Curcumin, a spice included in many Indian dishes, is derived from turmeric and is a highly potent, natural substance.
How powerful is it?
Here's a brief list of curcumin's properties, as confirmed by scientific research:
- Strong anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of low-level, chronic inflammation, which is a significant factor in nearly every chronic disease in the West.
- A potent antioxidant: Curcumin not only helps to remove harmful free radicals from the body but also stimulates the body's own antioxidant enzymes.
- Boosts BDNF: Curcumin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and has been demonstrated to stimulate BDNF, a brain hormone that promotes the growth of new neurons.
Due to curcumin's beneficial effects on the brain and body, it is considered to play an important role as:
- An anti-aging agent
- A neuroprotective agent
- A natural remedy for arthritis
- A supportive therapy for cancer
Additionally, turmeric extract may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
"Turmeric might just be the most effective nutritional supplement available," states Kris Gunnars of Healthline.
"Curcumin's antidepressant and anti-anxiety benefits likely stem from its ability to normalize certain physiological pathways," explains Adrian Lopesti, Ph.D., from Murdoch University, "It seems to boost neurotransmitters like serotonin, while reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, and acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Curcumin also offers brain protection."
Lopesti and his colleagues reported in the June 2014 Journal of Affective Disorders that "Curcumin was effective in lessening overall depression symptoms and acted as an anxiolytic when used for 8 weeks."
Curcumin is known to increase levels of the brain chemical BDNF. Some research suggests that low BDNF levels are associated with depression and the reduction in size of the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and learning.
TURMERIC LEMONADE!
Acknowledging the benefits of turmeric and curcumin for alleviating anxiety and depression, it's a great idea to incorporate them into our diet.
Why not start with a refreshing turmeric lemonade?
Here's what you need:
- 5 cups of water
- 4 tablespoons of freshly grated turmeric root
- 3 tablespoons of raw honey
- 2 teaspoons of grated ginger
- ½ cup of fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup of orange juice (optional, for added flavor)
And here's how to make it:
1. Boil the 5 cups of water.
2. Put the turmeric root and grated ginger into a jar or another suitable container for hot liquids.
3. Pour the boiling water over the turmeric and ginger. Let it steep for at least 10 minutes.
4. Add the honey to the jar, stirring until it dissolves completely.
5. Strain the mixture, then pour in the lemon juice. Once the liquid has cooled slightly, taste and add orange juice if you like. Enjoy your homemade turmeric lemonade!
Source: powerofpositivity.com