So yesterday we spoke of aging gracefully . . . So today I thought we'd talk about a spice that can help that process.
We've all heard of Turmeric before and I'm sure many of you use it on a daily basis or take it in supplement form. And good for you because "turmeric" is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant.
Turmeric contains more than 300 naturally occurring compounds called "curcuminoids", with the most important being "curcumin". Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory affects and is a very strong antioxidant. Other component are beta-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), calcium, flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium and zinc just to mention a few.
Turmeric has been known to relieve a variety of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, photagaing and psoriasis. It can boost brain-derived Neurotrophic factors that are linked to improved brain function which works well for Alzheimer's patients. This in turn can lower the risk of brain disease.
Turmeric lowers the risk of heart disease, can help prevent cancer, relieves arthritis, has shown incredible benefits against depression and helps to delay aging and fights age-related chronic diseases.
But as always . . . if you're taking "turmeric" or "curcumin" in supplement form . . .
Buyer beware! Most of these supplements have added fillers like wood pulp and/or known carcinogens added. So if you'd like me to check out your supplement to make sure it's "compliant" . . . just send me a picture of the label on the bottle. (a free service to you)
Now, the other thing we need to be aware of with "turmeric" or "curcumin" is this . .
People who are on blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin are advised not to take turmeric or curcumin supplements because the supplements can enhance the drugs blood-thinning effects.
As always, feel free to contact me here