Turmeric: A Natural Medicine?

Turmeric remains to be one of the most popular spices in the world, utilized since ancient times in India. However, there is still much to be studied about its clear, untapped potential within medicine, including its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, with bioactive compounds. So let's start learning!

Turmeric's main claim to fame rests within its content, specifically, its harboring of curcumin - an antioxidant and inflammatory material.

But why is this important?

Inflammation is one of the most essential functions of the body, helping it to ward off against bacteria, and other foreign invaders. But, chronic inflammation, or long term inflammation, can be extremely hazardous. In fact, today, it is widely accepted by many doctors and medical scientists alike that at least a low form of inflammation plays a role in many prominent diseases, including but not limited to: cardiometabolic disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and dementia. Turmeric's role of anti-inflammation is promising, considering its foundation as a natural substance, rather than one that is synthetically manufactured.

However, let's talk about the second reason why turmeric remains to be beneficial to the body: its anti-oxidative properties. Circumin contains active ingredients that boost the performance of certain enzymes within the body, allowing the body to take action against compounds known as free radicals. Free radicals, defined to be "highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons", play a role in hampering the effects of certain proteins, DNA, or fatty acids. Antioxidants, such as circumin, have the unique ability to take these destructive forces out of our bodies.

While much is still hidden about turmeric, the substance holds tremendous potential for the future. In a world where more and more synthetic drugs are displaying tantalizing side effects, this elegant, yellow powder offers a cleaner and more natural flavor within the medical industry.