TURMERIC: HEALTHIEST SPICE EVER?

Actually, all spices are healthy, but turmeric seems to be the absolute healthiest. This bright orange root has surprisingly many health benefits, all of which have been scientifically proven. From cancer to pain and intestinal problems, this yellow powder can work small miracles. And it is a delicious seasoning in yellow curries!

What is turmeric?

Turmeric (turmeric, turmeric) is a spice made from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. It is also called 'the Golden Spice' and is cherished in many cultures and cuisines. Besides being used in cooking, it has been used for many thousands of years in traditional medicine as well as in religious ceremonies in Southeast Asia, among others. We see the first signs of turmeric in India some 4,000 years ago. Today, India remains the largest producer of turmeric: 80% of the crop comes from here.

Turmeric contains an awful lot of healthy substances including antioxidants, as well as iron, potassium, vitamin C and fibre. It is even a good source of omega-3!

This is how healthy turmeric is

When you read about the positive effects turmeric has on your health, you would almost forget that it is 'just' a spice. For instance, it is a good bacteria and fungus killer, inhibits inflammation and combats pain. But also various types of cancer.

Full of antioxidants

Antioxidants are your cells' Power Rangers. This is because they clean up aggressive substances that can cause damage in the form of diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. They counteract ageing, of both your body and your skin. In other words: fewer wrinkles for you.

Bye bye inflammations

Turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory, is good for your immune system, and makes wounds heal faster. If you are often sick, then this is definitely a supplement that can help you.

Happy bowels, fewer farts

Suffering from your stomach or intestines? Again: take some turmeric. It gets food digestion going nicely and ensures that enough of the right digestive juices are released. It also stimulates the production of good bacteria in your intestines. In addition, it works for bloating. Even people with irritable bowel syndrome saw a reduction in their symptoms thanks to a daily turmeric supplement.

Anti-stress and depression

You might not expect it from a spice, but turmeric is also good for your mental health! In fact, it is effective for stress and depression. In some studies, it has even been found to be as effective as 'real' antidepressants.

Suffering from stress or depressive feelings? Then also read these articles:

• Take a break, the best tips
• 4 natural remedies for depression

Inhibits cancer

In a variety of studies with rodents, turmeric was found to work against various cancers: breast cancer, skin cancer, oral cancer and stomach cancer, for example. Applying turmeric extract to the skin worked against skin tumours in rats. Rodents are often used in studies into the effects of substances and drugs, because the action in their bodies is similar to that in a human body. And they are easier test subjects than humans. Yet fortunately, there are already quite a few studies on human subjects that have shown that we too can count on the anti-cancer effect of turmeric. Indeed, in pancreatic, stomach and skin cancers, this yellow gold appears to be effective for us too.

Many more health effects of turmeric

It does not stop with all the above health benefits... Turmeric is actually super healthy for many more reasons. A selection of the ailments and complaints this spice can counteract:

• skin diseases
• kidney disorders and damage to the kidneys
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease
• hepatitis
• wear and tear on the joints
• hypertension
• high cholesterol
• enlarged liver
  
  

How much is an ideal dose?

How much turmeric is ideal depends on which ailment you want to fight with it. Too much can cause nausea. In general, doses of between 1 to even 8 grams are safe. It is important to note that turmeric is not absorbed very well by your body. However, there is a nice trick to remedy this: combine it with piperine, the active ingredient in black pepper. If you cook with curry powder, throw in an extra thick pinch of black pepper. Or even more convenient: go for a supplement that contains piperine extract as well as turmeric. That way, you're done with 1 capsule. Our Curcumin (Curcumin) & Turmeric (Turmeric) Complex from Together contains a clever mix of all the best from turmeric, combined with the activating piperina.

To get in extra plenty of turmeric, you can also just eat well. For instance, go cook yourself a yellow curry tonight. Or make a tea full of flavourings like chai herbs and honey.