Experts Explain Why You Should Add Turmeric To Literally Everything For A Healthier Brain, Heart, And Body

Turmeric for your heart, brain, and body

Turmeric offers an earthy flavor to a range of recipes, but it can also offer incredible benefits for your body. According to Gervacio, "It can definitely provide heart-healthy benefits and can aid in weight loss." And as Sabat notes, the anti-inflammatory properties can also boost your brain health.

Most of the benefits of turmeric are thanks to a compound called curcumin, "which is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties," Gervacio explains. Because of this powerful compound, she says, "Turmeric may help reduce the risk of heart disease by neutralizing the harmful free radicals that can damage the body, including the blood vessels." It could even lower your bad cholesterol (LDL).

Those anti-inflammatory benefits may also help boost your metabolism so that you can shed pounds and burn fat faster. "Curcumin is known to boost metabolism by increasing the rate at which the body burns calories, therefore contributing to weight loss," she says. Turmeric is just one metabolism-boosting spice of many.

And on top of all of this, the powerful spice can even ward off cognitive decline. "Chronic inflammation is believed to play a role in the development of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By reducing inflammation in the brain, curcumin may help protect against cognitive decline," Sabat says.

Additionally, curcumin could help boost your brain's brain-derive neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is "essential for the survival and growth of neurons and helps in forming new connections between them." Sabat tells us that "Higher levels of BDNF are associated with improved memory and cognitive function." Incredible!

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy turmeric. Whether you're adding it to soups and curries, making a turmeric tea or "golden milk," your body and brain will thank you when you incorporate this tasty, anti-inflammatory spice into your diet!

READ MORE: 3 Surprising Spices Experts Say You Can Add To Your Coffee To Put An End To Bloating Because They Stimulate Digestion