The Golden Spice: Turmeric

Known as the “golden spice of India,” turmeric has been used medicinally for its healing properties for over 4500 years.

Growing up in an Indian household, drinking a hot glass of turmeric milk is considered as a magic elixir to ward off the common cold and seasonal flu. They don’t stand a chance with this magical spice. Not only in milk, but a pinch of this golden powder is a central ingredient in several dishes in Indian cuisine.

Turmeric holds so much more promise than spicing up our immune system. It lies at the heart of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of natural healing that is still practiced today, for it is an antioxidant powerhouse that has tons of healing properties including detoxifying the liver, fighting allergies, stimulating digestion, and boosting immunity.

Turmeric’s claim to fame lies in its primary active ingredient: Curcumin, the pigment that gives it its natural golden yellow color. Curcumin is a natural antioxidant that has the potential to slow-down aging, reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease, prevent depression, and so much more.

Supports Brain Development

Studies have noted that turmeric increases levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that plays an important role in memory and learning by increasing the growth of new neurons and fighting various degenerative processes in the brain.

A study conducted at the Longevity Center at the University of California, Los Angeles on adults between 51 to 84 years who had mild memory problems showed significant memory and attention improvements as a result of taking 90 milligrams of curcumin twice daily.

Boosts Memory and Reduces Brain Fog

One of the amazing benefits of turmeric is its ability to reduce brain fog and help us think more clearly. Brain fog can and fatigue can be caused by not getting ample amount of sleep, lack of healthy nutrients in the diet, or stress. It can result in difficulty concentrating and slower problem solving ability.

Many patients report feeling symptoms of brain fog after recovering from COVID-19. Turmeric has been shown to help relieve symptoms of brain fog by increasing levels of enzymes involved in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) synthesis, a type of omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for brain growth and function.

Deficiencies in DHA are associated with learning problems. DHA stimulates healthy brain cells that reduce mental fatigue and increase learning capacity.

Stress-reliever

Turmeric’s healing properties also show promise to improve mood and combat depression. If you are feeling anxious and stressed lately, then a pinch of this magic spice is a supplement that you may need. It relieves stress by raising levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, two neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of happiness, reducing anxiety, and increasing overall emotional well-being.

In fact, did you know that turmeric is also the secret spice of Okinawa in Japan, which has the world’s longest average life span. Okinawans drink turmeric tea daily which allows them to enjoy incredible ability of mind and spirit for advanced ages.

There are thousands of scientific articles hailing this magical spice and its many healing properties. It is no wonder that this spice is considered an “Ideal Spice for Life” in India.