Turmeric: This must-have spice found in your kitchen is full of benefits

Turmeric is the most common spice found in every Indian household. This vibrant yellow spice is not only used for flavoring purpose but has been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a plant of the ginger family and contains compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. Numerous studies suggest that this spice is beneficial for both body and brain. You can either add it to your food or can even have turmeric supplements after seeking your doctors advise.

The seven health benefits of turmeric are as follows:

Turmeric helps the body to fight foreign agents and also plays a critical role in repairing damages. As per some studies, curcumin compound found in this spice is as effective as some over-counter drugs in bringing down the inflammation. As per the Arthritis Foundation, the anti-inflammatory ability of turmeric might reduce the pain that people suffering from arthritis feel in their joints.

In recent past, turmeric has gained popularity because of its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are beneficial as they protect our body from free radicals. Turmeric is believed to be so powerful that studies claim it can protect a person's liver from getting damaged by toxins.

Turmeric is used as a digestive healing agent in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this spice can help you to maintain a healthy digestive system. The curcumin compound in turmeric also stimulates gallbladder. Research shows that turmeric has the ability to reduce bloating and gas symptoms.

Lipopolysaccharide is another compound present in turmeric with anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties which stimulates the human system. Having a teaspoon of this yellow spice with a glass of warm milk daily will reduce your chances of catching flu.

Aromatic turmerone or ar-turmerone compound present in turmeric is good for your brain. The compound helps to repair the stem cells of the brain. Apart from this, curcumin has the ability to boost a protein in the brain called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

Want to delay your aging, turmeric is the answer. Due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is believed to play a role in aging and longevity. Having turmeric on a regular basis can also promote radiant skin.

Indian spices are known to help in weight loss. Turmeric can help you balance your stress hormones, which can cause sudden weight gain. It reduces the formation of fat tissue, which contributes to lower body fat and weight gain.