Ayurveda and Chinese medicine have used turmeric for thousands of years for its healing properties. In recent headlines, turmeric has been credited with fighting the flu, easing digestive complaints, and even protecting against cancer. It certainly sounds impressive – but is it really as good as it seems?

This golden spice is probably in your cupboard, but perhaps you haven’t seen it fresh. Unlike ginger roots, turmeric roots have brown peels and bright orange flesh. You’ll soon reap the benefits of using it however you choose. The yellow pigment curcumin is the primary active ingredient. There are many benefits associated with turmeric’s active ingredient, which is the spice’s star component.

This article outlines curcumin extract’s key properties and why we chose to include it in Beauty Formula.

Benefits for the skin:

In addition to protecting skin cells, turmeric may increase our body’s natural antioxidant response. We need a bit of extra goodness for our skin as it is our first line of defense. Despite the science not being completely clear, turmeric’s antioxidants may help protect the skin cells from excessive exposure to harmful chemicals, such as those found in food, air, pesticides, and plastic packaging, reducing the signs of aging and other inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis are on the rise in modern life due to allergies. In spite of conventional treatments, turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties have proven successful at reducing redness. Turmeric is widely used for eczema and itching at home, particularly turmeric milk (see the recipe below) and turmeric paste for soothing eczema or swelling of the face – a great pre-weekend treatment!

Digestion – Health Benefit:

Almost everyone knows someone who suffers from poor digestion. Gut health is highly complex and highly sensitive to lifestyle factors. A poor diet, drinking too much alcohol, being stressed, and taking medications (such as antibiotics) can tip the body out of balance, resulting in bloating and other stomach problems.

Scientists have found that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent the development of polyps, fibroids, and even cancer in the bowels. Furthermore, it may promote the right balance of bacteria in the body, which is vital for pretty much all functions.

Immunity is an important health benefit:

We have an amazingly efficient immune system that selects the best response to potential threats. The good news is that turmeric enhances antibody activity, activates immune cells, and dampens overactive, pro-inflammatory messengers known as cytokines.

Benefits for Mood and Depression:

A majority of UK adults suffer from anxiety or depression, which is showing no signs of reducing. The recommended natural treatment for depression is often a healthy diet and exercise, but curcumin extract has also been found to significantly improve depression symptoms without any serious side effects. It’s possible that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties contribute to its ability to support the brain and nervous system.

Here are some tips for getting more turmeric in your diet:

What is the best way to use turmeric when there are so many good reasons to dig it out of the spice rack? To get the best quality turmeric, make sure that you use fresh turmeric within the sell-by date. There are also some shops that sell it fresh, especially Asian supermarkets and more exotic food stores.

It is a common recommendation to take somewhere between 1-3 grams of turmeric daily (2 teaspoons is roughly 1 gram), either fresh or ground.

Here are a few ways we like to use it:

  • Supplement
  • Meals
  • Juices
  • Turmeric latte or Tea

As more research is conducted, turmeric appears to be worth the hype. We need more of this spice in our lives and a golden glow!