It's the latest health craze it seems with cafe's that have turmeric lattes, teas, local breakfast joints sprinkling it on your eggs, juice bars that add them to smoothies. It's not that hard to distinguish whether or not your food contains any from the bright yellow hue, but is this spice really necessary? Is it just a simple fad that comes and goes, or is it here to stay?

Turmeric has been used in cuisines for over 4000 years in Southeast Asia, but lately, it's being used solely as a natural supplement.

1) Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is an antioxidant that demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties. The more curcumin, the better the benefits. Something most of us don’t realize is that inflammation is the main underlying factor present in just about every chronic health condition, despite the different symptoms each of us might have.

2) Turmeric is also a great digestive and liver tonic and can help with a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders. People who suffer from inflammatory bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, diarrhea or have had a stomach bug could benefit from regular use of turmeric due to its anti-inflammatory benefits and anti-microbial properties. Turmeric also enhances digestion and can help the liver work more efficiently assisting with the detoxification processes.

Try adding turmeric to your porridge, grains, and beans. The bottom line is, whatever way turmeric is consumed it will benefit both the digestive system and the liver.

3) Including antioxidants in our diet can help fight free radicals that cause damage to our cells causing premature aging and disease. Turmeric is a fantastic antioxidant as it combats oxidative damage. Regular intake of turmeric can help the body stay in top form to fight back against all the toxins and environmental pollutants we are exposed to daily. In fact, it’s even believed to prevent the development of these nasty free radicals altogether, reducing the risks of damage to our cells.

4) Turmeric can help lower your risk of heart disease by improving the function of the lining of the blood vessels. Turmeric also helps in maintaining heart health by reducing cholesterol oxidation, plaque build-up, clot formation, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and reducing pro-inflammatory response.

5) If you’re not already rushing towards the spice aisle, turmeric has also been proven to help lower your risk of brain disease. This is because it helps to increase the levels of something called “Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor” or (BDNF), a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain. Many common brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone and could even help improve your memory.

Turmeric, the main spice used in curry is probably the most powerful spice on the planet, as well as the most effective natural supplement in existence to date. Whether you’re looking to help fight the effects of aging or keep your heart healthy, the benefits of including turmeric in your diet far outweigh the negatives. Because there are none!