This spice is a natural anti-inflammatory with antioxidant properties!
There are many health benefits you stand to gain from adding turmeric into your weekly meals. Used by many cultures for centuries, turmeric has seen renewed interest and is often touted as a superfood over and over again. On trend of course, it is no coincidence that “golden milk” specialty beverages have become a café staple.
Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric contains curcumin, a naturally occurring chemical compound. Curcumin is what cements the golden spice’s superfood status. According to research, turmeric promotes better health in a number of ways:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric is best known for its anti-inflammatory properties – hello stronger immune system and pain relief! Some experts claim that curcumin in the right doses could be as (if not more) effective as over the counter pain relievers.
Turmeric helps to protect you from free radicals (Thank you, antioxidants!)
Overproduction of free radicals (a group of highly reactive atoms in our body) causes oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA in our bodies. Free radicals can eventually contribute to a number of diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and arthritis, and age-related health issues. Studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of curcumin not only help neutralize free radicals, but also encourages the activity of our body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
Some research indicates that there are more benefits such as improved brain functions and mood elevation through boosting neurochemical production, but these ideas are still in their early stages and the research studies have yet to be replicated.
Feeling inspired to introduce more turmeric into your diet? Then don’t forget to add some black pepper which increases absorption of curcumin by 2000% percent.
Healthy Living is a frequently updated content section brought to you by the Saudi Sports for All Federation. In the spirit of supporting our #HealthyActiveCommunity, we’re sharing tips around wellness, physical activity and more!
