If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you know that turmeric is a vital seasoning for achieving that bold, ethnic flavor. But this spice isn’t only great for bringing out the taste in your favorite foods. It offers so many other health and beauty benefits thanks to its antioxidant properties! Gone are the days of only using turmeric for cooking. Head to the grocery store, load up on the spice and throw it in your beauty cabinet. You’re about to reap quite a few health benefits from this natural agent.
Here are a few ways turmeric enhances your body:
1. It treats acne
According to StyleCraze, turmeric is chock full of antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help combat breakouts. By using this spice to create a face mask, you can reduce inflammation, acne scars and oil. Simply mix equal parts turmeric powder and sandalwood powder with a splash of lemon juice until it reaches a creamy consistency. Apply to your face, let sit for 10 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
Enjoy the results of cleansing with turmeric.2. It prevents dandruff
Dealing with dandruff can turn even the best hair days into the worst. But with the help of turmeric, you can say goodbye to those flakes of dead skin. This spice is extremely nutritious for your hair follicles and it also increases the circulation in your scalp. Mix equal parts turmeric and olive oil and apply to hair, leaving for about 15 minutes. Then, hop in the shower and wash away the mixture using your everyday shampoo.
3. It can help maintain your weight
Turmeric hasn’t only been spicing up your dishes. It’s also been keeping you from gaining weight! Researchers at Tufts University led a study that fed mice a high-fat diet with curcumin – an anti-inflammatory agent used to give turmeric its yellow pigment. During the analysis, the researchers found that the mice didn’t gain as much weight as the control group, which led them to believe the curcumin was the cause.
“Turmeric hasn’t only been spicing up your dishes.”
Start adding turmeric to more of your favorite meals for an Indian flair – and possibly minimize the chance of gaining extra pounds!
4. It improves your complexion
Turmeric is incredibly good for your skin and body as a whole, according to what Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin told Women’s Health magazine.
“The skin is our biggest organ,” she said. “It’s our barrier to the outside world, and a lot of skin conditions we see are issues due to our immune systems. Most recently, studies have shown that when [turmeric] is added to moisturizer, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles.”
Turmeric is loaded with manganese, a mineral that helps produce collagen. Women’s Health suggested mixing the spice up with some honey to create the perfect complexion-saving face mask!
