The Best Turmeric Health Benefits

During my multi-year Ayurvedic training in the early 1990s I discovered turmeric. We learned about turmeric’s health benefits, its amazing healing properties, and all the things turmeric is good for. Read on to learn more about the incredible powers of turmeric.

What is Turmeric?

First, what is turmeric? This root-like stem or rhizome is part of the ginger family. Commonly grown in India, it’s turned into that bright yellow spice that stains your countertops and is used in curry.

Turmeric Health Benefits

I’m often asked, is turmeric good for you? Yes, turmeric helps improve the function of so many systems in the body including everything from digestion to cognitive function and much more. Here are just a few of turmeric’s benefits:

• Improves Digestion
• Enhances Brain Function
• Regulates Hormones
• Relieves Joint Pain
• Prevents Cancer
• Anti-Aging for Skin

Benefits of Turmeric Pills

If you’re wondering about turmeric pills benefits, I’m here to help. Studies show turmeric’s antioxidant properties do far more than I mention in the list above. It also has the potential to prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.

By effectively reducing inflammation turmeric may also improve the symptoms of depression and arthritis. This cure-all substance is one I don’t want to miss out on and I take at least one turmeric pill every night with dinner.

What is Curcumin?

The turmeric root’s most active compound is curcumin, the bright yellow substance that has many scientifically proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Turmeric with curcumin are a very powerful duo.

Curcumin has many critical functions one of which is that it is an Nrf2 activator. Nrf2 is a powerful genetic pathway that turns on over 200 genes. Many of these genes are related to detoxification and cellular repair, making curcumin uniquely positioned to assist in healing the body.

Curcumin Benefits

Curcumin is not alone in its ability to activate the Nrf2 pathway. Substances that activate Nrf2 include but are not limited to:

• Meriva
• DIM
• Alpha Lipoic Acid
• Resveratrol
• Quercetin

I’m so fascinated by this, I wrote a post on Turmeric and the Nrf2 pathway in which I discuss Nrf2 activation, as well as why I prefer stand-alone supplements like the above, over proprietary blends like Protandim.

Turmeric Health Benefits

Given that I live with a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, turmeric is an important tool in my healing arsenal, which includes both alternative and conventional remedies. I’ve been taking turmeric with curcumin in a supplement called Meriva for over a decade.

Turmeric Pronunciation

How do you pronounce turmeric? I always catch myself before saying the word, is it tur·mur·ick or too·mer·ic? It turns out the correct pronunciation of turmeric is the former which is really funny because for a long time I thought it was spelled tumeric and pronounced that way too!

Turmeric for Dogs and Cats

There are tons of turmeric supplements for dogs. I don’t have a pup so haven’t tried any. I am thinking of getting one for my cat who is fairly obese. We do not keep food out all day and give her only what the vet specifies but her weight is not coming off. Maybe cat turmeric will help!

Turmeric Recipes

There are more ways than one to get turmeric with curcumin into your routine. My recipes below will help!

Golden Turmeric Latte

Deep into my intensive training in Ayurveda, we learned to diagnose and treat different conditions with herbal remedies, healing foods, and yoga asanas.

One of the best parts was learning how to use herbs in a synergistic fashion. Because of Ayurveda, I know how to create healing drinks like this incredible low-carb Keto Golden Turmeric Latte, which is essentially a turmeric coffee containing turmeric and ginger.

Golden Turmeric Bars

My anti-inflammatory Turmeric Bars are a beloved fan favorite! Not only are they mouth-wateringly delicious, they’re also good for you. I can’t ask for more out of this stunning and healing dessert.

Keto Spiced Almonds

My Curry Flavored Almonds are packed with superfood spices such as turmeric, coriander, and cumin that contain nutritious anti-inflammatory compounds.

Turmeric Milk

Turmeric with milk, yes, please! I created my delicious Turmeric Root Milk for yet another way to sneak turmeric into my diet. This delicious milk is made with only four ingredients, including turmeric with ginger again.

Turmeric Tea

If you are wondering what the Turmeric Tea benefits are, there are plenty! This tea contains black pepper which makes the curcumin in the turmeric far more bio-available. I love using food as medicine and this drink has incredible benefits for me.

Turmeric Lemonade

I am obsessed with the stunning pop of color my Turmeric Lemonade brings to my glass, it’s almost too pretty to drink. A bonus? When it’s hot outside, I can guzzle this healthy sugar-free lemonade every single day of summer.

Turmeric Chia Pudding

This is a fun recipe that I do on the fly, and you can too. Make my healthy, low-carb Chia pudding and add one-half teaspoon of turmeric, plus a pinch of ground black pepper.

Turmeric Health Benefits

I love turmeric and in my recipes, I pair it with ginger and black pepper which make this super spice more bio-available. You can easily do that too. Let me know if you have any questions about turmeric’s health benefits, such as how to use it in cooking, or anything else!