Introduction
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect itself from injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Fortunately, there are many natural ways to reduce inflammation, including eating certain spices. According to recent scientific research, one spice in particular stands out as the best for reducing inflammation: turmeric. In this article, we’ll discuss the science behind turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties and how to incorporate it into your diet. We’ll also provide some tips on what to eat and what to avoid to maximize the benefits of turmeric.
The #1 Best Spice to Reduce Inflammation, Says Science — Eat This Not That
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a variety of health problems. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies that can help reduce inflammation, including certain spices. According to science, the #1 best spice to reduce inflammation is turmeric.
Turmeric is a yellow-orange spice that is commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a warm, slightly bitter flavor and is often used to add color and flavor to dishes. But what makes turmeric so special is its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits.
Studies have shown that curcumin can help reduce inflammation in the body, which can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can also help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. In addition, curcumin has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may even help protect against Alzheimer’s disease.
If you’re looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation, adding turmeric to your diet is a great place to start. You can find turmeric in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or you can buy it in supplement form. Try adding it to soups, curries, and other dishes for a flavorful and nutritious boost.
If you take a peek into your spice cabinet, you’ll likely find cinnamon, dried oregano, and maybe even crushed cayenne pepper. But is turmeric in your cabinet? If not, it might be time to make a trip to the grocery store or a specialty spice store to pick some up.
Here’s why: Turmeric holds a wealth of anti-inflammatory properties. The spice, which has an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine, may help improve cognitive function and may even delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
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The main active ingredient in turmeric called curcumin is what gives the spice its inflammation-fighting capabilities. The authors of a 2018 study published in the journal Advances in Nutrition suggest that adding curcumin to your diet can help “prevent accelerated cognitive decline” by staving off chronic inflammation.
However, in order to properly activate these anti-inflammatory properties, you’ll need to eat it with black pepper. One 2017 research review pointed out that the major active component of black pepper, piperine, was associated with a 2,000% increase in the bioavailability of curcumin. In other words, when black pepper is consumed with turmeric, it increases the body’s ability to absorb and reap the benefits of the spice.
So, the next time you order a turmeric latte or golden milk at your local coffee shop, be sure to sprinkle a dash of black pepper onto it or eat something that has black pepper on it, like a salad or deli sandwich. This way you can increase the bioavailability of curcumin in turmeric and give your body a greater chance of fighting inflammation.
Or consider seasoning a veggie stir-fry or piece of meat with turmeric and black pepper for dinner. The ways you can include the inflammatory spice into your diet are truly endless. For more information, be sure to check out What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Turmeric. Then, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter!