The science behind Turmeric

The science behind Turmeric

Golden, bold and on the tip of everyone’s tongue - no, we’re not talking about the latest fake tan craze but instead the wonder spice that is Turmeric. Over the last few years, everyone from athletes to celebrities, including Victoria Beckham and Gwenyth Paltrow, have been adding it into their daily diets. Not just because of its health benefits, but also because of its ability to improve recovery and performance. 


It’s not just another fad, though. Ayurveda has been using this golden powder for more than 5,000 years and there’s plenty of evidence to back it up. So, pour yourself a delicious cup of our Turmeric Latte Powder and get ready to learn why the buzz surrounding Turmeric is getting even louder.

What is Turmeric? 

You might recognise this spice from your cookbooks. It’s bright yellow and used in lots of curries and Asian dishes. While what we see today has been ground up into a powder, Turmeric is actually the root of a tropical plant that’s native to Southeast Asia and India. The root is peeled, dried and then ground and has been used for many years in cooking, Ayurvedic medicine and even religious services. 


Its botanical name is Curcuma Longa and it’s also known as Indian Saffron. At Deja, we like to call it an Ayurvedic superherb — because of how hard it works!

Why is Turmeric healthy?

As well as giving our favourite dishes a beautiful colour and warm taste, this golden spice is packed with health benefits. But more on that later. Instead, we’re going to start things off by looking at its chemical makeup. 


Turmeric contains a chemical called Curcumin, which is a phytochemical antioxidant, and the reason it has such a bright colour. Curcumin is a proven anti-inflammatory and works on a molecular level, reducing and regulating inflammatory genes. 


For this reason, it’s effective at treating a number of health conditions, including joint pain and muscle pain or damage. It’s also a popular ingredient for workout recovery, and studies show that it’s great for a healthy gut and digestive system. 

The benefits of Turmeric 

So now we know exactly what Turmeric is, and why it’s so healthy, let’s look at some of the proven health benefits:


Joint pain relief 

We’ve already mentioned that Turmeric is a proven anti-inflammatory ingredient, which means it’s regularly used to treat joint pain and dysfunction. Even better is that, unlike NSAIDS which are commonly used to help with arthritis and other joint concerns, Turmeric doesn’t result in any gastrointestinal side effects


Better brain health

Another benefit of the anti-inflammatory properties in Turmeric and Curcumin is that they can also reduce inflammatory conditions in the brain, as well as neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, dementia, Huntington's and multiple sclerosis. This is because the polyphenol’s antioxidant properties play a role in keeping the brain in optimum condition and prevent and reduce any symptoms. 


Improved moods 

Some clinical trials have found that Curcumin can have a positive impact on depression and anxiety. It does this by increasing neurotrophic factors, which the brain is craving. Neurotrophic factors are proteins that ensures our brain cells are healthy. Another study found that the yellow spice could even boost mood and memory in older adults and, when taken regularly, can increase positive emotions. 


Stronger protection

Turmeric isn’t just effective at reducing inflammation but can protect against it, including preventing the likes of heart disease and certain cancers. Its antioxidant properties can also protect against the development of chronic illnesses including those that are caused by bacteria in the gut. Many argue that Curcumin can actually alter our gut microbiome, which can lead to positive effects on the body, immune system and mind.

Healthy weight loss

As a byproduct of improving gut bacteria, a study into Turmeric and weight loss revealed that Curcumin could help to divide body fat cells. This means that Turmeric can support healthy weight loss and have a positive impact on weight management. 

Turmeric FAQs


Will Turmeric help with rheumatoid arthritis? Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, scientific research has shown that Turmeric can benefit people who are suffering with various types of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis. 


Is Turmeric Milk good for diabetes? It’s been shown that Turmeric can stabilise blood sugar levels and therefore make diabetes more manageable. For this reason, adding a Turmeric dietary supplement to your daily routine or enjoying a cup of Turmeric Milk is good for diabetes, including type 2 diabetes.


Is Turmeric good for your heart? With oxidation abilities and the fact it reduces inflammation, Turmeric is used for a number of heart conditions including heart disease. Some believe it reverses heart disease processes. 


Can Turmeric repair damaged skin? Yes, when paired with honey, it can work wonders on skin conditions like acne, redness and even some rashes. This is because the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties repair the skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and lighten uneven tones. Why not mix the two up with a banana to create a sweet-smelling (and tasting) face mask?


Does Turmeric reduce bad cholesterol? The super spice that is Turmeric has also been shown to reduce cholesterol and prevent serious health conditions related to bad cholesterol such as atherosclerosis.

Get your Turmeric fix with Deja

If you really want to ensure that your body is absorbing Turmeric and Curcumin as much as possible, you should pair your Turmeric supplements with Black Pepper. This is because research has found, when paired with a compound piperine, the effects of Curcumin are better. Of course, you know we’ve made it super easy for you to get your fix.


First up, we’ve got our Gold Shield Turmeric Immunity Capsules - a daily capsule that has everything you need to keep your immune system strong, no matter what life has in store for you. And then we’ve got our Gold Power Turmeric Latte Powder, which is our take on the Ayurvedic Golden Milk, with added herbs and adaptogens. Packed with Black Pepper too, it gives energy levels and immunity a boost and has digestion-improving ingredients. 


Remember, if you’re looking for any more Ayurvedic inspiration or advice, you can join the Deja-verse on Instagram. We’d love to see pictures of how you’re incorporating Turmeric into your life — just tag @deja_life. 

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