The Power of Turmeric
Turmeric a plant belonging to the ginger family is found mostly in India and Africa. The spice functions not only for the purpose of culinary, it has also been used extensively for health reasons. Chiropractors finds this spice complementary to their treatments, aiding their clients not only to manage pain but also to boost their overall health. Here are the top 3 reasons why Turmeric is good for you.
1) Anti-Oxidant
Free radicals are molecules that can be derived by the natural processes in our body or external sources such as X-rays, ozone, cigarette smoking, air pollutants, and industrial chemicals. These free radicals are expected to cause progressive adverse changes that accumulates with age throughout the body. This process is called oxidative stress. An excess of oxidative stress can lead to the oxidation of lipids and proteins, which is associated with changes in their structure and functions. Several diseases have been linked to oxidative stress especially cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Curcumin, a compound found in Turmeric is a potent antioxidant. The anti-oxidant has 4 primary function. It helps to prevent the formation of free radicals, scavenges the active radicals, repair the damage structure by removing the oxidatively modified proteins and prevent the accumulation of oxidized proteins.
2) Arthritis
Arthritis affects over 250 million people worldwide, leading to increased healthcare costs, impairment in activities of daily living (ADL), and ultimately decreased quality of life. While there is no cure, most people who are inflicted with arthritis would opt for pharmaceutical treatments. However these are expensive and have undesirable side effects. Some studies have shown the anti-arthritic effects of curcumin in humans with OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Results have provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements in the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium.
3) Brain Function and Brain diseases
Many brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF hormone), including depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin however can increase the BDNF. By doing this, it may be effective in delaying or even reversing many brain diseases and age-related decreases in brain function. It may also improve memory and make one smarter, which seems logical given its effects on BDNF levels.
Having turmeric daily may be a great idea to stay young and feel young after all. If there are questions regarding this article, please feel free to discuss this with our chiropractors through our website or WhatsApp us at 018- 9828539.