Native to Southeast Asia, turmeric powder comes from the curcuma longa plant and has long been associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric is one of the well-studied spices today, and has a host of benefits that improve one’s physical and mental health. The spice turmeric has long been used to flavor dishes and to take for medicinal reasons. Most supplements today contain a mixture of curcumin and black pepper which helps aid absorption of the powder.   Here’s the 10 scientifically proven health benefits of this incredible spice. 1. Benefits brain and mental health. Turmeric is a mood enhancer and research indicates that the spice can stabilize moods. Additionally, evidence indicates that it may help individuals with depression and/or bipolar disorders. Further studies need to be undertaken, but it may even help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia.   2. Anti-aging properties. Turmeric helps protect cells from free radicals and as such, it’s a powerful anti-aging agent. For best results, use turmeric directly on your skin. It targets sun damage, wrinkles, and age associated pigmentation. By reducing inflammation, turmeric can improve eczema, chronic acne, and psoriasis.   3. Helps control blood sugar. Adding turmeric or curcumin to dishes can help control blood sugar because it stimulates the enzyme AMPK. The enzyme AMPK helps stabilize blood sugar levels and improves insulin stability. By monitoring blood sugar levels, you can help reduce your risk of heart disease and work on controlling your cholesterol.   4. Strengthens your immune system. Curcumin and turmeric helps keep chronic infections away, especially in those with compromised immune systems. The spice improves white blood cell counts, which boosts the immune system. This is one of the biggest positives to taking turmeric or curcumin. A healthy immune system works to resist many of the chronic health conditions today.   5. Helps improve heart and blood health. Supplementing with curcumin lowers your risk of blood clots, which in turn can defend your body against pulmonary embolisms, hypertension, deep vein thrombosis, and hypertension. In some instances, turmeric or curcumin can be just as helpful as drugs.   6. Helps relieve some aches and pains. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and can be beneficial in fighting aches and pains. It especially aids those who suffer from arthritis, as it works to protect bone materials, minimizes inflammation, and improves antioxidant activity. As the spice reduces oxidative stress, it can help reduce low-grade inflammation throughout the body. Turmeric is commonly prescribed for arthritis and other similar diseases.   7. Improves gut health. Because turmeric and curcumin both work in the digestive tract to minimize pathogenic bacteria, they can radically improve gut health and digestion. Minimizing such bacteria helps reduce bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements among others. The anti-inflammatory benefits can also benefit those who suffer from ulcers and inflammatory bowel diseases.   8. Antioxidant health benefits. Turmeric and curcumin together stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn can help remove toxic waste from the body. Another aspect of the [...]