Ginger and turmeric have been in use for many health conditions since ancient times. They have potent anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in many vital nutrients. Originating from the Zingiberaceae family both can be classified as rhizomes. What is rhizome? The rhizome is a stem that is later modified into a root.
What is Turmeric Supplement Good for?
Nowadays, supplement makers claim that turmeric can be useful for people with arthritis or joint pain. Furthermore, it helps those who want to benefit from the antioxidants that turmeric contains.
Turmeric helps treat heartburn, stomach ulcers, gallstones, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, wounds, and eczema. Some say that turmeric can help in indigestion and relief unwanted symptoms in menstruation.
The turmeric plant (Curcuma longa) is a herb closely connected to ginger. It mainly grows in tropical climates across Asia because of its roots, which provide its flavor and pigment. Roots grow underground, but these roots are more of a stem than a real root. When ground, these roots may be used as a paste, or dried and ground into a powder.
Turmeric contains more than 300 naturally occurring ingredients. This includes:
Beta-carotene ascorbic acid ( vitamin C), calcium flavonoids, fiber, iron, niacin, potassium, zinc, other nutrients.
Yet curcumin is the most popular chemical in associated with turmeric’s health benefits.
The best turmeric supplements include a mixture of curcumin and black pepper (piperine) to increase absorption and optimize efficacy.
Here are the Health Benefits of Turmeric Pills
#1 Aids Weight Loss
Obesity can lead to several different health problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc. If you’re a healthy person, weight loss can be a straight forward task.
However, if you have a pre-existing metabolic condition, things may be a little more complicated
Several studies have shown that curcumin helps metabolic disorders by helping to regulate metabolism and weight control. Turmeric increases insulin sensitivity, controls lipids’ metabolism, and targets fat by suppressing multiple processes responsible for fatty tissue growth.
#2 Helps Fight Disease & Chronic Conditions
The potent antioxidant properties may be one of the most prominent turmeric properties. Curcumin has shown an intrinsic capacity to improve immune system function and defend against disease by directly inhibiting free radical cell damage and reducing oxidative stress.
Researchers have conducted several studies on the ability of turmeric to act as complementary medicine in cancer patients.
Turmeric also helps alleviate inflammation and chemotherapy pain.
Diabetes
If you are trying to lower your blood sugar or avoid diabetes, turmeric can help.
High blood pressure
Blood pressure stabilization and hypertension prevention are some of the most common turmerics uses.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Research suggests that oral turmeric supplements can be one of the best ways to avoid dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Regulates Cholesterol
Under some circumstances, clinical studies have concluded that turmeric may lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Curcumin may be useful if you have metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or other chronic conditions affecting your blood lipid profile.
#3 Helps Arthritis & Joint Pain
One of the most common uses of turmeric extract is to treat joint pain and arthritis discomfort. Extreme arthritis symptoms include reduced range of motion, joint pain, excessive swelling, and lack of mobility. These symptoms can worsen over time, causing permanent damage if left untreated.
#4 May alleviate depression
A study published in the European Journal of Medical Chemistry in 2018 showed that consuming 500 to 1000 mg of turmeric daily for at least six weeks improved depression symptoms and reduced anxiety in multiple clinical trials.
#5 Improves Skin Health
Our skin is the most essential, highly protective layer of our body. Skin keeps us healthy from harmful microbes and controls the temperature of our internal body. Sometimes unwanted skin conditions may arise requiring treatment, such as chronic acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Many DIYers use turmeric powder to make facial masks, pastes, and other topical skin healing solutions. Researchers showed that curcumin reduces oxidative stress associated with inflammatory skin conditions. Turmeric also increases collagen synthesis and speeds up tissue repair.
In almost every study, turmeric root extract has been reliable, tolerated at higher doses, and void of adverse side effects. If you consider adding turmeric pills to your routine, always consult your doctor or primary care physician first. It is important to make sure that any dietary supplement you are taking does not conflict with any pre-existing medications.
Some Amazing Benefits of Ginger supplement
It contains bioactive compounds and nutrients that are beneficial to our brains and bodies. Ginger produces gingerol, a material with strong medicinal properties. Furthermore, it contains small quantities of:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B6
- Phosphorus
- Copper
- Iron
- Calcium
- Zinc
Dry ginger has been used in Asian medicine for thousands of years to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea. Today, ginger works as a dietary substitute for post-surgery nausea—; nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, or pregnancy; rheumatoid arthritis; and osteoarthritis.
Here are some benefits of Ginger Supplements:
#1 Reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation plays a central role in developing conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease can also intensify. Due to the increase in inflammation.
Therefore, ginger and turmeric have potent anti-inflammatory properties that might relieve pain and protect against these diseases.
One research in 120 people with osteoarthritis showed that taking the ginger supplement for three months effectively decreased inflammation and decreased nitric oxide levels. This molecule plays a key role in the inflammatory process.
#2 Minimize nausea
Several studies have shown that ginger can be an important natural remedy to soothe the stomach and alleviate nausea.
Research in 170 women found that taking 1 gram of ginger powder daily for one week effectively reduced pregnancy-related nausea. By working as traditional anti-nausea treatment, it had fewer side effects as compared to other medicines.
Other research shows that ginger may alleviate nausea induced by motion sickness, chemotherapy, and gastrointestinal disorders.
An analysis of five studies also found that taking at least 1 gram of ginger per day could help significantly reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting.
#3 Relieve pain
Researchers studied both ginger and turmeric for their ability to alleviate chronic pain.
Researchers showed that ginger alleviates persistent arthritis-related pain along with many other conditions.
For example, a 5-day study in 120 women showed that taking 500 mg of ginger root powder three times daily decreased menstrual pain’s severity and duration.
Further research in 74 people showed that taking 2 grams of ginger for 11 days substantially decreased muscle pain due to exercise.
#4 Support immune function
Many people take turmeric and ginger at the first sign of illness, hoping to improve immune function and side-step cold or flu symptoms.
Some research indicates that ginger, in particular, may have strong immune-boosting properties.
One test-tube study indicated that fresh ginger is effective against the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), causing respiratory tract infections in infants, children, and adults.
Another test tube research showed that ginger extract inhibited the growth of many strains of respiratory tract pathogens.
#5 Low levels of cholesterol
High levels of LDL lipoproteins are related to an increased risk of heart disease. Foods you eat can have a direct impact on LDL levels.
In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder made substantial reductions in most cholesterol creators.
In both animals and humans, ginger can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and blood triglyceride levels.
The bottom line
Several promising studies have shown that ginger and turmeric can have powerful effects on nausea, pain, inflammation, and immune function.
However, there is a lack of data on the results of the two used together, and much of the available study is limited to test-tube studies. That said, both can be a safe addition to a balanced diet and minimal risk of adverse health effects.
