1)     Anti-Inflammatory- Can Prevent Chronic Lifestyle Diseases

Inflammation has been found to be associated with almost every chronic disease, ranging from heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s to various degenerative conditions. A poor diet (high in processed foods), stress, a sedentary lifestyle and more can contribute to chronic inflammation. Therefore, consuming whole foods that are highly anti-inflammatory, like turmeric, on a  daily basis, can play an important role in preventing chronic lifestyle diseases.

2)    Slows Aging

Appearance of signs of ageing on skin is due to various factors such as environmental pollution, lifestyle habits (e.g.smoking, alcohol),  poor nutrition as well as genetic background. The most common advice recommended by nutritionists or dermatologists is to maintain a whole-food diet rich in antioxidants. Curcuminoids present in turmeric are strong antioxidants, reducing cellular damage from free radicals. To maximize turmeric’s antioxidant benefits, it should be taken daily.

3)    Helps Prevent and Treat Type-2 Diabetes

Many scientific studies have demonstrated how curcumin might be valuable in treating diabetes by lowering glucose levels, as well as preventing diabetes. Having said that, a truly sustainable approach to managing diabetes would look at factors such as hormone imbalance, nutritional deficiencies and excesses, lack of adequate exercise, stress levels.

4)    Keeps Heart Healthy

Consuming turmeric helps enhance the antioxidant activities in our bodies. Curcumin, being a strong antioxidant, help neutralize damaging free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress - known to be a major reason for heart problems.  

5)  Can Help Maintain Good Total Cholesterol Levels

Various studies have suggested the positive effects of curcumin on cholesterol levels.

6)   May Help Prevent/Delay the Onset of Brain Degenerative Conditions

When it comes to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, some studies have suggested that curcumin could help battle these conditions, due to its well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

7)   May Help Prevent Cancer

Traditional Indian medicine has been using curcumin for its anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties for centuries. Modern studies and clinical trials have also demonstrated curcumin’s great potential as an alternative approach in the prevention of cancer.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as medical advice. Nature's Superfoods encourages everyone to make their own health care decisions, with advice from qualified professionals.

For maximum absorption in the body, turmeric powder needs to be consumed with small amounts of black pepper, and beneficial fats.

Suggested recipes:

1. Turmeric-Eggs : Scramble eggs with ½ tsp turmeric powder, salt and a pinch of black pepper.
2. Turmeric Smoothie: Blend 1 cup of coconut milk with 1 frozen banana, ½ tsp of turmeric powder, 1/3 tsp ginger powder, 1/3 tsp black pepper, in a blender. Adding mango enhances the taste of this smoothie. Enjoy!
3. Turmeric Yoghurt ‘Lassi’: Blend 1 cup of Greek yoghurt with 1 ripe banana, ½ tsp of ginger powder, ½ -1 tsp of turmeric powder, juice of ½ lemon, 1 tsp of raw honey. Add a pinch or 2 of black pepper.
4. For the famous ‘Golden Milk Paste’ recipe, please visit this informative website.

Suggested daily intake : ½-1 teaspoon (1-3g) for generally healthy adults.

As a rule, turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe when taken at recommended doses (a statement by University of Maryland Medical Center). As no studies on the effect of turmeric supplements on children have been done, there is currently no recommended dose.

According to the National Institutes of Health (USA), turmeric may slow blood clotting. Medical literature has advised against consuming turmeric for people who will be undergoing some form of surgery. In addition, people who have gallstones / gallbladder issues are also not advised to consume turmeric. If you are on medication, please consult your doctor before taking any turmeric supplements, just to be on the safe side.