Commitment + Clinical Leadership = Better Outcomes

Turmeric is a popular spice used in many recipes, both for food and drinks. Some of the most notable recipes using turmeric include “golden milk” and curry dishes.

Turmeric also has many health benefits. This spice has been used in India for thousands of years as a medicinal spice.¹ Turmeric comes from the root of the curcuma long plant, a perennial in the ginger family.²

The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its yellow color and also what gives turmeric its health benefits. The terms turmeric and curcumin are often used interchangeably since curcumin is the compound found in turmeric and gives it many of its health benefits.³

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Here are 6 health benefits of turmeric.

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation can be helpful to fight foreign invaders and helps repair damage in the body. However, chronic inflammation can be an issue as it starts to affect tissues in your body. Researchers believe that chronic inflammation can lead to health concerns such as heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.⁴

One of the health benefits of turmeric is it may be beneficial to help reduce inflammation. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a bioactive substance that can help fight inflammation and reduce swelling.⁵

Lowers risk of heart disease

Heart disease is the number one cause of death in the world. Although there are many different factors that can lead to heart disease, turmeric may help reverse the effects and reduce your risk.⁶

Curcumin in turmeric improves the function of the linings in the blood vessels. This is important because when the blood vessels are unable to function properly, it can contribute to unhealthy blood pressure levels and blood clotting.

May prevent cancer

Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to tumor growth. Another one of the heath benefits of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory compounds may help prevent cancer.⁷

The curcumin in turmeric may help to slow the growth and spread of tumors disrupting the formation of cancerous cells, interfering with cell signaling pathways, and potentially causing cancerous cells to die.

Boosts memory and mood

Turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate the effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules that contribute to disorders and diseases.³

One study found that curcumin helps aid in cognitive function in older adults with improvements to their memory, mood, and fatigue levels.⁸ Other studies concluded that curcumin helps to boost mood and reduce anxiety.⁹

Aids in detoxification

Turmeric, and the active ingredient curcumin, help support the liver in detoxifying the body. This is important because it helps to fight off dangerous carcinogens and their side effects.¹⁰

Along with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric, this process supports liver functions.

May help arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are one of the most notable health benefits. Because turmeric helps to reduce inflammation, it can help ease arthritis pain.¹¹

Arthritis causes swelling and inflammation around the joints. Turmeric helps to reduce swelling and fight inflammation, which can help those who have any form of arthritis.¹²

Turmeric and Ginger Benefits

There are many benefits of ginger and turmeric, and they’re often used together in many recipes and dishes. Alongside all the benefits of turmeric, ginger can help treat nausea, reduce pain, lower blood sugar, and help fight infections.¹³

Turmeric and ginger belong to the same family of plants and have been widely used for their health benefits. Turmeric and ginger benefits include reduced inflammation, immune support, and pain relief.¹⁴ If you like the taste of turmeric and ginger together, you can reap many health benefits from consuming both of these spices.

How to eat both turmeric and ginger together:

• Make a salad dressing or any kind of sauce
• Make a stir-fry
• Make a juice or smoothie

Ways to Consume Turmeric

There are many ways you can consume turmeric, and many recipes that call for it. Try one of these options to add turmeric to your diet:

• Drink fresh juice with turmeric
• Add turmeric to your smoothie
• Try “golden milk” also known as turmeric milk
• Make tea with turmeric
• Mix turmeric with honey as an immune boost shot
• Make a curry dish for dinner
• Make a homemade salad dressing with turmeric
• Add turmeric to egg scrambles or frittatas
• Toss turmeric with roasted vegetables
• Add turmeric to rice to eat with your meal
• Add turmeric to soup
• Make a marinade with turmeric to season meat or fish
• Make a spice rub with turmeric
• Make muffins with turmeric and carrot
• Add turmeric when cooking lentils or legumes

About Saber Healthcare Group

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. Gunnars, Kris. “10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.” Healthline Media, healthline.com. May 10^th, 2021. Accessed June 28^th, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric.
2. “7 Health Benefits of Turmeric.” Cleveland Clinic, clevelandclinic.org. November 10^th, 2021. Accessed June 28^th, 2023. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/turmeric-health-benefits/.
3. Curtis, Lindsay. “The Many Health Benefits of Turmeric (and Curcumin).” Dotdash Meredith, verywellhealth.com. February 28^th, 2023. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.verywellhealth.com/turmeric-curcumin-benefits-7110668.
4. “Targeting Early Atherosclerosis: A Focus on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.” National Library of Medicine, PubMed Central. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6636482/.
5. “Turmeric – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD, webmd.com. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric.
6. “The top 10 causes of death.” World Health Organization, who.int. December 9^th, 2020. Accessed June 28^th, 2023. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death.”
7. Bedosky, Lauren. “12 Scientific Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin.” Everyday Health, everydayhealth.com. June 4^th, 2023. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/scientific-health-benefits-turmeric-curcumin/.
8. “Further Evidence of Benefits to Mood and Working Memory from Lipidated Curcumin in Healthy Older People: A 12-Week, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Partial Replication Study.” MDPI, mdpi.com. June 4^th, 2020. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/6/1678.
9. “Curcumin for depression: a meta-analysis.” National Library of Medicine, PubMed. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31423805/.
10. Axe, Josh. “Turmeric Benefits & Uses: Does This Herb Really Combat Disease?” Dr. Axe, draxe.com. May 23^rd, 2023. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://draxe.com/nutrition/turmeric-benefits-uses/.
11. Williams, Jo. “Top 10 health benefits of turmeric.” Immediate Media Company, bbcgoodfood.com. March 8^th, 2023. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/health-benefits-turmeric.
12. Rath, Linda. “What Is Arthritis?” Arthritis Foundation, arthritis.org. June 9^th, 2022. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.
13. “7 Health Benefits of Ginger.” Saber Healthcare Group, saberhealth.com. December 30^th, 2021. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.saberhealth.com/news/blog/health-benefits-of-ginger.
14. Ajmera, Rachael. “Can Ginger and Turmeric Help Fight Pain and Sickness?” Healthline Media, healthline.com. March 28^th, 2023. Accessed June 29^th, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-and-ginger.