If I could only use one herb for the rest of my life, it would be turmeric. It really is a “cure-all.”

Turmeric is the spice that gives Indian curry it’s yellow hue. The active ingredient is curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Here are the top 5 reasons to include turmeric in your diet everyday:

1. Reduce Inflammation.

We now know that inflammation is at the root cause for most chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Including turmeric in your diet is one of the most powerful ways you can reduce inflammation and thus promote longevity.

Inflammation can also result in acute and chronic pain. Turmeric is helpful in cases of acute pain, such as a sprained ankle, as well as chronic pain, such as arthritis.

2. Enhanced Memory.

It has been suggested for years that eating turmeric is the reason why people in India have a much lower rate of Alzheimer’s than Americans. Now we have research to explain the link. A recent study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry revealed consuming curcumin improves memory performance in middle-aged and older individuals and may also lead to less neuropathological accumulation in the amygdala, our emotion center in the brain, and the hypothalamus, which maintains the body’s internal balance.

3. Improved Mood.

It is now well established that inflammation is a trigger of depression. In fact, turmeric has been found to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressants, improve PMS and some studies show it is be superior to Prozac. See here for some abstracts:

• Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants
• Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
• Effect of curcumin on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in women with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

4. Gut Support.

Turmeric is a digestive-aid used around the world. It can successfully be used to reduce inflammation in the gut, thus aiding in IBS, Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis. Crohn’s and colitis are often treated with steroids, antibiotics and immunomodulators. These are major medications that come with a whole host of side effects. Clinical studies have shown that co-administration of curcumin with conventional drugs was effective, to be well-tolerated and treated as a safe medication for maintaining remission, to prevent relapse and improve clinical activity.

5. Immune Support.

The immune system is meant to protect us from foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses; however, the immune system can become dysregulated and attack our own organs or tissues. This is autoimmunity. Common autoimmune conditions include Hashimoto’s, MS, lupus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Curcumin inhibits these autoimmune diseases by regulating inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma and associated JAK-STAT, AP-1, and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in immune cells.

In addition to regulating the immune system in cases of autoimmune diseases, turmeric provides seasonal allergy relief. A study of 241 people with seasonal allergies found that curcumin significantly reduced symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, when compared to a placebo.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Ginger Iced Tea

Ingredients

• 6 cups water
• 1 whole lemon, chopped, rind included
• 1 inch ginger root, peeled and chopped
• 2 tsps dried turmeric
• 2 TBSP honey

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil.

2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and allow tea to cool. Strain into a jar.

4. Chill in the fridge. Enjoy!

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.