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Dark Chocolate Uses for Vegans

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Dark Chocolate Uses for Vegans

Chocolate is often referred to as the “food of the Gods,” and with good reasons. Not only does it taste good, but it also offers a myriad of health benefits. 

While the base ingredient in all chocolates comes from cacao beans, the final taste and nutrient profile vary depending on the kind of chocolate. Dark chocolate contains 50%- 90% cocoa solids or cocoa butter, while vegan milk chocolate may contain 10%- 50% cocoa solids with plant milk and sugar. On the other hand, vegan white chocolate is primarily made of cocoa butter, vegan milk, sugar, and may or may not include cocoa solids.

Among the different varieties of chocolate, dark chocolate is considered the healthiest. It does not contain milk or any other dairy products and is perfectly vegan-friendly. 

The sugar content is minimal with dark chocolate making it lower in carbs. It is one of the best brain foods that can also improve your physiological health. Being a vegan, you can consume dairy-free dark chocolate in various ways. 

Here are some of the top ways to include dark chocolate in your vegan lifestyle!

Top 8 Ways to Use Dark Chocolate as a Vegan

1) Vegan Chocolate Cake –  You can easily turn any cake recipe vegan by replacing butter with oil and eggs with vinegar. A foolproof vegan chocolate cake batter will need 1.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup raw sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt, ⅓ cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp distilled white vinegar, and 1 cup water. 

Sift the dry ingredients and then mix in the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter. Pour into a baking tray and bake at 175 degrees C for 45 minutes. This chocolate cake can just be the kind of indulgent for your anxiety!

2) Vegan Hot Chocolate – Just imagine yourself on a cold winter with a mug of pure vegan hot chocolate…wOw…just what the doctor ordered, right? Dark chocolate is famous for its mood-boosting properties and works well in a vegan hot chocolate recipe. For this comforting beverage, warm some almond milk on the stove, then add cocoa powder, raw sugar, a pinch of salt, and some vanilla essence. Once the milk is warm, turn off the heat and add a few pieces of vegan dark chocolate. Stir the milk till the chocolate dissolves completely. And that’s it! You have a rich, creamy, and comforting drink for a cold and gloomy day!

3) Dark Chocolate Snack Bars – Most snack bars you buy from stores are loaded with sugar. Making your own no-bake dark chocolate snack bars is an excellent idea. For this quick recipe, toast your favorite nuts and rolled oats in a pan, add vegan dark chocolate chips to the pan as well, and set aside. In a separate pan, heat coconut oil and maple syrup till the mixture thickens. 

Now, add the syrup mixture to the nuts and mix everything well to a gooey consistency. Spread the mixture flat on a baking tray and refrigerate for a few hours. Cut into small bars and enjoy! The best type of chocolate for this recipe is lightly salted vegan dark chocolate.

4) Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream – This vegan chocolate ice cream is one of the best-frozen treats to indulge in! To prepare it, heat water, coconut milk, raw sugar, and cocoa powder in a pan, whisking continuously. Then, remove the pan from the heat and add vanilla essence and vegan dark chocolate to the mixture. Whisk everything together till the chocolate melts. Chill this mixture in a cold bowl and then prepare the ice cream in an ice-cream churner, as per the instructions. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy this luscious treat. Interested in another vegan ice cream? Check this simple yet delicious vegan banana ice cream recipe!

5) Dark Chocolate Pudding – To prepare this delicious chocolate pudding, you can use your favorite type of chocolate with just a few ingredients. First, heat raw sugar, cocoa powder, and almond milk in a pan. Take the pan off the heat when the mixture is warm. Add chunks of vegan dark chocolate to the pan and whisk until it melts. Then, add corn starch solution to the pan and mix well. Put the pan back on low heat, continuously stirring the mixture. Once the pudding thickens, take it off the heat and let it cool. Serve chilled for the best taste!

6) As a Mood Booster – According to studies, dark chocolate can reduce the symptoms of depression. It contains brain-boosting ingredients like flavonols, caffeine, and theobromine that can improve your cognitive abilities. If you suffer from anxiety, stress, or depression, consuming a few pieces of dark chocolate daily can help you.

7) Dark Chocolate Face Pack – Apart from being a great alternative to boost your mood, dark chocolate is great for your skin too! It’s rich in potent antioxidants that brighten the skin and counter the signs of aging. For a simple DIY chocolate face pack, mix 1 tablespoon cocoa powder with an equal quantity of vegan honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix everything well and apply the paste to your face and neck. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water. This DIY mask can make your skin soft, supple, and radiant!

8) As an Aphrodisiac – According to studies, dark chocolate can act as an aphrodisiac. It contains various mood-enhancing ingredients, which can boost sexual stimulation. Not only does chocolate induce a sense of well-being, but it may also elevate serotonin levels that can enhance genital stimulation. If you have been facing issues like poor libido, dark chocolate may help you out. 

What are The Health Benefits of Vegan Dark Chocolate?

Dark chocolate is a rich source of antioxidants called flavonols. It also contains iron, copper, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. Studies have explored the various health benefits of dark chocolate in great detail. Here are the most prominent health benefits of the ingredient:

  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease
  • Improves brain function
  • Can guard the skin against photoaging
  • Fights against free radical damage
  • May reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body

Whether you are looking to improve your health, maintain youthful skin or manage anxiety, vegan dark chocolate might be the answer!

Conclusion

Dark chocolate is a vegan-friendly food rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It has various health benefits that include better cardiovascular health and brain function. It also improves sexual stimulation and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Similar to certain brain-boosting food or supplements, dark chocolate can be a great way to enhance your brain function.

Vegans can consume dark chocolate in several ways, including vegan baked goods, ice creams, candies, or snack bars. You can also use cocoa powder as a face pack to brighten your skin. Dark chocolate fits seamlessly into a healthy vegan lifestyle and offers a multitude of benefits. If you are someone looking to satisfy your sweet craving with something nutritious & healthy, make sure to add dark chocolate to your diet!

30-Second Summary

  • Dark chocolate is a vegan-friendly ingredient with numerous health benefits
  • It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and mood-enhancing ingredients like caffeine and theobromine
  • Vegans can use dairy-free dark chocolate in numerous recipes like vegan chocolate cake, hot chocolate, snack bars, ice cream, and pudding
  • You can also use dark chocolate as a mood booster, aphrodisiac, and skincare product
  • Some ways in which dark chocolate can boost your health are by lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing unhealthy cholesterol
  • It can also reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Dark chocolate is a potent brain food

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Reference:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31356717/

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The Raw Vegan Diet For Optimal Health – Why Include Raw Foods to Your Diet

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Raw Vegan Food Diet

Ever wondered why many have gravitated towards raw vegan diets?

Many people find that raw vegan food simply appeals to them more than other food options due to its inherent health benefits [1], and then there are those that are turning to the raw lifestyle to remove the toxins from their body that have built up from years of eating processed and chemical-laden foods. 

If you have a desire like most of them you may have decided that you want to consume only raw vegan food, but a lot of times people may not know exactly what that actually means, hence let us first clarify what it means by the term “raw vegan food”. 

A raw vegan diet consists of foods that are unprocessed, which come from plants, and that have not been heated above 118 degrees Fahrenheit (48 °C) [2]. The reason that the foods are not heated above that temperature is due to the fact that supporters of a raw food diet believe that much of the nutritional value can be lost when the foods are heated beyond that temperature. 

Recommended Raw Vegan Food Diet

Your typical raw vegan diet will include but are not limited to: 

  • Raw vegetables
  • Fresh fruits
  • Grains
  • Nuts & seeds
  • Legumes
  • Sprouted grains
  • Dried fruits
  • Seaweeds
  • Smoothies & juices 

Other Raw Fad Diets

Among the raw vegan foodies, there can be those who are more selective about their raw food diet. 

There are those who consider themselves as fruitarians and they only eat fruit and may incorporate some nuts. Another group is called sproutarians, which is a term that refers to people who opt for a diet that mostly consists of sprouted seeds, fruits, and raw vegetables. Also, there is a group known as juicearians and these are folks who choose to turn their fruits and vegetables into juice.

We would not recommend these raw fad diets, which can be detrimental to your health limiting your raw vegan food options! Those who embrace a diet consisting of uncooked vegan foods do not have to adhere to any of these subgroups, since most people consume a variety of raw fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and sprouts as well as the juices that come from them.

Raw Vegan Food & Energy

Even though raw foods are credited for their various health benefits for the human body, some can be skeptical whether foods in their raw state can elevate energy levels, boost muscle tone, and reinvigorate the mind. 

While the general take is that high carbohydrate foods boost energy levels, the sugar in them alone does not compensate for the delicate combination of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals responsible for achieving optimum health and dynamism. Raw foods, however, can achieve this.

Sugar-rich foods and beverages are detrimental to our health, where their simple carbohydrates provide the body with readily available energy that quickly boosts blood sugar levels, creating a short-lived “sugar-rush” that leaves the body fatigued and craving more sugar. 

Alternatively, foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as grains, beans, vegetables, and some fruits, provide the body with a long-lasting, steady influx of energy that can keep us going throughout the day [3].

The phrase ‘nutrition to calorie ratio’ is used by nutritionists to refer to how many nutrients fit into a calorie’s worth of food. When foods are cooked, they release locked carbohydrates, providing more calories at the expense of nutrients that are destroyed by heat. 

Raw foods, however, offer a lot more nutrients relative to their calories. A diet that includes a wide range of vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, and seeds which consist of foods such as bananas, sprouted lentils, avocados, coconut meat, hemp & flax seeds, walnuts, oats, squash, can supply optimal amounts of calories, nutrients, and antioxidants.

Stay hydrated with plenty of water, and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which temporarily stimulate the brain but leave the body exhausted once it wears off. Replace them with healthy juices with greens & herbal infusions for long-term health and to stay healthy and possibly disease-free!

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References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3635096/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2486444/
  3. https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/the-carbohydrate-advantage

Disclaimer:

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the content in this post is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. By providing the information contained herein we’re not diagnosing, or treating any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any regimen it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

Surprising Foods That You Thought Were Vegan–But Not

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Surprising Foods That You Thought Were Vegan–But Not

For many of us vegans, it’s so much more than healthy eating; it’s a way of living. In general, veganism involves abstaining from the use of animal products from all aspects of life. This includes food, clothing, and other man-made products, besides refraining from other activities which exploit animals. 

If you’ve been eating vegan for a while, then you may have already honed in on what to eat and what not to. Meaning it’s pretty easy to distinguish whether a product is derived from animals or not, right?

Not always, in which case we hope this post will give you an idea about a few products which are commonly mistaken as vegan, except a fruit we have listed here that seems to be on the opposite end!

Muddy Waters

There are many food products on the shelf, suitable for vegans. While most of these are made to appear pretty obvious that they are free from animal products, others aren’t so clear. 

The following are some of the foods that can commonly be mistaken as vegan. These are foods that a lot of people may think vegan, but in actual fact are not, though a few can be arguable.

1 – Bagels

Are Bagels Vegan?

Are bagels vegan? It’s hard to believe a bagel which is anything other than a plain and simple staple food is not suitable for vegans. But, a lot of these baked goods contain the ingredient L-cysteine. This is an amino acid that helps improve the texture of the bread and aids in the baking process.

While this amino acid may work well in what it does, it’s a product that’s derived from poultry feathers and hog hair. A lot of companies have now switched to using synthetic L-cysteine. But, not all have, so just be careful. 

2 – Apple Juice

Is Apple Juice Vegan?

This one is a little hard to digest (pardon the pun). Apples are a naturally grown fruit, which is obviously vegan. So, it’s not odd to assume that apple juice would be vegan. But, it’s not the actual nectar which is the issue; it’s what added to it during the manufacturing process.

Not all apple juices are non-vegan. But quite often they will include isinglass or a similar clarifying agent that is animal-derived and should be avoided. So the next time before you throw some apple juice into your blender to make a delicious smoothie, just make sure that it’s really vegan.

3 – Chocolate

Are Chocolates Vegan?

Nooooo way! Sadly, yes for some. While cocoa is vegan, many other ingredients it’s combined with, aren’t. Unfortunately, a lot of regular chocolate contains milk or milk products. This can even be the case for some dark chocolate brands, so be sure to check carefully. 

It’s not all bad news though, and you definitely don’t have to give up on chocolate when you are vegan. There are lots of vegan chocolate brands on the market, and even some traditional chocolate brands are 100% vegan. 

4 – Wine and Beer

Can be a sad but true fact especially for the oenophiles and beer devotees. One of the main clarifying agents used in both beer and wine is isinglass – a fish-derived gelatin-based substance. Another couple of non-vegan ingredients found in certain wines are egg whites and casein. These aren’t always listed on the bottle, so you may want to do your research first. 

There are many reputable companies out there who recognize the needs of the vegan community. As such, there are still a good number of choices for vegans. These are quite easy to find by doing a quick online search. 

5 – Worcestershire Sauce

The tanginess and the depth of flavor that come with a dash of Worcestershire sauce can be too much for some to be deprived of it. Yet traditional recipes for the sauce include anchovies (small forage fish), which for a vegan, are off-limits. 

Thankfully, you don’t have to go without it and like most food there are lots of vegan-friendly varieties out there. Everyone can get their Worcestershire sauce fix, and you can even make your own!

6 – Veggie Burgers

Are Veggie Burgers Vegan?

Just because it’s ‘veggie’, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s vegan. These are one of the most commonly mistaken vegan foods. These products can contain eggs or dairy, but you don’t have to get disheartened since there are many vegan burger brands, just be sure to double-check before purchasing.  

7 – Figs

Wait, what? Figs??… This is perhaps the strangest one on the list, and a one of controversy. The only reason why we included this in the article is to clarify things, so that you would know what goes behind the process of pollinating figs. 

First of all, figs are technically not a fruit ― they are inverted flowers. Despite figs that look like a naturally produced fruit, some figs, to become edible, it must first be pollinated by female wasps. 

There are male & female trees that produce figs but only figs produced by female trees are edible.

The figs produced by male trees (caprifig) are inedible by humans and is used exclusively for pollinating other edible figs thus making it irrelevant whether vegan or not. 

Note that these are the type of figs where female wasps use to lay eggs. 

On the other hand, when a female wasp enters into a long female fig, it’s not accommodating for the wasp to lay eggs and the wasp dies being trapped inside unable to break free. This is required for some female figs to pollinate and get ripened. 

The figs produce a protein-digesting enzyme called ficain which digests the dead wasp and they absorb the nutrients to create the ripe fruit. The crunchy bits in figs are seeds and not the remains of wasps. So, no, those figs you bought at the store are not full of dead wasps!

In fact, there are many commercial figs that do not require wasps to pollinate and most U.S.-grown figs are self-pollinating, so they’re wasp-free! 

So after considering all the facts above, are figs vegan? Well, as far as our own opinion is concerned (which we always align with the definition of veganism: “as far as is possible and practicable”) we can’t find any justifiable reason to consider them as non-vegan. The cycle is completely natural, and takes place only in some varieties, and most commercial figs do not require wasps to pollinate.

8 – Orange Juice

Is Orange Juice Vegan?

Another food, people often get caught out with thinking it’s vegan when it isn’t is orange juice. Any orange juice that’s pure and unfortified is vegan. But often, these drinks have extra micro-nutrients thrown in that may not be vegan. 

Some forms of vitamin D are not vegan. Vitamin D2 is always vegan, but vitamin D3 may be derived from sheep’s wool. 

9 – Pasta and Noodles

It’s an easy one to forget as it seems too plain to be an issue. But, if you think about it, some pasta and noodles are made using eggs. Another non-vegan ingredient you may come across in colored pasta is squid ink. 

These days most dried pasta and noodles you can buy are vegan so you have a lot of options, but just check the label to make sure.

Conclusion

For those who are new to the world of veganism, at first glance it may seem daunting thinking that you can’t eat anything. But, that really is not the case living in an era where more people are transitioning into a vegan lifestyle and more vegan products coming into the market ever so often

You just need to do a bit of homework and plan out a few meals according to your budget, making sure you stay healthy and suit your palate. 

Just be careful when you’re choosing products as some products may seem to be vegan-friendly, whereas when taking a closer look, they aren’t. 

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Introducing PB Chocolate Vegan Protein Powder!

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Drink Wholesome Vegan Protein Powder

Vegan Protein Powder Made with 6 Real Food Ingredients!

If your protein powder is full of additives or tastes like chalk, you haven’t heard of Drink Wholesome Vegan Protein Powder. The New Hampshire start-up makes a delicious peanut butter chocolate vegan protein powder with just 6 real food ingredients: chickpeas, peanuts, coconut, cocoa, sea salt, and monk fruit. We list these ingredients – in big, bold font – on the front of the package. What you see is what you get, no funny business.  

You won’t find artificial sweeteners, colors, preservatives, anti-caking or gelling agents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, or thickeners in our protein powder.

Drink Wholesome’s additive-free plant-based protein powders were formulated with endurance athletes in mind. “We don’t use ingredients you can’t pronounce, or find in your kitchen”. I formulated Drink Wholesome’s recipes while ski racing in college, “I was looking for a protein powder without added junk that actually tastes good. When I could not find one, I made my own”.

Drink Wholesome launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes to release more flavors this year, including highly-anticipated matcha and vanilla flavors. 14 servings of our vegan protein powder costs $26.60 with free shipping, or $23.94/month if you subscribe. You can order free samples.

10 Health Benefits & Nutrition of Turmeric

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Health Benefits & Nutrition of Turmeric / CurcuminFamous as a spice, medicinal agent, cosmetic, and textile dye, turmeric is amazingly a versatile ingredient indigenous to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a member of the ginger family and has a deep orange flesh, which is covered in a thick brown skin.

Though turmeric is mostly used as a spice, it has a rich history as an ayurvedic healer, a holistic approach to health that has been used for more than 2000 years in Indian ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. 

It has commonly been used for wound healing, pain relief, menstrual difficulties, relieve from poisoned food, rheumatoid arthritis, dispel worms, digestive issues, to strengthen the overall energy of the body, purify blood, for skin conditions, for smallpox, chickenpox, liver ailments, as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. 

Among its most important properties, turmeric contains curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, which is known to have many health benefits and has been used as a medicinal aid and an ingredient in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and as a food additive for centuries in Asian countries. 

Turmeric/Curcumin Daily Intake

According to research data 500–2,000 mg of turmeric per day is generally acceptable.

However, JECFA (The Joint United Nations and World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) reports, the acceptable daily intake value of curcumin is 1.5 mg (1–3 mg) /kg of body weight [1]. 

Turmeric/Curcumin Nutrition Facts per 100g

  • Calories  = 354 (1482 kJ)  DV = 18%         
  • Protein    = 7.8g  DV = 16%
  • Carbohydrate = 64.9g  DV = 22%
  • Saturated Fat = 3.1g  DV = 16%
  • Omega-3 fatty acids = 482mg
  • Omega-6 fatty acids = 1694mg
  • Vitamin C = 1.7mg  DV = 3%
  • Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) = 3.1mg  DV = 16%
  • Vitamin B6 = 0.1mg  DV =  6%
  • Vitamin B6 = 0.1mg  DV = 6%
  • Iron = 2.8mg  DV = 16%
  • Magnesium = 13mg  DV = 3%
  • Phosphorus = 18.1mg  DV = 2%
  • Potassium = 170mg  DV = 5%
  • Zinc = 0.3mg  DV = 2%
  • Manganese = 0.5mg  DV = 26%
  • Phytosterols = 5.5mg

Source: USDA

Let’s see some of the best health benefits turmeric has to offer,

10 Health Benefits of Turmeric/Curcumin

1) Turmeric and Curcumin May Lower The Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

As you may know, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is currently the most common cause of mortality worldwide

According to one analysis done which included 649 patients, curcumin in turmeric considerably reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or commonly known as “bad” cholesterol and triglyceride levels (TG / which increase risk of heart disease) compared to those in the control group [2]

Thus turmeric may have the capacity to protect patients at risk of CVD by improving serum lipid profile.

Furthermore, according to the findings of preliminary studies, curcuminoids in turmeric may reduce the risks of heart attacks, bypass patients have, after surgery [3]

2) May Provide Relief for Arthritis

Curcumin in turmeric has traditionally been used for its anti-inflammatory effects

According to a 2016 industry-sponsored analysis of randomized experiments, 1,000 mg a day of curcumin lessened osteoarthritis (the most common type of arthritis) pain and inflammation similar to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) [4]

Another 2016 study showed that curcumin might aid in preventing bone deterioration in people with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) which is a chronic inflammatory disorder.

3) As an Acne Treatment and for Healthy Skin

A contributory cause of acne is bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes, which lives primarily on fatty acids in sebum secreted by sebaceous glands, the most abundant bacteria found on human skin.

The 2013 Chemical and Pharmaceutical medical journal published by the Pharmaceutical Society of Japan showed that curcumin has potent antibacterial activity against a number of bacteria which includes P. acnes when mixed with lauric acid [5]

Curcumin also has powerful antioxidant properties and has the potential to boost the antioxidant capacity of the body to a large extent. This neutralizes free radicals (acting as a free radicals scavenger) on its own but also improves your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

Antioxidants preserve the skin by curbing free radical production, which prevents it from degenerating the skin. They can reduce sun spots, help combat discoloration and wrinkles associated with aging, fight against skin cancer, and calm skin inflammations. Antioxidants also help in replenishing the skin with hydration and improving moisture retention to assist in revitalizing dull skin.

Another benefit of curcumin seems to be the protection it provides for skin from radiation damage, decreasing the skin irritation that usually occurs after radiation treatments for breast cancer. Overall, curcumin appears to be a favorable healing agent for radiation-induced dermatitis (radiation skin damage) due to breast cancer treatments [6]

4) Ease Depression and May Improve Brain Function

As we learned before curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and it can affect several processes in the body.

This has a lot of benefits related to depression since those who are under depression have considerable inflammation and oxidative stress, that can impact all major organs in the body, inclusive of the brain.

Chronic inflammation can lower the levels of serotonin (which regulates anxiety, happiness, and mood) and dopamine (the feel-good neurotransmitter) that can lead to deterioration of certain parts of the brain. 

It is likely that the influences of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can reinstate these chemicals & neurotransmitters to preserve the functioning of the brain, consequently making improvements in mood and motivation.

Curcumin also increases the levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which boosts the growth of new neurons and combats various degenerative activities in your brain.

5) Could be Useful in Preventing or Treating Type 2 Diabetes

According to a study done in Thailand with 240 people, curcumin inhibited prediabetes from advancing to diabetes. 

Approximately 16% of the 116 people on placebo (inactive treatment) progressed to type 2 diabetes within 9 months. No one in the group receiving 250 milligrams of “curcuminoids” daily by supplements advanced to type 2 diabetes.

When taken by mouth, curcumin may also help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels by decreasing the blood glucose levels to a more manageable level.

Curcumin tends to provide significant benefits for both type 1 & 2 diabetes. Curcumin preserves beta cells, which produce and secrete insulin which otherwise would cause type 1 diabetes. Studies have shown that beta cells multiplied faster and had a longer life with those who took curcumin  

Curcumin has also shown to improve insulin function by reducing insulin resistance which is the cause of type 2 diabetes by helping insulin get into cells.

6) Curcumin Might Help You to Fight Off Flu and Reduce Cough

Medical researchers often warn about mutating flu viruses that may trigger epidemics. Thus anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties of turmeric root is a useful herbal remedy for a number of viral diseases.

Curcumin can minimize viral replication by more than 90% of cells exposed to the influenza variants, as shown in a 2009 study. Not only curcumin reduced viral cell proliferation in host cells but also appeared to shield other cells from infection.

Curcumin may also be effective for various conditions, like dry cough

7) May Work as a Pain Relief and Help Ease PMS Symptoms

Turmeric as a medicinal remedy has been used to aid in alleviating different forms of pain. Although findings have been inconsistent, there is reason to assume that turmeric consists of active ingredients which may offer at least some relief for those dealing with a variety of painful conditions, ranging from inflammation and gastric irritation to migraine headaches and pain endured after surgery.

Some reports have shown that in some cases, turmeric may have a pain-reducing capacity comparable to that of prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

Researchers observed in a medical trial [7] a decrease in PMS symptoms after participants were treated with curcumin, the active agent of turmeric.

The research noticed mood indicators (tiredness, irritability, anxiety), physical symptoms (gastrointestinal discomfort, headaches), and characteristics of behavior (tiredness, changes in appetite, loss of energy).

Results showed a substantial reduction in symptoms after supplementing over three menstrual cycles, attributing its potential for treating PMS

8) Turmeric Health Benefits for Liver

Turmeric and its refined extract curcumin are also used extensively to treat liver diseases due to their supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

It can stop your liver from being harmed by toxins because of its powerful antioxidant capabilities. This could be good news for people who are taking strong medications for diabetes or other health problems that could damage their liver with prolonged use.

Nonetheless, do note that turmeric can be a rare cause of damaging the liver, and there needs to be more examination for its safety and effectiveness if administered over a prolonged period in fairly large doses [8].

9) Turmeric May Reduce the Risk of Cancer

Turmeric is suggested as a potential cure for cancer. There’s some evidence that in a number of cancers, curcumin in turmeric can destroy cancer cells.

Evidence has demonstrated low rates of some cancers in countries where people consume more curcumin. This is over extended periods of time at curcumin amounts of around 100 mg to 200 mg a day.

A few laboratory experiments have also found curcumin has anti-cancer effects on cancer cells. It does seem capable of killing cancer cells and preventing more from increasing. It has the strongest impact on breast cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, and cancers of the skin.

10) Turmeric Could Help with Digestive Issues and Improve IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) Symptoms

Turmeric can aid in healthy digestion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

Lately, turmeric has drawn interest for its ability to relieve IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms. IBS is a prevalent digestive tract disorder that triggers symptoms such as aches in the abdomen, diarrhea and constipation.

A 2004 preliminary study showed that humans with IBS who administered 2 tablets of turmeric daily for 8 weeks experienced reductions in stomach pain and better bowel functioning [9].

 

You can consume turmeric as a spice in powdered form, add it to rice, for pickle, as tea, for smoothies & juices, make mustard, or sprinkle a pinch on salads.

Below we have shared a turmeric, ginger, and lemon juice recipe video for you to get the most out of turmeric…enjoy folks!!

Video credit: Sandi Jacobs

 

References:

1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637251/

3 https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/turmeric

4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27533649

5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23546001

6 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01042938

7 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26051565

8 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548561/

9 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15673996

 

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  2. Vegan Orange & Turmeric Smoothie Recipe
  3. Health Benefits of Green Tea
  4. Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
  5. Health Benefits of Spirulina
  6. Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Disclaimer: 

While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided here, the content in this post is for informational purposes only and not to be considered as professional advice. By providing the information contained herein we’re not diagnosing, or treating any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any regimen it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.