While there are many other contributing factors, adding turmeric to your diet can help you develop a greater likelihood of living a longer life.
Effects of turmeric on longevity
- Reduces inflammation
- It has antioxidant properties
- It can help reduce the risk of heart disease
- May support brain health
Reduces inflammation
In some cases inflammation helps the body fight unwanted guests such as viruses and bacteria but when they become chronic they can lead to the development of inflammatory diseases such as osteoporosis or arthrosis.
However , thanks to its anti-inflammatory power , curcumin seems to be able to reduce them.
In particular, according to a review that appeared in January 2021 in BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, turmeric reduces pain and improves joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis .
It has antioxidant properties
Older people often don’t eat enough foods rich in antioxidants , essential for slowing aging and fending off related diseases. To make up for this deficiency at least in part, an excellent idea could be to add a little turmeric to their dishes.
In fact, curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant , capable of reducing free radicals and helping fight oxidative stress , which in turn can cause damage at the cellular level and increase the risk of developing many age-related diseases.
It can help reduce the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and the risk of incidence increases with advancing age. After the age of 65, in fact, the chances of developing them or being affected by a heart attack or stroke rise considerably.
Getting regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet is the best way to reduce your risk. Adding turmeric to your diet, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be another trump card.
Research published in March 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Medicine has indeed shown that curcumin supports heart health by protecting against conditions such as cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.
May support brain health
Brain health also often weakens over the years . Among the various functions, one of the most relevant to lead a satisfying life is the cognitive one, which includes the ability to think, learn and clearly remember things, people and events.
According to several studies, curcumin is also linked to the control and suppression of brain inflammation , which in turn is responsible for the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease .
How to add turmeric to your dishes
Turmeric is a spice often incorporated in traditional Indian recipes but for several years now it has also been easily available in the major supermarkets of our country. Excellent for embellishing savory meat dishes , it can also be incorporated into the mixtures of sweet or savory baked goods.
Furthermore, it is also indicated for adding a spicy scent to some drinks such as fruit juices , smoothies, tea, herbal teas , cow’s milk or milk substitute vegetable drinks . The latter are the basis of a very tasty recipe with which to fill up on turmeric.
Golden milk recipe
- 100ml of water
- 250 grams of milk or unsweetened almond , oat or coconut vegetable drink
- A teaspoon of ground turmeric
- A cinnamon stick
- A pinch of ground dried ginger or a slice of peeled fresh ginger
- A pinch of black pepper
- One to 2 teaspoons of liquid sweetener of your choice ( honey , maple syrup , or agave nectar) or one to 2 drops of liquid stevia extract
Boil the water in a saucepan over low heat .
Add the spices to the mixture.
Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring as needed.
Filter the cinnamon stick and any fresh ginger root.
Pour the liquid into a cup.
Boil the milk or vegetable drink of your choice, then combine the mixture and add the sweetener of your choice.
Turmeric is therefore a panacea and can really be used in many ways. Beneficial regardless of how you decide to take it, however there is a trick to maximize its anti-inflammatory properties even more: consume it together with black pepper .
Under some circumstances the curcumin in turmeric has poor bioavailability making it difficult for the body to absorb, whereas piperine , a compound in black pepper, does not.
Combining these two ingredients would therefore help turmeric improve its bioavailability.
