Spice of Longevity: A popular spice that can prolong life

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If you promised yourself to keep 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. Someone tries to cook new dishes, others try to add new notes to their favorite recipes. You can add depth of flavor and aroma to almost any of them by 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 prepare curries, in addition, all kinds of healthy dishes with the addition of spices, pancakes, breakfasts, soups, as well as drinks with turmeric – for example, a turmeric latte or an almond milk smoothie with greens and fruits – have gained popularity recently.

But why is turmeric considered so useful?

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

In general, the curcumin compound and turmeric itself are considered a natural anti-inflammatory. Some studies have looked at the effects of turmeric and found improvements in symptoms in patients with arthritis. It is interesting that curcumin is also used in the fight against alcoholism and hangovers, because it increases the detoxifying function of the liver and has a choleretic effect.

In addition, turmeric gives vitality, and many have already replaced coffee with drinks based on it. Especially good warm variations with the addition of vegetable milk – almond, hazelnut, oat. However, you can add a spice to regular tea — just a pinch is enough. Interestingly, many popular diets are built to include curcumin in the main dishes, as it is believed to have a positive effect on digestion, heal the intestines and is effective for diarrhea and flatulence. In addition, there are many different vegan dishes with the addition of turmeric that 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 greens.

But the useful properties of spices do not end there. Turmeric can benefit not only physical, but also mental health. A small study has shown that curcumin may act as an antidepressant, and everyone interested in this issue is eagerly awaiting the next steps. As we get older, we also think about not only emotional balance, but also longevity, and again, turmeric can be effective in this regard. By exhibiting effective anti-inflammatory effects and reducing the risk of various forms of dementia, heart disease and cancer, it can increase not only healthy life expectancy, but also life expectancy itself.

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

Also, more research is needed to confirm the potential comprehensive beneficial effects of turmeric and detail the available information, but so far all the evidence points in its favor. It is interesting that the beneficial effect of the spice is noted not only after eating it, but also as an ingredient in beauty products.