If the natural health world had any impact on you during 2014, it was probably the simple incorporation of health-boosting foods and spices. One of those foods everyone should have stockpiled is turmeric – a spice largely studied for its healing properties. But in case past research didn’t stick, a newly released study is here to show once again how turmeric and its active compound curcumin can inhibit what is considered a leading factor for the development of disease – inflammation.
Inflammation has actually been referred to as the ‘mother of most major chronic disease.’ It is a silent epidemic effecting millions of people, causing a wide range of ailments. To test for it, doctors use indirect methods by measuring blood levels of C-reactive protein, a pro-inflammatory marker, and homocysteine levels.
Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Anti-Inflammation Zone: Reversing the Silent Epidemic That’s Destroying Our Health states:
“Silent inflammation attacks the heart, arteries, and even the brain, and you will not even know it. Obesity is the primary cause of silent inflammation and excess body fat is causing today’s epidemic rise in countless health threats.”
Read: 4 Must-Have Foods for Reducing Inflammation Naturally
How Turmeric can Help
Turmeric is quickly becoming a well known potent anti-inflammatory spice. It has been shown to aid in ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, kidney inflammation, eye inflammation, ulcerative colitis, and much more.
This recent study, published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, concluded:
“Short-term supplementation with curcuminoid-piperine combination significantly improves oxidative and inflammatory status in patients with MetS. Curcuminoids could be regarded as natural, safe and effective CRP-lowering agents.”
The study’s senior author and researcher at the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran, Amirhossein Sahebkar, had this to say:
“Two key effects of curcumin that account for most of the therapeutic effects of this compound are its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The findings of our studies, along with clinical findings reported by other groups, indicate the usefulness of daily use of curcumin supplement for the prevention and treatment of several diseases.”
Noting that turmeric is safe, but should be generally avoided by pregnant or lactating women, Sahebkar continued:
“Curcumin is a very safe natural supplement, and there is no severe adverse event associated with its use, even at high doses.
“In addition, patients with malabsorption syndrome, gall bladder problems, gastric ulcer, bleeding problems as well as those who are undergoing surgery, and those who have a history of hypersensitivity to herbal products should be cautious and consult with their physician before taking this supplement.”
Though it is strongly suggested to use turmeric in daily cooking for its health benefits, it may not measure up to pure curcumin supplements. Still, here is how to optimize turmeric absorption in your daily life to see super-boosted benefits.