In today’s world, where everything is fast-paced, you cannot afford to slow down. With a hundred different things to juggle daily such as school, work, socialising, running errands etc., and still trying to find time for yourself, you tend to overlook your health. Your health is the single most crucial part of your life. It gives you the will, strength and energy to power through, and good health includes both your physical and mental health. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), from 2020 to 2021, approximately 20.1% of citizens suffered from mental health conditions, 15.7% of people suffered from back pain and 12.5% people reported arthritis.
To stay healthy, your body requires the right ingredients to function properly. Turmeric, a spice, helps reduce chronic illnesses and improves your mental health. Thus, there is an increasing demand for turmeric in Australia. If you are looking for ways to improve your health, you cannot go wrong with turmeric.
What is Turmeric?
Native to Southeast Asia, turmeric is consumed as a spice and is used to practice traditional medicine. It contains a compound called curcumin which has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Initially, turmeric treated skin disorders, joint pains, and indigestion. However, in addition to that, turmeric is used to improve mental health, allergies, respiratory conditions, liver problems, etc.
What are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
The primary reason why turmeric has a heavy demand is its health benefits:
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Turmeric contains curcumin which holds anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric reduces swelling and pain in your joints. One of turmeric’s most vital health benefits is that it helps with arthritis. Arthritis leads to stiff joints, swelling, pain, and difficulty in movement. Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce stiffness and treat joint pain.
Treats Indigestion
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent choice for treating digestive problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and bowel issues.
- Improves Cardiovascular Problems
The Heart Foundation reports that on average, cardiovascular issues take the lives of 118 people in Australia daily. Consuming turmeric improves your blood pressure and cholesterol, which improves your cardiovascular system. Using turmeric prevents heart attacks, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. However, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using turmeric. Your heart is a very delicate and vital organ, and consuming turmeric in the wrong doses might have side effects.
- Helps Blood Sugar Levels
Curcumin controls and reduces your blood sugar level. Therefore, consuming turmeric controls and prevents diabetes. If you don’t have diabetes, using turmeric reduces the chances of developing diabetes in the future.
- Enhances Your Immunity
Turmeric boosts and enhances your immune system, giving it the strength to fight against outside elements and pathogens that can weaken your body. Using turmeric reduces your chances of becoming weak as it has anti-bacterial properties.
- Helps With Asthma
In 2021, approximately 2.7 million people in Australia suffered from asthma. If you suffer from asthma, bronchitis, or allergies, consuming turmeric can fight off dust particles and other substances that trigger your allergies. In addition, turmeric reduces sneezing and coughing, opens your airways, and prevents hay fever.
How Can You Consume Turmeric?
There are various ways to use turmeric. You can consume turmeric by:
- Mixing it in water
- Making turmeric tea
- Adding it to your eggs
- Mixing it with your salad dressing
- Adding turmeric powder to coconut milk
- Turmeric supplements
- Eating it with rice
- Adding turmeric powder or supplements to smoothies or soups
There is an increase in the consumption and demand for turmeric in Australia due to its various health benefits. Turmeric treats arthritis, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular problems and controls blood sugar levels. You can also use it as a spice to make your dish more delicious.