If you haven't cleaned out your spice cupboard in a while, now is the time. If you reach all the way to the back, you might be able to find a hidden gem. This orange spice is rich in antioxidants, it has powerful anti-aging properties and its anti-inflammatory benefits are unmatched. To add to its list of benefits, a new study has found that this spice can even decrease your risk of heart attack. If you can't find turmeric hiding in your cupboard, it's time to stock up!
After eight weeks, researchers found that flow-mediated dilation increased significantly in both the curcumin group and the exercise group. The researchers concluded, "The present study showed that regular ingestion of curcumin or regular aerobic exercise training significantly improved endothelial function.... suggesting that curcumin may prevent the age-associated decline in endothelial function in postmeopausal women."
In case that was too much to follow, curcumin was found to have similar effects as exercise when it comes to preventing plaque build up inside the arteries, which is a main cause of heart attack.
The Study
Study after study has shown the natural health benefits of turmeric on the body. It protects the brain, prevents inflammation and it can even help the body fight cancer. In case that wasn't enough, a new study has shown that turmeric also provides amazing benefits for the heart. A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology has found that turmeric extract can decrease heart attack risk by an astounding 56%.
Turmeric Improves Heart Health As Much As Exercise
In 2012, a study published in the Nutrition Research journal found that consuming turmeric or turmeric supplements can improve one's cardiovascular health as much as aerobic exercise. Are you wondering how that's even possible? It all comes down to the primary polyphenol in turmeric, known as curcumin. The 8-week long study involved 32 postmenopausal women who were assigned into three groups. The women were put into either a control group, an exercise group or a curcumin group. Researchers monitored the inner lining of the womens' blood vessels by measuring flow-mediated arterial dilation. A disturbance of this function is considered a key cause of the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque builds up inside the arteries. It can lead to a heart attack, stroke and even death.
After eight weeks, researchers found that flow-mediated dilation increased significantly in both the curcumin group and the exercise group. The researchers concluded, "The present study showed that regular ingestion of curcumin or regular aerobic exercise training significantly improved endothelial function.... suggesting that curcumin may prevent the age-associated decline in endothelial function in postmeopausal women."
In case that was too much to follow, curcumin was found to have similar effects as exercise when it comes to preventing plaque build up inside the arteries, which is a main cause of heart attack.
