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If you are looking for a remedy for almost any ailment, the answer is the cure-all called turmeric.
This yellow-colored root acts as an anti-inflammatory, stops the growth of cancer cells, helps with Alzheimer’s disease, and also lowers bad cholesterol.
In addition, it is used to treat arthritis, heartburn, stomach aches, diarrhea, bloating, loss of appetite, hepatitis and problems with the liver or gallbladder.
Endless health effects of turmeric
Does the previous list seem too long? We’re still far from its end.
Turmeric is also an excellent remedy for headaches, colds, respiratory infections, fibromyalgia, fevers, menstrual problems, as well as depression, water retention, parasites and diseased kidneys.
You wouldn’t believe it, but despite its strong yellow color it can whiten teeth. However, when using it be careful, because everything else won’t be whitened but will stain yellow — for example, the sink.
The best thing about it is that unlike hydrogen peroxide, it doesn’t damage teeth and therefore is completely safe to use.
Turmeric can be considered a super-root with super effects.
It is full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that support the health of the brain, heart and the entire circulatory system.
Today, however, we will focus more closely on its effects on improving mood and suppressing depression.
In this study examining major depressive disorders, the effects of curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) matched those of a substance called fluoxetine, which is the main active ingredient in many antidepressants.
And moreover, unlike fluoxetine, curcumin has no negative side effects!
How curcumin suppresses depression
When reporters asked Dr. Ajay Goel, a member of the research team at the medical center at Baylor University, how curcumin suppresses depression, he answered:
It’s a new and surprising application of this natural compound.
People with depression have a higher occurrence of inflammation in the brain. These people also show a lower degree of neurogenesis, which means they form fewer nerve cells than healthy people.
And curcumin is not only a very strong anti-inflammatory substance, but also a powerful stimulator of neurogenesis.
An important finding of this study is that curcumin has an effect not only when given directly in extract form, but also when consumed in its natural form — turmeric.
Turmeric lemonade to improve mood and suppress depression
To make this lemonade you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 glasses (1 liter) of sparkling or still water
- 2 tablespoons of freshly grated turmeric
- fresh juice from 1 to 2 lemons or limes
- fresh juice from 1 blood orange (optional)
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher, stir, and the lemonade is ready to serve.
You can garnish it with a small slice of lemon.
Where to get turmeric
You can find fresh turmeric in some health food stores.
Turmeric powder in spice form can be found in every grocery store, but for making lemonade fresh turmeric is more suitable. The spice is better used for cooking.
An alternative is to take a curcumin extract directly as a dietary supplement.
Take a curcumin supplement according to the instructions on the package.
