7 Incredible Benefits of Turmeric

Known as a spice, healing agent, and textile dye, turmeric is an incredibly versatile ingredient native to the Indonesian and southern Indian regions. It has a deep orange flesh, which is encased in a tough brown skin.

Among its most important attributes, turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been used as a medicinal aid for centuries in Asian countries. All in all, we've elected to highlight our favorite benefits of this powder below.

1. It Elevates Dishes

Turmeric is a common spice in curry because of its warm and earthy trait. But it can be used to elevate nearly any recipe. Its mustard and ginger qualities add both heat and a savory flavor, and it also has a bitterness that can help cut through sweetness to balance out dishes.

2. Keep Your Face Fresh with a Turmeric-Based Skin Solution

Beyond a cooking ingredient, this spice has been used in many parts of the world as a beauty product. It has been known to help with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema. You can even mix turmeric with some oil and lemon juice to help with dry skin.

3. Turmeric Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is your body's natural response to injury. When a part of your body is injured, the blood vessels widen and allow more blood flow to the area. This is what makes inflamed tissue puffy and red. Because turmeric is rich in curcumin, it can reduce inflammation by blocking enzymes that cause tissue inflammation.

4. Add Essential Vitamins and Minerals to Any Dish

Seven grams of this spice can provide over 25% of your daily recommended intake of manganese, which is a mineral that promotes strong bones and brain function. Turmeric is also a good source of iron, fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.

5. It Provides Antioxidants

Antioxidants are incredibly important to your health. This defense system works throughout the body to find and eliminate molecules called free radicals, which harm cell membranes and even cause cell death and many types of cancer. Turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants, which may help reduce or even prevent some of the potential damage that free radicals can create.

6. A Spice that Improves Brain Function

Research has shown that turmeric contains another compound, aromatic-turmerone, which can increase stem cell growth in the brain. This is believed to improve both spatial and non-spatial memory as well as to support regeneration in neurologic disease.

7. Turmeric May Help Mitigate Risk for Chronic Diseases

The key ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, can be used as preventive treatment for many diseases, disorders, and other health issues, including Alzheimer’s and some cancers.

According to a Journal of Medicinal Food study, turmeric can also reduce plaque buildup in the arteries, which can otherwise lead to atherosclerosis, or heart disease.

This popular and versatile spice has many uses beyond the kitchen, and even a small amount is enough to derive some of its incredible health benefits (and you only need half a teaspoon for this turmeric milk recipe). Consider this impressive diversity and make sure your pantry is always stocked with turmeric.

Turmeric Recipes

Get the most out of your turmeric powder with the delicious recipes below.

Turmeric Products

Enjoy the terrific taste of turmeric and its many benefits with these delicious foods and spices. Whether you want turmeric in its pure form or mixed in with other spices, we have everything you need to enjoy this incredible powder!

Photos: Steven Jackson Photography