As a spice, turmeric is popular in Indian kitchens, lending color and flavor to any dish it is added to. However, one cannot dismiss the various medicinal benefits of turmeric and the positive ways in which it affects the human body and brain. Here are the top 5 health benefits of turmeric:

• Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties

Curcumin, a recognized anti-inflammatory, is the main component of turmeric. Curcumin is said to be as effective as drugstore anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and aspirin. Thus, this ingredient can prevent inflammation of the joints and enable them to retain their mobility. Inflammatory disorders like rheumatic arthritis, that prevent active movement and cause the joints to painfully swell up, can be kept in check using turmeric. Also, since inflammation puts the body at risk of heart disease and heart failure, consuming prescribed amounts of turmeric on a daily basis can help in keeping heart problems at bay.

• Turmeric maintains the cholesterol and blood sugar levels of the body

High cholesterol levels affect nearly ninety percent of the modern adult generation, and elements like stress and an unhealthy lifestyle are to blame for it. Curcumin present in turmeric boosts the body’s metabolism, reduces stress as an adaptogen, and enhances weight loss. All these factors combined increase the levels of good cholesterol in the body, and decrease the effects of bad cholesterol. It also helps in keeping blood sugar levels in check by stabilizing the glucose levels in the body.

• Turmeric is beneficial to the central nervous system

According to research, consuming turmeric on a daily basis can actually improve the health of your brain. Curcumin boosts the production of a protein called BDNF, which is vital to the health of the brain. High BDNF levels generally result in better memory and mood. Since BDNF also enhances the ability of neurons to connect to the brain, it helps us retain cognitive abilities in our old age. BDNF promotes the transmission of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine throughout the nervous system so that they can pass more easily.

• Turmeric can help rejuvenate and replenish your skin

There is a reason why most Indian rituals call for the application of turmeric on the skin. Turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant t