10 Impressive Health Benefits from Turmeric

People have been vainly seeking some elixir against aging from the earliest days of recorded history. While nobody claims that turmeric stops this natural yet disturbing process, some evidence suggests it may slow it down. The curcumin substance this plant contains helps blood vessels to retain their youthful flexibility. It also gives some protection against bone mass loss in the postmenopause period. Curcumin is also useful for blood flow to the brain. For this reason, some suggest it could delay or possibly even prevent Alzheimer's and other diseases that gradually impair mental fitness.

An increased measure of protection against heart attack is one of the most valuable of the potential benefits turmeric users enjoy. One of the ways it improves heart health is through its effectiveness fighting off the free radical compounds that damage cells and cause infections to develop. It also helps to reduce the risk of cholesterol blocking vital arteries. Studies draw attention to how the curcuminoid substances in turmeric lower the dangers of a patient getting a heart attack in the crucial recuperative stage that follows major surgery.

Statistics show throughout the western world the number of borderline diabetes cases is on the increase. It seems that consumers of turmeric have a better chance of staying on the safer side of this boundary. There is evidence that it can lower the amount of blood sugar while stimulating the body to produce more insulin. Medical journals quote a trial made on a sample of 240 patients in the pre-diabetes category. Of those participants given daily tablets of curcumin extracted from turmeric, nobody developed diabetics in the period under observation.

Keeping down weight to healthy levels is another major concern shared by many people in developed countries. Cutting out junk foods and sticking to a regular exercise program are essential elements of any campaign to keep weight down, but turmeric can also play its part. Natural health experts claim that turmeric in the diet improves the body's metabolism and fights accumulations of fat. They also believe that curcumin supplements contribute to the success of every diet and exercise plan.

Those who are a little too fond of alcoholic drinks are at great risk of doing serious damage to their liver and digestive system. The curcumin compound obtained from turmeric enhances the protection of the liver, brain and other vital organs from alcohol-induced harm. This should not give anyone the impression that turmeric eaters are free to drink as much alcohol as they want. The extent it reduces risks has not been scientifically qualified, and there are many safety, social and legal considerations to discourage excessive alcohol consumption.

Most people are now aware of the great dangers cigarette smoking poses to their health. Some heavy cigarette addicts will be glad to hear that turmeric’s curcumin compound can reduce nicotine damage. In particular, it seems that it could lessen the oxidative stress cigarette smoke puts on the lungs. However, once again it would be highly foolish to assume from this that anyone can smoke freely without health worries. The doctors and government health warnings remain as valid as ever.

Influenza, or the flu, must be one of the most common illnesses. It is a minor issue in most cases although for older people and those with weak immune systems the consequences could be serious. If you live in the USA, you are most probably going to consult a doctor and get some medication, but people in India use turmeric milk as an effective remedy for the flu and coughs. Unless you are in one of the high-risk health categories, it is worth trying out this natural remedy and perhaps avoiding the need for those prescription medications.

Asthma is another example of a common health condition that most sufferers can live with providing they are careful to keep it under firm control. Asthmatics must continue to use the sprays supplied by their doctors whenever required, but they also benefit from the curcumin that turmeric brings into their systems. This compound seems to help to clear blockages in the respiratory system and thus makes it easier to breathe. Turmeric also helps sufferers from bronchitis

Nobody enjoys spending long sessions in the dentist's chair as he or she works away removing plague accumulations from the teeth. Such dental surgery can be painful both physically, and in the amount, you have to pay to the dentist! There is no substitute for regular teeth brushing and the use of an effective mouthwash but have you ever considered using a turmeric mouthwash? Apparently, it does an excellent job removing plaque.

The anti-inflammatory capabilities of curcumin explain why this turmeric compound works as a painkiller. Some experts believe the turmeric oil is just as good as effective as aspirin for pain relief. There are cases where turmeric derivatives reduced pain levels experienced by patients recovering from surgery or a burn injury. Another possible medical use is as a replacement for addictive morphine pain relievers.