Turmeric for Skin and Health.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric powder is made from the root of Curcuma zedoaria, a form of ginger native to Southeast Asia. Its active ingredient, curcumin, is what gives it that yellow-orange tinge; it's also what makes it such a potent anti-inflammatory.
The flavor is warm and it carries a mild aroma ideal for curries, but as well as cooking, turmeric was traditionally used for coloring fabric, medicinal purposes and hair and skin care.
Despite its use in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, the western world are only now catching up with preliminary clinical trials showing astonishing results.
In terms of beauty, turmeric proves to be both effective, versatile and dynamic which ties in well with our belief that nature is our best asset, with natural ingredients creating effective results that stay in harmony with the body.
Benefits
The unique curcumin compound found within turmeric is the magic ingredient that can alleviate and improve many ailments and conditions
1. Fights free radicals and boosts antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your body from highly reactive, unpaired atoms or molecules known as ‘free radicals’. These free radicals are considered a health risk because they attack healthy cells, proteins and DNA. They come from a range of sources like UV rays, diet, exposure to metals, medicines or smoking and consequences range from affecting the appearance of your skin other serious diseases. Oxidative damage is said to be one of the main causes behind aging and disease.
Luckily Curcumin is a potent antioxidant which not only neutralizes free radicals but also boosts the activity of your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
2. Anti-inflammatory
We all need Inflammation. It not only aids the body in fighting foreign bacteria, but also takes a role in repairing damage. So in the short term, inflammation is a good thing, but not when it becomes a permanent feature.
The belief that chronic low-level inflammation is a key contributor in disease is now upheld in western medicine. Degenerative conditions like Alzheimers, heart disease, arthritis and cancer all feature some kind of inflammation, as do digestive conditions like IBS. Inflammation of the skin can not only feel irritating and uncomfortable, but can translate as redness, dullness or blemished skin. So it’s not hard to see why it’s so important to try to prevent inflammation where possible.
Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s so powerful that it can match anti-inflammatory drugs, without the negative side effects. When applied to skin turmeric based products soothe and calm the skin.
3. Boosts brain power and fights degenerative brain disease
Brain function is determined by the forming of new connections between neurons, via brain growth hormone BDNF. Brain disorders such as Alzheimers and depression are linked to a reduction in levels of BDNF.
The curcumin is now known to increase levels of BDNF in the brain, effectively delaying or even reversing brain disease and malfunction.
Another active ingredient in turmeric is turmerone, with studies showing it contains neuroprotective properties that support cognitive performance.
4. Decreases risk of heart disease
Heart disease is the single most common cause of death globally. Studies have shown curcumin to have beneficial effects on several factors known to affect heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium (lining of blood vessels), which improves the ability to regulate blood pressure and reduces blood clotting. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power also maintains the health of the heart via neutralization of free radicals.
5. Prevents and treats some cancer types
According to Cancer research, curcumin is of huge interest and shows potential as a means for both cancer prevention and treatment.
A number of lab studies have shown the anti-cancer effects of curcumin to include seemingly able to kill cancer cells; Better still, prevent more from growing. Breast, bowel, stomach and skin cancer show the best results in clinical trials with doctors and researchers assessing that curcumin stays in the digestive system and is absorbed by the cells in the bowel, heightening its effect. Changes on a molecular level help to prevent cancer and potentially could be used along with conventional cancer treatments.
6. Evens and brightens your skin tone
Turmeric can also brighten and even out your skin tone. The neutralizing of the free radicals remove problems in the skins function. In India, they use it as wedding mask containing turmeric extract called the Haldi (meaning turmeric) ceremony, a pre-wedding tradition where a homemade turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for radiant glowing skin on their wedding day).
Turmeric also has the ability to reduce scarring. You may want to try a turmeric face mask to help reduce acne and any resulting scars. The anti-inflammatory qualities can target your pores and calm the skin. This combination of uses may help your face clear up from acne breakouts.
9. Improves IBS and digestive tract problems
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capability benefits sufferers of IBS and digestive issues… The digestive tract suffers from bacterial infections which causes the pain, diarrhea, constipation and bloating. Turmeric is an effective digestive aid, but also protects the digestive tract.
There are so many reasons to love Turmeric, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects can hugely impact the way we age in ever sense of the word. Whether you’re consuming turmeric as a supplement or as the most popular golden lattes, and adding them to your skincare routine, turmeric is a must!