Spice of long-livers: a popular seasoning that can prolong life

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If you promised yourself to follow healthy habits in the new year, be sure to pay attention to this spice – it affects health and beauty and can even prolong life.

For many, weekends and holidays are an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. Some try to cook new dishes, others try to add new notes to their favorite recipes. You can give depth of taste and aroma to almost any of them using one popular ingredient, the so-called spice of longevity.

Turmeric is a plant that comes from the ginger family. It is often used to make curries, in addition, all kinds of healthy dishes with the addition of the spice, pancakes, breakfasts, soups, as well as drinks with turmeric have recently become popular – for example, turmeric latte or smoothies with almond milk with herbs and fruits.

But why is turmeric considered so useful?

A new study from Rutgers University in the US shows that combining turmeric with phenylisothiocyanate can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. The main compound in turmeric is curcumin. Scientists have found that it is this compound that gives turmeric its positive properties. There are other health benefits of this popular spice, in addition to reducing the risk of prostate cancer, it can be used to reduce the risk of heart disease and, possibly, even Alzheimer's disease. However, researchers note that very high doses would be required for a noticeable effect, and more research is needed in this area.

In general, the compound curcumin and turmeric itself are considered a natural anti-inflammatory. Some studies have studied the effects of turmeric and found improvements in symptoms in patients with arthritis. Interestingly, curcumin is also used to combat alcoholism and hangovers, as it increases the detoxification function of the liver and has a choleretic effect.

In addition, turmeric gives vigor, and many have already replaced coffee with drinks based on it. Warm variations with the addition of plant-based milk are especially good – almond, hazelnut, oat. However, you can add the spice to regular tea – one pinch is enough. Interestingly, many popular diets are built to include curcumin in main dishes, as it is believed that it has a positive effect on digestion, improves the intestines and is effective for diarrhea and flatulence. In addition, there are many different vegan dishes with the addition of turmeric, which can diversify your menu if you do not want to eat meat. Fans of the spice believe that it is most useful in combination with broccoli and other vegetables, as well as herbs.

But the spice’s benefits don’t end there. Turmeric can benefit not only physical health, but also mental health. A small study has shown that curcumin can act as an antidepressant, and everyone interested in this issue is eagerly awaiting further developments. As we get older, we also think not only about emotional balance, but also about longevity, and, again, turmeric can be effective in this regard. By showing effective anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the risk of various forms of dementia, heart disease and cancer, it can increase not only the duration of a healthy life, but also its duration as such.

However, it is important to emphasize that while turmeric may seem like a superfood, including this spice in your diet does not guarantee long and prosperous mature years. Curcumin should be one of the many beneficial substances consumed on a regular basis, part of a healthy and balanced diet, which should be diluted with sports and maintained along with other important habits.

In addition, additional studies are needed to confirm the potential comprehensive beneficial effects of turmeric and to detail the available information, but so far all the data speak in its favor. Interestingly, the beneficial effects of the spice are noted not only after consuming it in food, but also as an ingredient in beauty products.