Turmeric, also known as Curcumin is a powerful medicinal spice. My magic gold dust!
The benefits are wide ranging from fertility, cycle balance, PCOS, Peri-Monopause, Menopause & Thyroid health.
Women's hormones are constantly fluctuating, affecting everything from our mood to our energy levels. With so much going on in our bodies, it's important to find natural ways to balance our hormones and support our overall health. And one powerful tool we have at our disposal is turmeric. This golden spice has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and now modern science is beginning to uncover its amazing benefits. From reducing inflammation to boosting brain function, turmeric has a lot to offer. But perhaps most exciting is its potential to balance hormones naturally. In this post, we'll explore the science behind turmeric and how it can help support women's health. So if you're looking for a natural way to feel your best, read on to discover the power of turmeric.
What is Turmeric and How Does it Work?
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, which is native to India and Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, including pain and inflammation. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
When it comes to hormone balance, turmeric works by reducing inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to a variety of health problems. By reducing inflammation, turmeric can help support healthy hormone levels and improve overall health.
Hormone Balancing Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has a variety of hormone-balancing benefits, including:
1. Reducing Inflammation
As mentioned earlier, inflammation can disrupt hormonal balance and lead to a variety of health problems. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce inflammation and support healthy hormone levels.
One study found that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body. Another study found that curcumin can help reduce inflammation in the brain, which may improve overall brain function and mood.
2. Supporting Liver Function
By supporting the liver, turmeric can help the body to detoxify hormones. A build-up of the hormone oestrogen, can lead a women to have these symptoms
Heavy Periods
Painful Periods
PMS
Weight Gain
Acne
The liver plays a key role in hormone metabolism, and a healthy liver is essential for hormone balance. Turmeric has been shown to support liver function by increasing the production of enzymes that help detoxify the liver.
3. Balancing Blood Sugar
Balanced blood sugar levels are essential for hormone balance, as high blood sugar can lead to insulin resistance and other hormonal imbalances. Turmeric has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation in the body.
4. Regulating Menstrual Cycles
Turmeric has traditionally been used to regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of PMS. One study found that a combination of turmeric and saffron can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of PMS, such as bloating and mood swings.
5. Supporting Thyroid Function
The thyroid gland plays a key role in hormone balance, and a healthy thyroid is essential for overall health. Turmeric has been shown to support thyroid function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the thyroid gland.
Turmeric's Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties are perhaps its most well-known health benefit. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to a variety of health problems, including hormonal imbalances.
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties come from its active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body. It has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the brain, which may improve overall brain function and mood.
In addition to reducing inflammation, curcumin also has powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to a variety of health problems. By reducing oxidative stress, curcumin can help support overall health and hormone balance.
Turmeric for Brain Function and Mood
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric also has potential benefits for brain function and mood. One study found that curcumin can increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a type of protein that helps support the growth and survival of brain cells.
Low levels of BDNF have been linked to a variety of brain disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. By increasing BDNF levels, curcumin may help improve brain function and mood.
Turmeric has also been shown to have potential benefits for anxiety and depression. One study found that a combination of curcumin and saffron was as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant in reducing symptoms of depression.
Turmeric and Women's Reproductive Health
Turmeric has a long history of use in traditional medicine for women's reproductive health. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including menstrual cramps, PMS, and infertility.
One study found that a combination of turmeric and saffron can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce symptoms of PMS, such as bloating and mood swings. Another study found that curcumin can help reduce symptoms of endometriosis, a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus.
Turmeric may also have potential benefits for women undergoing fertility treatments. One study found that curcumin can improve the quality of eggs in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Turmeric Recipes for Hormone Balance
Here are a few turmeric recipes to help support hormone balance:
1. Turmeric Smoothie
· 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
· 1 banana
· 1/2 cup frozen mango
· 1 tsp turmeric
· 1/2 tsp cinnamon
· 1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled
· 1 tbsp raw honey
Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Golden Milk Latte
· ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
· ½ cup of boiling water
· ½ teaspoon of turmeric (50%)
· ¼ teaspoon of Maca (25%)
· ¼ teaspoon of Lucuma (25%)
· A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cardamom powder & black pepper
Method
· Place ingredients in a mug
· Fill half the mug with hot water
· Fill the other half with Coconut Milk
· Sprinkle cinnamon on top.
And for those of you who are short on time, the Organic Turmeric Superblend by Naturya is a really lovely option. Decant into a jar with a baby spoon so it’s good to go when you next need a soothing cup of something warm.
3. Turmeric Roasted Sweet Potatoes
· 2 large sweet potatoes, chopped
· 2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
· 1 tsp turmeric
· 1/2 tsp cumin
· Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, toss vegetables with coconut oil, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
Natural Remedies for Hormonal Imbalance
In addition to turmeric, there are many other natural remedies that can help support hormone balance, including:
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods and healthy fats
Getting regular exercise
Managing stress with techniques like meditation and yoga
Getting enough sleep
Avoiding toxins and chemicals in personal care products and household cleaners
The Power of Turmeric for Women's Health
Turmeric is a powerful spice with a variety of potential health benefits, including hormone balance. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can help support overall health, while its potential benefits for brain function and mood make it a valuable addition to any wellness routine.
If you're looking to incorporate turmeric into your daily routine, there are many ways to do so, from adding it to your food to taking a supplement. And with a variety of delicious turmeric recipes to choose from, it's easy to make this powerful spice a regular part of your diet.
So if you're looking for a natural way to support your overall health and balance your hormones, give turmeric a try. Your body (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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Let's take care of you,
Alisa x