1. It’s an anti-inflammatory.

Did you know that inflammation in the body plays a major role in almost every chronic Western disease.

Say what? Yep, so finding something that you can include in your diet on a regular basis is a great preventative and in some cases even treatment. The anti-inflammatory benefits of curcumin are so strong that it matches the effectiveness of many anti-inflammatory drugs. Inflammation isn’t just a chronic disease thing either.

Got a sprained ankle, overused joints or an inflamed mozzie bite? Turmeric will help that too.

2. It’s great for depression.

A study comparing the effects of prozac to curcumin found that curcumin was as effective as it’s prescription drug counterpart in treating depression.

3. It’s an antioxidant

Not only does curcumin neutralise free radicals, but it also boosts the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Two wins!

4. It fights colds and flus.

Preliminary studies show that curcmin may help reduce the severity of bacterial and viral infections. Brew some sliced turmeric, ginger and honey in hot water and add a good squeeze of lemon for an incredible flu tonic.

5. It reduces cholesterol

Animal studies have shown that curcumin may help lower cholesterol and the build-up of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the blood vessels.

6. It can delay diabetes

A 2012 study showed that among people with prediabetes, curcumin was found to delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be because of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds mentioned above.

7. It has cancer fighting abilities

Curcumin interferes with important molecular pathways involved in cancer development, growth and spread.

8. Consume it with black pepper.

We touched on this in the Turmeric Smoothie video, but the reason you need to add black pepper is to ensure you absorb it. You see curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. Black pepper contains piperine a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcmin by 2000%. Get it now?

9. It’s fat soluble.

Which means unless you consume it with fat your body will find it difficult to absorb.This is why we threw in some avocado to the smoothie. But any good saturated fat will do. Making a curry? Throw in some coconut cream. A spiced turmeric milk? Serve it with dairy, coconut or almond milk. Too easy.