Turmeric is a super-bright, yellow-coloured spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It has been used for thousands of years as both a cooking ingredient and a medicinal herb. The curcuminoids (also known as curcumins) give turmeric its striking colour.
The compound, curcumin, which gives turmeric its yellow colour, has been isolated by scientists as turmeric’s most important active ingredient.
Studies show curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and may support digestion, too.
Here are a few of the amazing benefits turmeric can offer:
1. Joint Health
Inflammation is the underlying cause of many health conditions. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (such as turmeric) can help with conditions that may affect joints.
2. Digestive Health
Curcumin may also be able to help support gut health, including managing excess gas, abdominal discomfort, and bloating.
3. Glowing Skin
As well as having soothing properties, turmeric is also said to have antioxidant properties, making it effective for skin types and conditions, such as blemish prone skin and psoriasis.
4. May ease depression
Some studies says there’s a connection between depression and chronic inflammation, suggesting that chronic inflammation and depression can aggravate one another. Therefore turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties may help.
How to take turmeric
Turmeric supplements are available but there are many wonderful recipes that incorporate it too. How about adding to a smoothie, or making a turmeric chai tea?