It’s a quintessential spice in Asian cooking, but did you know that this fragrant flavour actually packs some incredible powers? Not only does turmeric add an element of colour and sophistication to your plate, it can also heal your body in ways you perhaps never imagined.
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From superficial benefits like reducing acne and scarring, to healing your body from the inside, we took a look at some of the many ways adding a touch of turmeric can improve your overall health.
Curcumin (the active ingredient of turmeric) is one of three curcuminoids present in turmeric. This component, also related to the ginger family, has antibacterial properties and works as an antiseptic on angry red spots.
You can prepare a spot cream using a dash of turmeric mixed with water or milk that can be left on for around 10 minutes. But please, don’t go crazy with the quantities!
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Of course, an extrinsic application of turmeric in the form of a face mask will help to prevent dark circles, fine lines and give your skin a healthy glow, but the consumption of the spice can take years off your face too.
“As an antioxidant, it helps fight off free radicals, which add signs to skin ageing,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Studies have also shown that ingestion of turmeric helps protect against the aging effects of sun-damage UV radiation and the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.”
The anti-inflammatory properties of the marigold-coloured powder can help to lighten and balance out the skin colour contrast those pesky stretch marks give.
Turmeric can be mixed with various creams, coconut oil and even plain yogurt to form a stretch mark reduction paste. Massage the paste into your skin and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off to lighten the overall appearance of the scars.
Apply the formula the same way on areas affected by sunburn to reduce redness and inflammation.
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Studies have shown that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be strong enough to break down the amyloid plaques in the brain that have been deemed a known contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.
A diet rich in the spice can therefore help delay the onset and keep the mind sharp.
As well as it’s many other proven benefits like liver and kidney support and reducing joint pain and inflammation, curcumin has also been discovered to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels by preventing the build-up of bad cholesterol in your blood vessels.
Adding turmeric to your dinnertime meals can help prevent blood platelets from sticking together and causing blocked arteries, which we all know can cause heart-attacks and stroke.