1. Anti-inflammatory Agent
A major health benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. An anti-inflammatory agent helps to reduce levels of chronic, low-level inflammation in the body which can damage the tissues of the body. Chronic inflammation can lead to health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, Alzheimer’s’ disease and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
A chemical within the body called NF-kappaB is known to turn on the signal for chronic inflammation and is linked with chronic disease. The active compounds within turmeric have proven that they can help to switch off the activity of NF-kappaB and therefore reduce chronic inflammation with no known side effects.
The fact that turmeric can be as effective as some drugs yet cause no known side effects is perhaps one of the best things about turmeric. Anti-inflammatory drugs can cause stomach problems, allergic reactions, and liver or kidney problems so turmeric is showing exciting potential.
If you’re already noticing the benefits to your joint pain, then you’re ahead of the game!
Turmeric contains many active compounds that have benefits to health. The main active compound is curcumin which is well researched for its health benefits. Others, including turmerosaccharides, are now also the subject of much interest for scientists. In a study on turmerosaccharides, they were found to be the active agent in turmeric that explains how it can reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Other compounds called curcuminoids have demonstrated a similar ability to reduce osteoarthritis joint pain.