7 Reasons Women Should Consume Turmeric

Most of you know turmeric (Curcuma longa)  as the main spice in curry. It provides a warm, bitter, earthy flavor to many Asian dishes. It’s also used to add color to cooking powders, mustards, butters, cheeses, and even cosmetics. 

But turmeric is more than just a spice or natural pigment. In fact, it’s listed as the single most anti-inflammatory food in the Dietary Inflammatory Index. For centuries its root has been used as medicine in many cultures. 

The root of the turmeric plant contains a yellow-colored chemical called curcumin. It’s a polyphenol. And for those of you wondering what a polyphenol is…

Polyphenols are micronutrients that we get through certain plant-based foods. They're loaded with antioxidants and provide many health benefits.

Studies have shown both the topical and oral benefits of turmeric. So, let’s take a look at the seven benefits turmeric provides women.  

7 Benefits of turmeric for women

And when we talk about the benefits of turmeric, we’re referring to both turmeric and curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric.

1. It’s an anti-inflammatory

Turmeric is commonly used to fight inflammation. In fact, curcumin may be a more effective anti-inflammatory treatment than common inflammation-fighting medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, according to a past study. 

2. It promotes skin health 

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, turmeric has been shown to be an effective topical treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, photoaging, and psoriasis just to name a few.

3. It may alleviate arthritis symptom

Studies have shown that it can alleviate pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. It can cause skin wounds to heal faster

Studies have shown curcumin can also accelerate the healing of skin wounds. 

5. It may prevent heart disease

It has been confirmed that its antioxidant effect correlates with a decrease in LDL levels in the blood and a reduced risk of coronary disease. 

6. It may prevent depression

Depression is associated with lower levels of BDNF, or brain-derived neurotrophic factor. But turmeric is shown to boost BDNF levels in the brain. 

7. It can be used as an anti-aging supplement 

Neither turmeric nor curcumin is marketed as an anti-aging supplement. But thanks to their ability to fight inflammation, protect your body against free radicals, and potentially delay brain degeneration and other age-related diseases, turmeric and curcumin may be effective anti-aging supplements, according to research.

You should consume at least ¼ tsp every day. Add it to your smoothies, oatmeal. 

[BONUS] It whitens your teeth

In addition to the many benefits turmeric provides as a soluble and topical treatment, it can also be used as a teeth whitener.

How to make your own homemade turmeric teeth whitening paste:

Mix ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder with 1/8 teaspoon melted coconut oil.

Then, brush your teeth with turmeric powder. Allow the powder to stay on your teeth and gums for at least three minutes. Then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth again with normal toothpaste this time.

[Side note: If you plan on doing this on a regular basis you may want to use a separate toothbrush as it will stain your toothbrush. Turmeric paste is great for whitening teeth, but nothing else.]