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Reason why so many people are taking turmeric right now, according to an expert

A kitchen cupboard staple is creating a buzz on TikTok, primarily due to its health advantages.

If you haven’t noticed yet on TikTok, there’s a surge in people purchasing turmeric and incorporating it into their daily lives.

A simple search for the ingredient on the social media platform reveals thousands of videos, ranging from 'golden milk' recipes to supplements and lattes.

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But why has turmeric become the center of attention now, and what are its claimed health benefits? Scroll down to discover everything you need to know about this emerging food trend.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a vibrant orange spice commonly found on spice racks. Closely related to ginger, it comes from an Asian plant and has been a cooking staple for centuries.

Recently, it has gained prominence in Chinese and Indian medicine, largely due to its purported health benefits.

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Why are people using turmeric?

As you may have observed on TikTok, individuals are integrating turmeric into their daily regimen, whether it’s adding it to a morning smoothie or brewing it in tea.

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But what are the health benefits of turmeric and is it really worth the hype?

Tyla spoke with nutritionist Lauren Johnson Reynolds, also known as the London Wellness Coach, to learn about the surprising health benefits of this kitchen staple.

"Turmeric contains an active compound called curcumin, which is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties," Lauren explains. "Some believe its effectiveness rivals pharmaceutical drugs and can be beneficial for individuals with joint issues or conditions like arthritis. Inflammation is also thought to be linked to cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, mental health disorders, and even some cancers."

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According to Lauren, turmeric is also rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Essentially, it can reduce inflammation by enhancing the body's own antioxidant enzymes, potentially leading to reduced risks of diabetes, mental health issues, and gastrointestinal disorders.

"The medicinal use of turmeric is an ancient practice, but its recent surge in popularity may be partly due to a shift towards more natural healing methods," Lauren explains. "Social media provides access to a wider range of tried and tested health and wellness support than ever before, encouraging this move away from allopathic medicine for everyday use."

How does curcumin work?

The secret to turmeric's effectiveness lies in an active ingredient called curcumin. Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is said to protect the body from free radicals (like pollution or sunlight) while safeguarding cells from damage.

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Consequently, this may lower the risk of inflammation-induced conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and metabolic diseases like diabetes.