How Turmeric Keeps You Looking Young

30th March 2015

By Dr. Edward F. Group

Guest Writer for Wake Up World

If you’ve been reading this blog for quite awhile, you’re probably already familiar with thewonderful benefits and uses of turmeric. Research on this ancient spice commonly used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic practices continues to mount, with science already firmly establishing it as protective of the cardiovascular system, [1] supporter of healthy cholesterol levels, [2] and a potent free radical scavenger.[3] New research coming to light is also showing that turmeric may keep you looking young, possibly slowing down the rate at which the skin ages. Is it time to start adding this yellow spice to your beauty regimen?

How Turmeric Keeps You Young

Turmeric is one of the highest antioxidant-containing spices on the ORAC scale. ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a scale that measures the amount and activity of antioxidants in foods. Turmeric comes in at #6 in the list of herbs and spices with the highest antioxidants, just under cloves (the highest) and cinnamon.[4] Antioxidants are essential for protecting the integrity of the skin by preventing free radicals from destroying its texture and elasticity.

Antioxidants also protect the skin from ultraviolet light, one of the key contributors to the visible signs of aging. [5] But don’t think that turmeric’s anti-aging power is just about the antioxidants–far from it. Research shows that turmeric inhibits a key enzyme (elastase) that reduces the ability of elastin from forming. [6] Elastin, along with collagen, is a protein needed for making the skin smooth and pliable, and also helps it to retain its original position when pinched. In fact, turmeric, in vitro, may inhibit elastase by up to 65%. [7]

How Turmeric Helps You Feel Young

While looking young is certainly helpful, it’s not the only piece of the puzzle. True youthfulness comes from feeling young, because without energy, vibrancy, and emotional well being, life can be dull and unexciting. We now know that emotions are extreme determinants in how the physical body ages, so incorporating tactics to keep you mentally and emotional well are extremely important for a high quality of life.

Turmeric has shown some promise recently in helping people with post-traumatic stress disorder. [8] Some research also shows benefits of using turmeric for depression, but more studies need to be conducted to replicate these results. [9] It has been suggested that turmeric’s soothing compounds play a role in its ability to support mood. [10] While serotonin and other brain chemicals are involved, it’s possible that more research on the link between inflammation and depression could be on the horizon.

CONTINUE READING:

Previous articles by Dr. Group:

• The 10 Best Herbs for Kidney Cleansing
• Top 5 Foods for the Pineal Gland
• 6 Things You Must Know About Colloidal Silver
• The Importance of a Kidney Cleansing Diet
• The 9 Best Herbs for Lung Cleansing and Respiratory Support
• 7 Best Foods to Support Kidney Function
• Lung Cleansing With Peppermint Oil
• Nine Dangers of Fluoride Exposure
• Seven Facts You May Not Know About Coconut Oil
• 10 Best Herbs for Boosting Female Sex Drive

• [FACEBOOK]: http://www.facebook.com/joinwakeupworld (An interactive community of over 1,700,000)

  [PINTEREST]: http://pinterest.com/wakeupword/

   [TWITTER]: http://twitter.com/joinwakeupworld

   [YOUTUBE]: http://www.youtube.com/joinwakeupworld

   [GOOGLE PLUS]: https://plus.google.com/

   [WEBSITE]: http://wakeup-world.com

  Wake Up World