There are so many so-called natural remedies out there, that it can become mind boggling. Many of them claim to have some miracle curing ability, often on the flimsiest of evidence. That’s is why it so refreshing to consider turmeric. There are over 6,000 clinical studies detailing the healing benefits of turmeric. These studies reveal turmeric to be quite possibly the number one healing herb available today. This herb, which most of us have got sitting in our pantry, has been used for over 5,000 years. The plethora of studies on turmeric show it to be more beneficial than more than 20 prescription medications that are given out every day.

Turmeric’s Active Compound

The reason that turmeric is so beneficial is because of an active compound that it contains called curcumin. Curcumin is highly anti-inflammatory. Here’s a run-down of why turmeric needs to be at the top of your must-have herb list:

• Turmeric is a power anti-inflammatory herb.
• Turmeric can help relieve joint and muscle pain.
• Turmeric can help to balance your blood sugar levels due to its anti-oxidants.
• Turmeric has anti-microbial properties.
• Turmeric can be used as a face-mask to kill off such bacteria as acne.
• Turmeric is a very powerful detoxifier of the liver.
• Turmeric boosts the operation of the antioxidants glutathione and super oxide dismutase (SOD) to improve cellular function.
• Turmeric is an effective cleanser of the arteries.

Curcumin and NF-Kappa B

Curcumin has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on NF-Kappa B activation in the body. NF-Kappa B is a pathway in the body that not only signals other pathways to become inflammatory, but also results in a lot of cellular degeneration. Curcumin inhibits NF-Kappa B at a base level. It also inhibits over-expression of NF-Kappa B. Over-expression of NF-Kappa B results from a high sugar, high processed diet. When a person eats a lot of meat, they have a buildup of arachidonic acid, which causes a whole host of negative effects inside your digestive system. Curcumin inhibits the actions of arachidonic acid. Studies also suggest that curcumin can help to maintain a healthy lipid profile. It also helps to prevent histamine release. This is a great aid in preventing allergies such as hay-fever.

Turmeric and Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, turmeric has proven itself to be a miracle among spices. Known as the “Queen of Spices” due to its numerous anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it is packed with such vital nutrients as fiber, protein, potassium, calcium, iron, and Vitamins C, E, and K. But the most awesome thing about turmeric is that it has the ability to prevent fat storage. It combats fat storage by helping to bring about fat cell apoptosis or cell death. The active ingredient when it comes to fat loss is curcumin. Curcumin latches onto fat cells and constricts their activity, forcing them to shrink. Curcumin also has a thermogenic, metabolism boosting effect AND it is highly effective in reducing both insulin resistance and blood sugar levels.

Short Half Life

Curcumin has a short half-life in the human body. This refers to the length of time that it is able to exert is beneficial effects on the body. Curcumin also has poor absorption in the body. When we take it in the body, it tends to absorb the curcumin rather rapidly. The ideal is to absorb more slowly, allowing the body to get more prolonged benefit from it.

How to Get More Turmeric in Your Diet

A great way to boost your turmeric levels is to drink a turmeric tea every day. Just take a tablespoon of turmeric, add a little bit of coconut milk, and make a herbal tea with it. Another way to boost your turmeric levels is to add the herb to tofu breading. You can also sprinkle turmeric over your granola, or put it in your salad dressings. Another great idea is to add turmeric to your hummus. Turmeric also happens to be the main ingredient in curry powder, which is popular in many dishes. Add it into the oil before adding other ingredients. You can, and should, also supplement with turmeric. It comes in capsule form. Take two capsules, or 500-1000 mg per day.