• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
live love fruit logo

Live Love Fruit

Eat Vibrantly. Live Vibrantly

About Start Here Work With Me

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Health
  • Remedies
  • Recipes
  • A-Z Conditions
  • Fitness
  • Environment
  • Self Improvement
  • My LLF
  • Shop
Category: > Health > 17 Incredible Health Benefits of Turmeric

17 Incredible Health Benefits of Turmeric

Jun 16, 2013 Carly Fraser Save For Later Print

Last Updated: Jul 12, 2020

15.0K shares
  • Facebook14.6K
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Turmeric powder and fresh root on grunge background

Turmeric (curcumin) is one of the most effective health supplements known to man! The incredible health benefits of turmeric have proven beneficial for treating cancer, Alzheimer’s and so much more! If you haven’t yet added turmeric to your daily routine, now is the time to start!

17 Incredible Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Reduces Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric), when combined with chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin (head, and neck cancer chemotherapy drugs), effectively inhibit tumour growth, and also minimize the side effects of cisplatin. This research suggested that turmeric may allow practitioners to manage lower level doses of chemotherapy and thus reduce its negative side effects on the body.

2. Aids In Fat Metabolism and Weight Management

Researchers theorized that dietary curcumin can stall the spread of fat tissue by inhibiting new blood vessel growth (called angiogenesis) which is necessary to build fat tissue. This study found that supplementing high-fat diet fed mice with curcumin reduced body-weight gain and total body fat, even though food-intake was not affected (in comparison to the non-supplemented high-fat diet group). The curcumin-treated group also had less blood vessel growth in fat tissue, and their blood glucose, triglyceride, fatty acid, cholesterol and liver fat levels were also lower.

3. Helps Coughs

Curcumin serves as an anti-inflammatory agent and possesses anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. These properties make turmeric an excellent aid in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections such as cough and cold. The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin helps relieve chest congestion that develops in individuals with chronic cough.

4. Strengthens Ligaments

Curcumin is a powerful nutrient in treating the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with ligament injuries. It is known for its powerful ability to help heal your tissues – including your ligamentous tissues – following traumatic musculoskeletal injuries.

5. Skin Tonic

Turmeric cleanses and nourishes the skin to retain its elasticity and youthfulness and promotes a radiant glow! It helps to aid the digestive tract to absorb nutrients and normalize metabolism, and thus cleanses from the inside out (which then reflects the quality of your skin).

6. Speeds Up Wound Healing

Wound healing and angiogenesis deals with the capillaries which consist of endothelial cells and pericytes. These cells do not divide readily but undergo rapid proliferation during spurts of angiogenesis in wound healing. Turmeric causes endothelial cells to proliferate, indicating that this molecule can be used to augment wound healing.

7. Natural Analgesic & Antibiotic

Turmeric guards your stomach by destroying fungus, viruses and bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea and other diseases. This rhizome has been historically used as an herbal salve to treat everything from minor cuts and scrapes to scabies, skin ulcers and even leprosy. Turmeric volatile oil is a powerful topical antibiotic that helps prevent infections and sepsis in wounds. Turmeric can also help stop pain and swelling while promoting the healing of damaged skin tissue as discussed above.

8. Natural Anti-inflammatory

This rhizome has been traditionally used as a remedy for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Plenty of evidence from research has shown that the potency of turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects have been equated with that of the popular pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin and hydrocortisone (but without the nasty side effects and toxicity of these isolated drugs). A daily dosage of curcumin was found to be more effective in easing post-surgical inflammation as the regular anti-inflammatory prescriptions. Curcumin has the ability to inhibit the activity of enzymes COX-2 and lipoxygenase, which contributes to turmerics amazing anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Blood Purifier

Turmeric is a rich source of iron so it is valuable for those suffering from anemia. It also prevents platelets from clumping within blood vessels, making it effective in the prevention of atherosclerosis and its complications.

10. Slows Progression of MS

Turmeric may block the progression of multiple sclerosis by interrupting the production of IL-2, a protein that plays a key role in the destruction of the myelin by signalling for the development of neural antigen-specific TH1 cells, immune cells that then launch an attack on the myelin sheath.

11. Prevents Progression of Alzheimer’s 

Multiple studies have pointed to the fact that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta-amyloid, the substance responsible for plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer’s disease.

12. Anti-Arthritic

Curcumin is most known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties which are crucial in those suffering from arthritis. It has been shown to influence more than 700 genes and can inhibit synthesis of COX-2 and 5-LOX which are important mediators of inflammation. Multiple studies of the efficacy of curcumin have demonstrated positive changes in arthritic symptoms. In fact, the highly bioavailable form of curcumin in fresh, raw turmeric is MORE EFFECTIVE in alleviating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (tenderness, swelling of joints) than drugs that are currently on the market to mock these same effects. Individuals taking curcumin ONLY (no other drugs) have reported that they experienced the most improvement in their symptoms.

13. Improves Digestion, and Helps Prevent Gas/Bloating and Heals Stomach Ulcers

Turmeric is highly valuable for the influence it exerts on the digestive system and liver. It helps improve digestion and reduces gas and bloating. It is considered a cholagogue, which means that it helps stimulate bile production in the liver and encourages excretion of bile via the gallbladder which improves the body’s ability to digest fats. This rhizome is actually recommended for chronic digestive weakness and/or congestion, and can help individuals suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), colitis, Chron’s disease, diarrhea, and post salmonella conditions. It also reduces the itching and inflammation that accompanies hemorrhoids and anal fissures.

14. Lowers Cholesterol

Curcumin is an excellent messaging molecule that communicates with genes in liver cells and “tells” them to produce mRNA that direct the creation of receptors for LDL (bad) cholesterol. With more of these LDL-receptors, liver cells are able to remove more LDL-cholesterol from the body.

15. Improves Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, etc.)

The list is endless for the amount of skin care benefits turmeric provides. Some of these include the treatment of acne, blackheads, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and more extreme skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It helps to heal and prevent dry skin as well as slows the aging process of skin by retaining its elasticity. It is also used to diminish wrinkles and keep skin supple and youthful. It is used daily by East Indian women as a facial cleanser and exfoliant.

16. Helps Prevent Many Cancers (Leukaemia, Breast, Prostate, Lung, Colon, etc.)

Turmeric is a great herb for treating cancers, particularly breast and uterine cancers as well as benign tumours. Many promising studies have shown turmeric’s anti-cancer properties to be helping in treating other cancers like skin, pancreatic, prostate and colon cancers too. The way this works is that the active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin, prevents the formation of cancer-causing enzymes, and thus reduces the risk of cancerous cell-formation and cell growth. One of the cancer-fighting mechanisms in turmeric involves inhibiting the activity of the enzyme Topoisomerase which is essential in the replication of cancer cells. Thus, turmeric limits the ability of cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body and prevents cancerous tumours from growing new blood vessels, starving them of nutrients and inhibiting their growth.

17. Improves Asthma

The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin relieves inflammation of the air ways and tightness of the chest which is associated with asthma. Multiple studies have found curcumin’s ability to inhibit airway constriction and hyper-reactivity. It helps to prevent allergic airway inflammation while inhibiting the actions of an inflammatory protein called NF-kappaB, and has been noted as being just as effective as the prescription steroid dexamethasone which is commonly used to treat asthma.

Sources:

Kawamori, T., Lubet, R., Steele, V., Kelloff, G., Kaskey, R., Rao, C., & Reddy, B. (1999) Chemopreventive effect of curcumin, a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent, during the promotion/progression stages of colon cancer. Cancer Research, 59, 597.

Shahanas, C., Faisal, T., & Sehamuddin, G. (2008) Curcumin cell signaling: a possible target for chemotherapy. Current Trends in Biotechnology & Pharmacy, 2, 226-238.

Ruby, A., Kuttan, G., Babu, K., Rajasekharan, K., & Kuttan, R. (1995) Anti-tumour and antioxidant activity of natural cucuminoids. Cancer Letters, 94, 79-83.
Kunnumakkara, A., Anand, P., & Aggarwal, B., (2008) Curcumin inhibits proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis of different cancers through interaction with multiple cell signaling proteins. Cancer Letters, 269, 199-225

Cretu, E., Trifan, A., Vascincu, A., & Miron, A. (2012) Plant-derived anticancer agents – curcumin in cancer prevention and treatment. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat lasi., 116, 1223-9.

Asai, A., & Miyazawa, T. (2001) Dietary curcuminoids prevent high-fat diet-induced lipid accumulation in rat liver and epididymal adipose tissue. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences, 131, 2932-2935.

Ejaz A, Wu, D, Kwan P, and Meydani M. Journal of Nutrition. May 2009; 139 (5): 1042-1048. Curcumin Inhibits Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Angiogenesis and Obesity in C57/BL Mice. 919-925.

Gilani, A., Shah, A., Ghayur, M., & Majeed, K. (2005) Pharmacological basis for the use of turmeric in gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. Life Sciences, 76, 3089-3105.

Kundu, S., Biswas, T., Das, P., Kumar, S., & De, D. (2005) Turmeric (curcuma longa) rhizome paste and honey show similar wound healing potential: A preclinical study in rabbits. International Journal of Lower Extremity Wounds, 4, 205-213.
Kole, P., Jadhav, H., Thakurdesai, P., & Nagappa, A., (2005) Cosmetic potential of herbal extracts. CSIR, 4, 315-321.

Gur, S., Turgut-Balik, D., & Gur, N. (2006) Antimicrobial activities and some fatty acids of turmeric, ginger root and linseed used in the treatment of infectious diseases. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2, 439-442.
James, A., (2007) The garden pharmacy: turmeric, the queen of COX-2 Inhibitors. Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 13, 229-234.

Nita, C. (2004) Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric (curcuma longa). The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 9, 161-168.

Mishra, S., & Palanivelu, K. (2008) The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer’s disease: An overview. Ann Indian Acad Neurol., 11, 13-19.

Aggarwal, B., & Shishodia, S. (2006) Suppression of the nuclear factor-kB activation pathway by spice-derived phytochemicals: reasoning for seasoning. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1030, 434-441.
Funk, J., Oyarzo, J., Frye, J., Chen, G., Lantz, R., Jolad, S., Solyom, A., & Timmermann, B. (2006) Turmeric extracts containing curcuminoids prevent experimental rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Natural Products, 69, 351-355.

Ishita, C., Kaushik, B., Uday, B., & Ranajit, B. (2004) Turmeric and curcumin: biological actions and medicinal applications. Current Science, 87, 44-53.

Rao, D., Sekhara, N., Satyanarayana, M., & Srinivasan, M. (1970). The effect of curcumin on serum and liver cholesterol levels in the rat. Journal of Nutrition, 100, 1307-1315.

Chengxiu, L., Ling, L., Jun, L., & Nenghui, H. (1998) A study on effect of turmeric volatile oil on respiratory tract. China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 10.

15.0K shares
  • Facebook14.6K
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Food Education, Health Tagged With: anti-inflammatory, herbs, turmeric

Carly Fraser

About the Author

Carly Fraser has her BSc (Hons.) Degree in Neuroscience, and is the owner and founder at Live Love Fruit. She currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a determined life mission to help inspire and motivate individuals to critically think about what they put in their bodies and to find balance through nutrition and lifestyle. She has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals to re-connect with their bodies and learn self-love through proper eating habits and natural living. She loves to do yoga, dance, and immerse herself in nature.

View Profile

Reader Interactions

Related Posts

  • Fresh cantaloupe melon
    10 Incredible Health Benefits of Cantaloupe
  • The Difference Between Turmeric and Curcumin - Which Is Better?
  • This Turmeric Tea Recipe Provides Over 20 Different Health Benefits (Immunity, Liver Health and More!)
  • fresh figs in bowl
    10 Incredible Health Benefits of Figs
  • Detox green smoothie with spinach, pineapple, and banana
    10 Health Benefits of Green Smoothies
  • red grapes in a bunch
    10 Incredible Health Benefits of Grapes
  • chia seeds on wooden background
    10 Incredible Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Trackbacks

  1. Drink This Delicious Turmeric Tonic To Prevent Tumour Growth and Inflammation | Live Love Fruit says:
    Feb 19, 2016 at 10:17 am

    […] might have been hearing a lot about turmeric as of late, but how to consume it? This turmeric tonic is all you need to ensure adequate […]

    Reply
  2. 7 Best Detoxifying Properties of Cauliflower | Live Love Fruit says:
    Mar 22, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    […] show that turmeric spices induce apoptosis of cancer cells, helping to effectively eliminate them. The effects of turmeric […]

    Reply
  3. Turmeric And Cauliflower Prostate Cancer | mesotheliomacan.com says:
    Apr 15, 2016 at 7:10 am

    […] 17 Incredible Health Benefits of … – Image Via Shutterstock . Turmeric (curcumin) is one of the most effective health supplements known to man! The incredible health benefits of turmeric have … […]

    Reply
  4. Turmeric Benefits For Prostate Cancer | mesotheliomabox.com says:
    May 4, 2016 at 7:40 am

    […] 17 Incredible Health Benefits of … – Image Via Shutterstock . Turmeric (curcumin) is one of the most effective health supplements known to man! The incredible health benefits of turmeric have … […]

    Reply
  5. Turmeric – The Natural Enemy of Disease - Health Reporter Daily says:
    May 4, 2016 at 11:27 am

    […] https://livelovefruit.com/incredible-health-benefits-of-turmeric/ […]

    Reply
  6. This Probiotic Turmeric Soda Aids in Digestion, Soothes Pain and Boosts Brain Function | IneffableGirl says:
    Sep 20, 2016 at 11:19 am

    […] Turmeric, ginger, and raw honey are healers of the body. Their beneficial compounds, combined, help support the detox pathways in the body, and help get rid of inflammation and disease. […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Ebook

Success! Please check your inbox to download your FREE eBook.

Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally!

The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health!

21 Ways to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Recent Posts

people making transition from unhealthy to healthy food concept

Tips For Making The Vegan Transition

body with different inflammation points and random images of different foods that cause it

10 Foods That Cause Chronic Inflammation and Trigger Pain, Fatigue, Bloating + More

visual illustration of toxins stored in fat cells in body

How to Eliminate Toxins From Fat Cells That Are Making You Fatigued and Swollen

foot with demonstrated achilles pain

This One Stretch Relieves Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Achilles Pain, and Heel Pain

Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens recalled by Johnson & Johnson

Latest Sunscreen Recall Raises Concern Over Chemicals

lemongrass plant in garden

How to Plant Lemongrass to Repel Mosquitoes

Popular Posts

Man spraying pesticides on tea plants with other side of image showing dry loose tea bags

Pesticides in Tea: Is Your Favorite Tea Contaminated with Harmful Chemicals?

glyphosate in wine

Monsanto’s Harmful Chemical Glyphosate Found In 100% Of California Wines Tested

whole dandelion plant with flowers and roots on cutting board on a table

Dandelions Are Not Weeds! Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion

johnson & johnson baby products in pharmacy

Johnson & Johnson Finally Admits: Our Baby Products Contain Cancer-Causing Ingredients

10 Plants That Attract Dragonflies for Mosquito Control

companion planting chart

Use This Companion Planting Chart to Help Your Garden Thrive

France Bans Neonicotinoid Pesticides

France Bans All Five Neonicotinoid Pesticides Linked to Bee Deaths

Glyphosate in Food: Complete List of Products and Brands Filled with Dangerous Weed-Killer

whales dying from plastic pollution

Whales Dying From Plastic Pollution Are a Grave Reminder to Give Up Our Addiction to Plastics

illustrated piriformis muscle showing trigger points and radiating pain

How To Get A Deep Piriformis Stretch To Get Rid of Sciatica, Hip & Lower Back Pain

RECOMMENDED

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription!

Want to reduce inflammation and restore your health?

Join Live Love Fruit and we'll show you how!

Footer

Stay Connected!

Follows
  • 316k Followers
  • 1.9k Followers
  • 110k Followers
  • 607 Followers
  • 11.5k Followers
  • Home
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Write For LLF
  • Contact

Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Content on Live Love Fruit may not be reproduced in any form.
Ads provided by AdThrive. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Live Love Fruit.

Copyright © 2012 - 2023 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure

15.0K shares
  • 14.6K