Turmeric is known around the world for its vibrant color and flavor and is most commonly used in curry dishes. Beyond taste and appearance, turmeric is also beneficial for your health. This spice contains powerful compounds that are proven to heal and promote health by controlling inflammation and oxidative damage.

The good news is that you can add turmeric to anything, so the health benefits can be enjoyed morning, noon, and night. And with a delicious, easy frittata recipe like this one, you can enjoy turmeric at any meal.

The Benefits of Turmeric

Curcumin is the main compound in turmeric that provides its medicinal properties. This compound is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to treat several health conditions as well as promote overall health. Whether you take a curcumin (turmeric) supplement or add the spice to a few meals every day, there are a number of benefits you will receive.

Protection From Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal part of your immune system response, but when it becomes uncontrolled, it can be dangerous. Chronic inflammation has been linked to several serious diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

Curcumin acts directly on inflammatory chemicals and inhibits their activity, thereby reducing chronic inflammation. As a result, turmeric can help protect against these serious health conditions.

Antioxidant Protection

Oxidative damage by free radicals is a leading cause of many diseases. Antioxidants are important in protecting your body from this damage, and curcumin is a powerful antioxidant compound. By scavenging these free radicals, your cells and tissues are protected from oxidative damage, and you are protected from disease.

Heart Health

Inflammation and oxidative damage both contribute to heart disease, the leading cause of death in America. Curcumin not only protects against these, but it works directly on the circulatory system to improve heart health. Curcumin helps to improve blood vessel lining, which prevents blood clotting and keeps blood pressure regulated. As a result, your heart is at less risk for arterial dysfunction or heart disease.

Brain Health

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a hormone that functions in your brain, and decreased levels of this hormone are associated with degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin has the ability to increase the production of BDNF. This means it can help prevent the development of these conditions or delay the onset of symptoms and tissue degeneration.

Increased BDNF levels also improve memory and other cognitive functions. Curcumin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier easily, which allows it to act on the plaques commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. As a result, curcumin can help slow the progression of the disease.

Studies are ongoing to see if it’s possible that curcumin can even reverse some of the damage caused by Alzheimer’s.

Arthritis Treatment

All forms of arthritis are linked to chronic inflammation, and curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. NSAIDs are commonly used to treat arthritis, but overuse of these medications can cause stomach upset.

Curcumin is natural, doesn’t have any known side effects, and has also been shown to effectively reduce inflammatory markers in the blood. Studies have even found it to be more effective than the leading NSAIDs when it comes to reducing arthritis pain and inflammation.

Mood Booster

The effect curcumin has on BDNF levels not only protects the cognitive function of the brain, but it can help with moods too.

Depression is linked to reduced BDNF levels, and curcumin helps to trigger the production of this valuable hormone. Curcumin has been used in studies to reduce depressive symptoms and was found to outperform leading antidepressants.

Because turmeric doesn’t have any side effects, it may be a preferred antidepressant over the medications. Turmeric also helps to boost production of dopamine and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters responsible for elevating mood.

| Related: Is Turmeric More Effective Than Prozac for Depression? |

Fight the Effects of Aging

Oxidative damage is the number-one contributor to premature aging of cells and tissues. As a result of fighting free radicals, curcumin acts as an anti-aging agent and can reduce signs of cellular aging to boost your longevity. By protecting against serious diseases, curcumin also works to prevent premature death.

Fight Cancer

Cancer is marked by the uncontrollable growth of cells, often resulting in a tumor. Most cancers are treated with chemotherapy and radiation, but natural alternatives can also be used.

Curcumin has been found to reduce cancer cell growth and proliferation by contributing to the death of cancer cells. This compound also works to inhibit cancer metastasis (spread of cancer) and can reduce tumor growth.

Beyond potentially treating cancer, turmeric has also been found to prevent certain cancers such as colorectal cancer from even developing.

Turmeric Herb Frittata

Ingredients:

2 cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

2 cups chopped scallions or chives

1 cup chopped fresh dill

1 cup chopped cilantro

2 tablespoons barberries, rinsed

2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped

6 large eggs

1/3 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

A pinch of red pepper

1 tablespoon flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

Vegetable oil or olive oil

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs with a fork or a whisk until well blended. Add the chopped herbs, barberries, walnuts, turmeric, flour, baking powder, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined. Add two tablespoons of oil to the mixture and stir well. Gently pour the herb mixture into a well-oiled baking dish, smooth the surface, and place in a 350 degree Fahrenheit preheated oven. Cook for about 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool before cutting into serving-size pieces.

The Bottom Line

The great taste and amazing health benefits of turmeric are more popular today than ever before. Used in traditional medicine for centuries, this spice is now found in supplement form too.

Turmeric can be used to successfully treat many inflammatory-related conditions and adds flavor and color to every meal. For the best results, combine it with black pepper, and watch your health get better with every mouthful. Turmeric is more than a spice, it’s the spice for a better life.

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