Turmeric is a powerful remedy against depression, according to a new review of over 100 studies. Add this to the now immeasurable number of turmeric benefits.
It is time to start taking care of our mental health. It is an aspect of health that has been swept under the rug for a long time, but is now finally starting to be talked about.
According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, major depressive disorder affects about 14.7 million American adults, which is about 6.7 percent of the population. That number is steadily increasing as well.
It is well known that diet can affect our physical health, but recent research is starting to show associations between healthy foods and mental health too.
It is safe to say, there is no spice in the world known by scientists that is more powerful for health than turmeric.
Turmeric has received a lot of attention lately due to the power of social media and the overwhelming number of studies on the potent spice.
MEDLINE, the medical study database for example has over 10,000 studies on turmeric alone.
In the new review, one of the main conclusions was that curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, is effective against psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, OCD, and other psychotic disorders in animal studies.
Human studies only focused on depression and anxiety.
One 2015 study found that curcumin alone could help relieve acute anxiety.
Another 2015 study showed that taking curcumin enhanced the effects of common anti-depressant drugs such as Prozac and Norpramin.
So why is turmeric so great for depression?
Research shows that turmeric can affect many aspects of mental health. Curcumin helps balance brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, and noradrenaline.
Turmeric is also an extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent. This is very important for mental health, as inflammation is linked to many psychiatric disorders.
According to LifeExtension Magazine, the loss of brain neuron function can happen simultaneously with depression. Turmeric has been shown to protect these neurons from damage, and promotes the growth of new neurons as well.
So how do you get started on taking turmeric for your mental health?
Dr. Andrew Weil, a leading physician and nutrition expert weighed in on his website:
Remember that turmeric is not easily absorbed by the body, but taking it with black pepper helps increase absorption.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “Science Suggests That Turmeric Benefits Depression.” Kelly Brogan MD. Kelly Brogan MD, 24 Feb. 2017. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
2. “Curcumin for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Review of in Vitro, Animal and Human Studies.” Sage Journals. Journal of Psychopharmacology, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
3. “Turmeric for Depression?” DrWeil.com. DrWeil.com, 01 Dec. 2016. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
4. “A New Way To Manage Depression Without Drugs.” LifeExtension.com. LifeExtension.com, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
5. “Depression Statistics.” Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
6. “An Investigation of the Effects of Curcumin on Anxiety and Depression in Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
7. “Chronic Supplementation of Curcumin Enhances the Efficacy of Antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study.” Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
8. “Potentials of Curcumin as an Antidepressant.” TheScientificWorldJournal. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2017.
