For thousands of years, people all over the world have been using turmeric powder to alleviate pain, improve mental acuity, “de-bloat,” improve digestion and eradicate chronic inflammation.
Interestingly enough, we’ve only really begun to understand the enormity of this amazing spice in the U.S. over the last 30 years or so. There are over 6,000 studies on turmeric benefits in the US National Center for Biotechnology alone - and that’s just in the Central Medicine database.
I am so glad we caught on!
WHAT IS TURMERIC?
Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, native to southeast India and best known as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and it is frequently used to flavor and color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheese.
Turmeric is one of nature’s most potent remedies. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric powder is considered a “cleanser of the body.” Turmeric, which contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin, may have an abundant list of healing properties.
Turmeric benefits have been part of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years, in fact, literature from Susruta’s Ayurvedic Compendium, dating back to 250 bc, recommended “an ointment containing turmeric to relieve the effects of poisoned food.”
More recently, Dr. James Duke Ph.D. -a renowned ethnobotanist- conducted one of the most comprehensive studies to date on turmeric benefits and he found that turmeric powder outperformed many pharmaceuticals.
Why You Should Use Turmeric Powder to Boost Your Health
There are a lot of people worried about the health crisis in America; they’re concerned about their own health and the health of their loved ones.
Despite remarkable advances in modern medicine, we, as a nation, are sick.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to find a more natural approach to improve your health, feel good on the inside and look great on the outside.
That’s fantastic!
Whole foods, along with simple, healthy lifestyle changes, may have the power to revolutionize our health and provide well-being for people all over the world.
This is why I spend so much time and energy researching and talking about GOOD, REAL FOODS like the vibrant spice we are talking about today.
Turmeric is not only a flavorful spice but a healthy superfood that may work as:
- Bactericide
- Insectifuge
- Fungicide
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiallergenic
- Herbicide
- Antispasmotic
- Antiseptic
- Antiulcer
- Antiviral
- Antibacterial
- …and much more!
Turmeric powder has been used to cleanse the blood of kings, and today it grows the ranks of modern medicine literature by the hundreds per year.
What does that mean for you?
It means that with the help of the benefits of turmeric you may have an excellent and somewhat unique opportunity: as a supplement, turmeric benefits may become accessible before you are affected by serious illnesses and it may help revert or improve many conditions.
At the very least, thanks to the benefits of turmeric, you may strengthen your immune system, at best turmeric powder may make your digestion better, help liver detox, cleanse your blood and reduce chronic inflammation (that is often confused with visceral fat!)
What is turmeric? A spice that may change your life.
So, are you ready? We listed eight benefits above, but there are many more. Here are...21 turmeric benefits you’ll learn about today. Let's dig into the benefits of turmeric.
#1 REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Turmeric powder seems to contain more than two dozen inflammation-reducing compounds. Inflammation may lead to illness and disease.
The average person may very likely be walking around with chronic inflammation due to the toxins we come in contact with every day.
Results of studies comparing turmeric to ibuprofen illustrated that turmeric eased pain and improved function about as well as the ibuprofen. Over the counter anti-inflammatory agents may have a toxic effect on the body, such as ulcers and intestinal bleeding; turmeric benefits your body by reducing inflammation and producing no toxicity.
#2 MAY SOOTHE SYMPTOMS OF ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the joints and tissues. Some clinical studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that patients who supplement with turmeric powder may find more relief than those who take anti-inflammatory drugs.
In a 2012 study published in Phytotherapy Research, “Researchers found that the patients with rheumatoid arthritis who took 1,000 mg of curcumin per day had an 83.2% decrease in a measure of inflammation in swollen joints, compared to a 68.9% drop in patients who took an anti-inflammatory drug.”
I tested this out on one my toughest clients, my mother, as she has suffered from arthritis for years. In addition to a whole foods diet and a few tweaks to her lifestyle, I told her to sprinkle turmeric on everything she ate. Within a few weeks, the turmeric benefits were visible; she experienced noticeable relief from her arthritis symptoms.
#3 MAY REDUCE RISK OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
More than 5 million people in the U.S. currently live with Alzheimer’s, and it’s only getting worse. The U.S. has the third highest rate of Alzheimer’s, while India has the lowest in the developing world. Perhaps it’s the turmeric they consume with almost every meal? The benefits of turmeric amaze me.
Turmeric turns on the antioxidant producing soldiers that battle against the oxidative stress that can lead to Alzheimer’s. Turmeric powder has been shown to may prevent the formation of plaques in the brain and therefore, may slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
This is probably one of my favorite potential turmeric benefits; getting to old age with a sound mind is a fantastic gift we can give ourselves by merely including a spice in our diet!
#4 MAY HELP PREVENT CARDIOVASCULAR (HEART) DISEASE
Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. Turmeric powder may inhibit free radical damage of fats, including cholesterol. The benefits of turmeric may help your heart. Turmeric’s ability to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol may be beneficial for your heart. Some believe inflammation is the root cause of heart disease and, as discussed above, one of the star turmeric benefits is its inflammation-fighting properties!
#5 EFFECTIVE REMEDY FOR DEPRESSION
Recent studies have shown that turmeric may alleviate and/or reduce depression. Anti-depression medication may have many unpleasant side effects, including anxiety and suicidal thoughts, whereas turmeric has no side effects. A study published last year in Phytotherapy Research found turmeric may more effective than Prozac at remedying depression. The benefits of turmeric may be great for depresion. Turmeric benefits may be more dramatic for those who suffer from anti-depressant side effects.
#6 NATURAL PAINKILLER
According to a clinical trial published in the Alternative and Complementary Medicine journal, turmeric powder is an effective alternative to ibuprofen for osteoarthritis.
The study was conducted with 109 patients with knee osteoarthritis. In a randomized selection, some were given 800 mg of ibuprofen, while others received 2000 mg of turmeric a day for six weeks. Their pain level while walking, stair climbing and performing other basic functions were measured.
After 6 weeks, improvements were measured in both groups, and the turmeric group showed slightly better performance. The turmeric group reported having a higher level of satisfaction than the group that took ibuprofen. Turmeric benefits outweigh ibuprofen benefits because the overall feeling of wellbeing was higher and there were no side effects. Wow, what a great study about the benefits of turmeric.
#7 GOOD FOR EYE HEALTH
Curcumin crosses the blood-retinal barrier (unlike other drugs) in mice, suggesting that people who suffer from degenerative eye conditions that lead to blindness, such as retinitis pigmentosa, may be able to take turmeric powder instead of having eye surgery. In animal testing, turmeric had reached the retina after only two days of treatment, thus turmeric benefits visual health. This may be a remarkable start when it comes to the eye benefits of turmeric. I can't wait for more studies.
#8 AIDS WEIGHT LOSS
Obesity has been established as a pro-inflammatory disease, some research shows that turmeric may benefit people suffering from type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity, and other chronic illnesses, by targeting inflamed tissue and reducing insulin resistance that turns sugar into adipose -fatty- tissue.
#8 POTENT ANTIOXIDANT
Antioxidants may help the body process free radicals, organic compounds that are highly reactive and easily attach themselves to healthy cells causing further damage. Antioxidants may help your skin stay healthy, and slow the aging process. Turmeric powder may boost your own body’s antioxidant enzymes.
#9 MAY HELP DETOXIFY THE LIVER
Turmeric benefits include body detox! A 2013 study found that turmeric powder may be a “promising therapeutic strategy against liver disease.” Turmeric helped modulate metabolic enzyme activity, boosted antioxidant productions, and reduced lipid cells in livers damaged by high-fat diets or chronic alcohol intake. If you ask me, the benefits of turmeric for your liver certainly sound promising.
#10 MAY BENEFIT PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative one, which is affected by free radicals that propagate cell decay. Turmeric powder may be helpful against Parkinson’s disease because its antioxidant properties “clean up” affected cells due to oxidative stress.
Studies are still in the modeling stages, but it is very promising for the future. From a preventative point of view, it may help people who have a history of the disease in the family. The benefits of turmeric for Parkinson's certainly requires more research but may benefit you.
#11 MAY SLOW MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS PROGRESSION
Just like with Parkison’s disease, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric benefits the body by regulating and controlling oxidative stress, a known causative agent of MS. There’s therapeutic potential in turmeric powder for MS symptoms, and more research is being done today! I'm so excited to know that there is more research coming on the benefits of turmeric.
#12 MAY REVERSE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC STRESS
There are multiple environmental and physiological causes of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Turmeric benefits have been tested on animal subjects with hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal dysfunction, which affects the body’s ability to perform properly. Both in humans and animals chronic stress results in an inability to conclude tasks successfully and efficiently.
Literally, the struggle is real. The results of the study show compelling evidence of reduced stress, better cognitive response and improved performance. Wow, learning this about the benefits of turmeric is already reducing my stress levels about stress.
#13 INCREASES BRAIN-DERIVED NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, also known as BDNF, is a protein that helps support existing neurons and long-term memory. Since its discovery in 1982 BDNF production and maintenance has been found to help with many degenerative brain diseases from epilepsy to dementia, and turmeric powder restores BDNF levels. Benefits of turmeric: keep rocking!
#14 ANTIAGING SPICE
By keeping free radicals from causing more damage, continuous exposure to turmeric powder may slow down the appearance of wrinkles, aging of the skin, sight, hair and internal organs. The benefits of turmeric may include the skin you desire. One of my favorite turmeric benefits - radiant skin!
#15 MAY HELP SLEEP
Sleep is essential for recovery, mental health, physical well-being, and we’re simply not getting enough of it. Turmeric benefits sleep-deprived individuals ameliorating symptoms associated with severe lack of sleep: reduced anxiety, unwanted weight-loss, and impaired locomotor activity. In English, it supports sleep and therefore minimizes the side effects of insomnia. Better sleep may be one of the most desired benefits of turmeric.
#16 MAY BE A POTENT ANTIBACTERIAL
Turmeric has been tested against standard bacterial strains in high concentrations finding that turmeric powder had “strong antibacterial properties” that required further in vivo studies.
In Eastern medicine, it has long been used for such purposes with success. It may be time for Western medicine to catch on. The benefits of turmeric to fight bacteria sound promising so far.
#17 MAY PROMOTE WEIGHT GAIN IN CACHEXIA PATIENTS
Cachexia is a constitutional disorder marked by malnutrition in people who have suffered illnesses that caused rapid and at times uncontrollable, weight loss. Turmeric benefits have been tested both on therapeutical procedures for chemo patients and for weight gain post-therapy.
#18 MAY HELP WITH PSORIASIS
One of the most common uses of turmeric powder and ointment in India is skin-regeneration, used for acne and other skin conditions it’s a go-to spice for men and women.
In a recent study, turmeric powder capsules were used on test subjects who have psoriasis with positive results, significantly reducing the psoriasis area and sensitivity present. That's one of the exciting benefits of turmeric! Additionally “topical turmeric not only successfully cleared psoriasis lesions, but it also suppressed phosphorylase kinase activity.”
#19 MAY REDUCE HEART ATTACK RISK BY 65%
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities of turmeric powder may be the reason turmeric benefits cardiovascular health; it protects blood vessels and prevents myocardial infarction. Up to 65% in this study.
#20 MAY HELP PREVENT AND/OR CURE STOMACH ULCERS
Stomach ulcers, gastritis, and gastric cancer are all connected to a bacteria called Helicobacter Pylori, turmeric powder has been used to treat H. Pylori infections completely eliminating it and effectively healing its damage. Additionally, turmeric benefits digestion.
#21 MAY HELP REDUCE OR TREAT ACID REFLUX
Acid reflux, commonly known as heartburn, affects an estimated 50% of Americans. Since one of the leading causes of acid reflux is oxidative stress, the antioxidant properties of turmeric neutralize it, thus may be helping reduce, control and ultimately prevent acid reflux.
How to Consume Turmeric to Enjoy the Benefits of Turmeric
The daily recommendation of turmeric is around 450 milligrams of curcumin capsules or about 3 grams of fresh turmeric powder/root divided into several doses per day. We always recommend that you talk to your doctor before taking turmeric though and discuss the appropriate dosage.
The problem is that curcumin doesn’t have the best bio-availability level when taken orally.
Even if you are taking it religiously, you may not receive all the turmeric benefits you expect due to poor absorption - unless it is combined with black pepper.
When combined with black pepper, the effects of curcumin are strengthened.
Researchers have found that the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric is increased by 2000% when consumed with a quarter of a teaspoon of black pepper. Wow, talk about the benefits of turmeric now - combines with black pepper!
Turmeric Benefits Are Only Available in the Right Settings
Turmeric powder may seem like a magic potion and to some extent, it is! But, to maximize the turmeric benefits listed here, you should consume it in conjunction with a nutrient-dense diet and health-supporting lifestyle.
Don’t expect great results with turmeric powder if you are sprinkling it on your cupcakes and Frito boats!
Sprinkle it on salads and omelets, add it to your favorite quinoa/rice dish, or blend/juice the root. Because it takes longer to assimilate it on its own, consuming turmeric powder along with black pepper makes it more bioavailable to the body.
So, you know the benefits of turmeric, but you may be wondering what the best way is to consume it.
Depending on your unique health goals and concerns, you may want to try turmeric in one or more of the following forms:
FRESH TURMERIC
You can find fresh turmeric root at most health food stores. It looks very similar to ginger root, but is a darker color (think curry). You can use fresh turmeric in juices, smoothies, teas, soups, stir-fries and even mix it into hummus (see recipe below).
TURMERIC PILLS/SUPPLEMENTS
Turmeric benefits you best as a supplement if you have symptoms you'd like soothed because supplements contain more effective medicinal doses.
When looking for a turmeric supplement, be sure to choose one that meets the following qualifications:
- NO Chemicals. Some turmeric suppliers remove nutrients and antioxidants from their turmeric in their faulty factories. Turmeric benefits are less available in capsules that use chemical solvents in the separation process. In top quality turmeric, all of the early vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are included.
- Full Spectrum Formula. A lot of supplements are made from incomplete extracts, which only provide partial nutrients. Other bottles claim to have curcuminoid extract, which is blended in with the turmeric. This depletes the actual percentage of active compounds that you’re getting in each dose. When looking for a turmeric supplement, choose a full spectrum formulation to get the full turmeric benefits. This ensures it contains all the phytonutrients, making it 4 times more usable by the body. This means that nothing was taken from your turmeric. The same holds through when looking at powers mixed with turmeric.
- Certified Organic. Some turmeric capsules have dangerous poisons from pesticides used on the farm they were cultivated on. Always choose organic.
- Raw. Some turmeric capsules are oven-dried, cooked and heated. This depletes the nutrients in those turmeric supplements. This also makes them less absorbable. Choose turmeric that was never cooked or heated in processing.
ORGANIFI GOLD JUICE
Our Organifi Gold is a turmeric powder blend that harnesses the power of this amazing spice and 8 other superfoods.
It is made to be consumed as a warm drink, like a latte or soothing tea. Along with turmeric, we combined black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, lemon, coconut milk and medicinal mushrooms. Organifi Gold is designed to improve immunity and promote relaxation and healthy sleep. This is definitely the most delicious and enjoyable way to get your daily dose of turmeric! Start enjoying the potential benefits of turmeric now - rather than later.
Get your Turmeric Powder supplements today (we even have them in chocolate flavor!) and start reaping the turmeric benefits right away!
ADD TURMERIC TO YOUR DIET WITH THESE RECIPES
Excited about all of these amazing turmeric benefits? Get them by including supplements and some of these recipes into your daily routine:
TURMERIC MILK
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond or cashew milk
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp fresh ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Small pinch black pepper and grated ginger
Instructions: Pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a light boil. Whisk to combine. Reduce and simmer for 10 minutes. Enjoy turmeric benefits plus ginger benefits in one drink!
TURMERIC LEMONADE
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of cold water
- 2 tbsp of turmeric (powdered or freshly grated)
- 4 tbsp of honey or stevia
- 1 lemon
- Optional: juice from 1 blood orange
Instructions: Mix all ingredients. Serve it with a slice of lemon. The recipe makes 4 servings of lemonade. A yummy way to introduce the benefits of turmeric into your diet!
PINEAPPLE TURMERIC BOOST SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 banana, frozen
- 2 cup frozen pineapple
- ¼ coconut milk
- 1 serving Organifi Gold
Instructions: To get all the turmeric benefits plus the flavor, place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth and creamy! Pour into a glass and ENJOY.
INFLAMMATION-REDUCING JUICE RECIPE
Ingredients:
- 2 leaves collard greens
- 2 kale leaves
- 2 green apples
- ¼ hemp seed oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 knuckles of turmeric
- 1 knuckle of ginger
Instructions: Add the collard greens, kale, turmeric and ginger into the juicer. Pour the extracted juice into a glass. Add the hemp seed oil and apple cider vinegar into the juice and mix well. Sip and enjoy your inflammation-reducing juice!
This is a top favorite of mine because it combines the benefits of turmeric with the health benefits of apple cider vinegar
Inflammation-Reducing Turmeric Tea
Ingredients:
- 5 - 6 cups of water
- 1-inch ginger
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- Juice of 1 - 2 lemon (depending on your taste)
- Organic raw honey
Instructions:
- Boil your water in a pot.
- Peel the ginger and slice it into small chunks or circles.
- Once your water is boiling, add your ginger, turmeric and cinnamon.
- Leave it for 10 - 15 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Serve it hot and add ½ - 1 tbsp of organic raw honey to each cup.
Turmeric Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas
- ¼ cup of ‘chickpea water’ from the can
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ tbsp of ground turmeric
- 1 - 2 cloves of garlic
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper (more or less according to your taste)
Instructions:
- Add everything to your food processor or a strong blender.
- Process for 30 - 60 seconds.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. IS THERE ANYONE WHO SHOULDN'T USE TURMERIC?
- If you are pregnant, have gallstones or are being treated for any disease, consult with your doctor before supplementing. Even if you don't have these conditions, always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements and discuss if the benefits of turmeric are right for you.
Q. WILL TURMERIC STAIN TEETH?
- Although turmeric does stain fabrics and surfaces, when it comes to your teeth, turmeric may actually be very good at whitening!
Q. CAN TURMERIC CAUSE CONSTIPATION?
- There does not appear to be any evidence that curcumin or turmeric causes constipation. The benefits of turmeric may be good for your digestion. However, as always, personal experiences may vary. Listen to your body.
Q. CAN TURMERIC MAKE YOU ITCH?
- Some people do experience a minor skin reaction to turmeric if it is applied directly to the skin. It generally appears as a rash that is dry and itchy. This will usually go away on its own, but if it increases in severity or feels painful, seek medical help.
Q. WHICH TURMERIC IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE?
- Turmeric may be the most effective in high doses (450mg or more depending on your unique health concern). It is 2000% more bioavailable to the body when combined with black piperine (black pepper). Generally, powders like Organifi Gold may the most potent and effective. Always seek your doctor's advice, however, when it comes to the effectiveness and benefits of turmeric.
Q. WHICH TURMERIC POWDER IS BEST?
- Organifi Gold is organic and contains raw, bio-available turmeric that is 4 times stronger than normal turmeric.
Q. ARE TURMERIC AND CURCUMIN THE SAME THING?
- Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and is responsible for the bulk of turmeric's health benefits.
CONCLUSION
Turmeric may one of the most extensively studied medicinal foods on the planet.
Because of its potential ability to fight inflammation and disease, it is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after supplements and spices. We have been working hard at Organifi to create a product that contains an effective dose of it to leverage the turmeric benefits effectively, powered by black pepper, and is a delicious and convenient way to consume on a daily basis.
Not only does Organifi Gold contain turmeric, but also 8 other immunity-boosting and relaxation-inducing superfoods, all in effective doses of course. Our hope was to provide all the benefits of turmeric in a delicious scoop.
Unlike our other superfood drinks, Organifi Gold is made to be a warm or hot drink to be sipped throughout the year like a latte or a tea - it’s the easiest way to get all the turmeric benefits without much effort or hassle!