20 benefits of turmeric in men and women

The traditional Indian spice, turmeric (also known as the golden spice or Indian saffron) has got immense popularity in recent times. This is because curcumin (the active ingredient of turmeric) provides innumerable benefits to human health. Turmeric can be added to food as a spice or taken in the form of turmeric water or turmeric milk, currently trending as a turmeric latte or golden milk latte. In this article, get to know about the major benefits of turmeric in men and women.

20 Benefits of Turmeric in Men and Women

• Turmeric as an Antioxidant

Antioxidants are a group of compounds that protect your body from free radicals. The free radicals can lead to oxidative damage that causes ageing and other diseases as well. Curcumin decreases the level of circulating free radicals by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and nitric oxide. 

• Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory

Various research studies show the probable effects of turmeric as an anti-inflammatory compound, that is, it helps fight foreign substances and also contributes to repairing body damage. By reducing chronic inflammation, turmeric indirectly helps in controlling heart disease, metabolic syndrome, cancer, degenerative conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease as well. 

• Turmeric as a neuroprotector

According to studies, turmeric can act as a potential therapeutic agent for various neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. This is mostly because of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-protein aggregating properties of curcumin. 

• Turmeric in Cancer treatment

With the increasing research in cancer, the effect of turmeric in cancer treatment has been widely studied. The effect of turmeric has been widely studied in breast cancer, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and more. Curcumin works as an anticancer agent by:

• Affecting the development of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
• Prohibiting the growth of cancer cells
• Suppressing the metastasis of cancer cells
• Inducing apoptosis in cancer cells

• Turmeric as a hepatoprotective agent

Curcumin benefits the liver in various ways. It also protects the liver from fibrosis, non-alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, acute and chronic liver injuries, and cirrhosis. These health conditions appear in the liver due to exposure to several agents like drugs, alcohol, pollutants, dietary components, and parasites. 

• Turmeric as a cardioprotector

According to various research studies, curcumin can effectively protect against cardiovascular diseases. These cardiovascular diseases include cardiac hypertrophy, atherosclerosis, heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, myocardial infarction, and diabetic cardiovascular complications. Curcumin improves the endothelial lining that aids in regulating blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of the development of heart disease.

• Turmeric in Osteoarthritis

Curcumin can be considered a safe and effective long-term treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA). According to a study, a natural curcuminoid mixture known as Meriva was shown to provide significant improvement in physical function and stiffness of joints when consumed for eight months. 

• Curcumin as a treatment for diabetes

As per research, curcumin can play a vital role in the treatment and prevention of diabetes and its associated disorders like diabetic nephropathy. Curcumin prevents diabetes through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may also aid in improving other factors that contribute to diabetes like high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.

• Turmeric as an antidepressant

Turmeric has an explicit ability to boost the levels of BDNF, which is the main cause of depression when present in low concentrations in the body. Research studies led scientists to the conclusion that curcumin can be a safe and effective treatment option for some major depressive disorders.

• Turmeric in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Research has shown promising effects of curcumin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints and can spread to other areas like the lungs, eyes, skin, blood vessels, and heart. Curcumin helps in treating RA by improving the tenderness and swelling in joints. It has been concluded as a safe treatment option for RA by various studies.

• Turmeric in improving skin health

Turmeric is being used for a long time as a natural skin cleanser that imparts glow to the skin. It is also a part of a religious ceremony before marriage, to give the bride and the groom a natural glow to their skin. Research studies have also shown that turmeric may help in treating various skin problems like psoriasis, acne, eczema, and photoaging. 

• Turmeric as an anti-aging supplement

According to research, curcumin can be used as an effective anti-aging supplement due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to delay brain development and other age-related diseases. 

• Turmeric in eye degeneration

According to a research study, the application of curcumin can help protect against the degeneration of the eyes. Though more research in this aspect of curcumin application needs to be done to get more concrete literature.

• Turmeric in digestion

Turmeric is also observed to be beneficial in helping with digestive disorders like bloating, gas, and inflammatory bowel disease. This is due to the anti-inflammatory property of curcumin. 

• Turmeric as an antiviral agent

Curcumin also has the ability to activate the immune system and enhance the antibody response. In the current pandemic situation, the use of turmeric was seen to alleviate symptoms of COVID-19 due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

• Turmeric as a painkiller

From times immemorial, turmeric is being used as a natural painkiller. Turmeric mixed in milk (popularly known as turmeric latte) is given to relieve any pain caused due to any type of injury or surgery.

• Turmeric in treatment of erectile dysfunction

The role of turmeric in the treatment of erectile dysfunction is known to be one of the biggest benefits of turmeric in males. Since erectile dysfunction is caused due to inflammation, the anti-inflammatory property of turmeric can benefit in the treatment of the condition. 

• Turmeric in weight loss

Turmeric can be a good natural option that can facilitate weight loss and help in the management of the metabolic syndrome. According to a study conducted in 2018, curcumin can effectively help in decreasing weight, body mass index, leptin levels, and weight circumference.

• Turmeric in improving male libido

Turmeric is also known to improve male libido by increasing blood flow that contributes to muscle virility and increases the production of testosterone. This also increases the sex drive in males.

• Turmeric in mental health

Turmeric is also shown to improve the feelings of anxiety, negativity, and depression in people. Turmeric reduces the level of cortisol in the body. Cortisol hormone and inflammation both lead to physical and psychological stress. In such cases, turmeric can help people boost their mood.

Takeaway 

Turmeric is a household spice in India. This golden spice benefits all organ systems of the body like the immune system and digestive system. The benefits of turmeric are innumerable and now that you know the various benefits of turmeric in men and women, try including it in your diet as a spice, or mixed with water or milk. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Does turmeric have any impact on the brain?

Yes, turmeric affects the brain by improving mood and memory in adults. It also plays a vital role in preventing and controlling neurological disorders.

• Are there any side effects of turmeric?

Generally, turmeric does not have any side effects. In some cases, it may cause an upset stomach, dizziness, nausea, or diarrhoea.

• Can I take turmeric daily?

Yes, you can consume approximately 1.4 mg of turmeric per pound of body weight daily.