(NaturalHealth365) Turmeric is the main spice used in the Indian spice curry, and it’s considered one of the most powerful herbs for fighting inflammation and disease.  Curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric that gives it such a bright yellow color, is responsible for most of its benefits. A member of the ginger family, turmeric has long been called “holy powder” because of its medicinal benefits.

Through the years, thousands of peer reviewed articles and studies have dug into the benefits this spice has to offer. And from working as an anti-inflammatory to beat inflammation to helping control blood sugar, there are many science-backed reasons to spice up your life with turmeric.

Turmeric proves to be as powerful as anti-inflammatory medication

Curcumin, the active ingredient found in this spice is what offers most of the turmeric benefits. It’s been widely studied, and researchers have discovered that it works as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

In fact, when it was studied alongside other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin, it came out near the top.  Results showed that curcumin, was more potent at fighting inflammation than ibuprofen and aspirin and just as powerful as antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory agents as prescription medicines tamoxifen and celecoxib.

Other studies have looked deeper into the ability of curcumin to reduce inflammation, digging into its ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease. The progression of Alzheimer’s has been linked to chronic inflammation, and some studies show promise in the anti-inflammatory power of turmeric’s ability to help slow and even reverse this disease, reducing Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Proven to combat arthritis, diabetes and renal disease

In the past few years, science has found even more benefits to this “golden powder,” as well. Once again, it’s ability to fight inflammation makes it an excellent treatment for individuals with osteoarthritis, another of the turmeric benefits.

In one study, when curcumin was administered for three months to patients with osteoarthritis, they saw significant improvement in joint function and a reduction in joint pain, and turmeric is well tolerated by patients.

Another study looked at the effects of curcumin on diabetes and renal function in individuals with diabetes. When given tetrahydrocurcumin, test subjects saw not only an increase in plasma insulin levels, but a significant reduction in blood sugar levels, too. Regular treatment with tetrahydrocurcumin also helped to bring renal markers back to nearly normal, decreasing levels of creatine, uric acid, and urea.

Other science-backed turmeric benefits include:

• Reducing the risk of heart disease
• Preventing and potentially even treating cancer
• Protecting against and treating depression
• Anti-aging benefits
• Shows promise in cholesterol regulation
• Fighting age-related chronic diseases
• Improves skin health and proves useful in treating skin conditions
• Reduces the risk of blood clots

Although you can reap turmeric benefits by consuming more in your diet (think eating more curry or turmeric tea), the best way to take advantage of this spice is to take a curcumin supplement. This way you ensure you’re getting enough of the active ingredient to reap all the health benefits.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
Healthline.com
NIH.gov
NIH.gov