We recommend these turmeric supplements, especially for those interested in decreasing inflammation:
- Turmeric Capsules: Our turmeric capsules are a great way to add regular turmeric to your daily routine, especially if you have chronic inflammation. Many of our clients take these as supplements for arthritis.*
- Turmeric Powder Power Shake: If you are frequently inflamed after a workout, try this delicious, anti-inflammatory Turmeric Powder Power Shake, which helps with digestion, protein assimilation, and promoting reduced inflammation in the body. A fantastic post-workout option! If you’re not big on shakes, you can also add this to any fluid of your choice, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, and more.
- Turmeric Ginger Tea: Ginger is another powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient, making this delicious, warming turmeric and ginger tea a great way to soothe the body after a workout, during PMS, or throughout an inflammatory flareup.
Kidney & Liver Health
Chronic kidney disease affects about 13.4% of the global population. Unfortunately, having chronic kidney problems is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can lead to renal damage. Turmeric has long been used to support the kidneys, and science is quickly catching up and studying the benefits of turmeric on the kidneys.
One study had people with chronic kidney disease take curcumin daily. Over the six-month trial, the participants experienced a healthier gut microbial diversity. The group taking curcumin, a potent active ingredient in turmeric, also reported lowered total daily calories and reduced lipid peroxidation, a side effect of kidney problems that possibly leads to cell damage. The scientists in this study concluded that curcumin shows potential for improving clinical efficacy in these areas.
Decreased lipid peroxidation was also demonstrated in a scientific study focusing on the effects of curcumin on patients with liver disease. It also reduced inflammation. Scientists in this study concluded that “curcumin as a dietary supplement has a protective role against the onset of liver disease,” which is a fantastic discovery!
To support your kidney and liver, we recommend these turmeric herbal supplements:
- Turmeric/Black Pepper Capsules: In addition to our pure Turmeric capsules, we also offer Turmeric/Black Pepper Capsules, which can help to promote a healthy inflammatory response and may improve liver function.
- Turmeric Chai Tea: This delicious tea is caffeine-free and packed with supportive turmeric root, cinnamon, cardamom seed, cloves, ginger, and more. Its benefits include supporting healthy liver function, blood purification, and joint health. We recommend sweetening it with a bit of milk, vanilla, or stevia, since most chai teas are served sweetened.
- Turmeric Extract: This turmeric extract can be added to your water three to four times daily, providing you with a supportive boost of turmeric to aid in healthy digestion, metabolism, and lowered inflammation in the body.
- Turmeric Powder: If you enjoy cooking, the strong, distinct, and beautiful turmeric powder is an excellent addition to many foods. The flavor resembles pepper and ginger and is typically used in egg and rice dishes, along with Indian cuisine, prepared mustards, pickles, and dressings. Turmeric gives every dish a stunning golden color!
Disease Fighting
Emerging studies on curcumin, a potent active ingredient in turmeric, have shown positive results in promoting better health to prevent and fight disease, and reduce symptoms in patients with cancer.
One study showed promising results on turmeric’s effect on inflammation and ability to fight disease. Another study took men recovering from coronary artery surgery and studied the impact of curcumin intake on them. The men taking curcumin had a 30% reduction in heart attack risk during their hospital stay, which is incredible!
A scientific review of 11 studies that tested the effects of turmeric on men experiencing prostate diseases, most with prostate cancer specifically, suggested that turmeric helped with their quality of life, oxidative stress markers, urination, and more. From this survey, a significant number of these 11 studies showed that turmeric had beneficial effects on symptoms related to prostate cancer.
Other studies show that turmeric’s high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be of great benefit since many scientists hypothesize that oxidation and high inflammation are factors in the development of many diseases.
Some amazing turmeric products to incorporate into your routine:
- Golden Milk Tea: This earthy, warm, and spicy tea has a touch of sweetness with lovely flavors of turmeric, spices, and cinnamon. Try this delicious tea with half water and half milk for a charming experience that will warm you from the inside out!
Here’s how our Golden Milk Latte turned out - delicious! We recommend adding a natural sweetener, vanilla, or a pinch of cinnamon to top your Golden Milk Latte off and make it your own.
- Golden Milk Power Shake: A great alternative to our Golden Milk Tea! Our Golden Milk Power Shake supports healthy immune function and can be added to hot water. We recommend sweetening it with a bit of honey, milk, or creamer for an especially delightful experience.
- Lemon Turmeric Arabica Coffee Leaf Tea: For a jolt of turmeric and bright citrus in the morning. It has about half the caffeine of coffee beans in it!
- Turmeric Bliss Herb & Fruit Tea: This fruity, earthy tea is incredible hot or cold and has the delicious flavors of orange, mango, and apple, alongside the earthier flavors of turmeric and ginger.
Turmeric is a powerhouse ingredient that almost anyone can benefit from! We hope today’s piece gave you a peek into the many health benefits of turmeric and how it may help your health.
Tschau mittenand,
Leilah & Natalie