You’ve probably heard of turmeric before. It’s a popular spice that’s known for its vibrant yellow color and the warmth it gives curries and other dishes. People have harvested turmeric from the roots of the curcuma longa plant for at least 5,000 years. It’s long been used in traditional medicine, but Western medical research has just begun to investigate turmeric for health benefits. Studies indicate that turmeric’s active ingredient – curcurmin – has antioxidant, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcurmin may also promote higher concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF): a protein that encourages neuron growth and survival in the hippocampus, cortex and forebrain. BDNF deficiency is associated with anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease and some eating disorders.

These aren’t turmeric’s only benefits. This Scientific American article rounds up recent research, while Wikipedia’s articles on turmeric and curcurmin explore their medical effects in detail.

Do you need to eat curry every day to experience turmeric’s health benefits? No – though there’s nothing wrong with a good curry! Immunotec’s Daily Essentials Pack includes turmeric, along with an array of additional vitamins and dietary supplements.