Is turmeric helpful for depression?
A healthy spice, turmeric is touted because the golden spice which name is rightfully bestowed upon the spice due to the various health benefits it possesses. Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, all because of curcumin – the compound present in turmeric.
Several studies point out that turmeric may be the most effective nutritional supplement in existence, benefitting us not just physically but also mentally. The uses and benefits of turmeric are not news to Indians, because the herb has been utilized in India for thousands of years as both a spice and medicinal herb.
Turmeric can be added to the food you eat regularly. Or heat a teaspoon of ghee, then turn off the heat. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to it and then mix it well. Have this along with a cup of lukewarm milk. Studies have also pointed out that consuming ½ to 1 ½ tsp of turmeric per day should start providing noticeable benefits (such as reduced inflammation, better digestion etc.) after four to eight weeks
In addition to all or any of the advantages mentioned above, turmeric has been linked with depression on a positive note. Many experts claim that turmeric can help ease depression symptoms
Let’s take a look.
Turmeric For Depression: How Does It Work? The compound curcumin in turmeric is liable for this. Curcumin, full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties holds the potential to enhance several health conditions including depression, including mild depression and major clinical depression (MDD). Let’s take a look at how turmeric can help ease depression:
- Fights off chronic inflammation: While depression isn’t an inflammatory disorder, studies have made links between inflammation and depression. Not everyone with depression has inflammatory issues and vice-versa, however, chronic inflammation and depression worsen each other. Curcumin, an antioxidant can help ease symptoms of depression by fighting chronic inflammation.
- Combination with other herbs: Some studies show that curcumin when used in combination with saffron (another herb), it reduced depression symptoms. One study explored combining piperine (pepper) and curcumin (turmeric) for depression and positive results were acquired.
- Boosts the performance of anti-depressants: Another study showed that curcumin could help antidepressants work better. More studies are required for the same.
Note: you ought to not use turmeric or curcumin rather than prescribed antidepressants.
Note 2: People affected by bile-duct dysfunction or galls stones may have to avoid turmeric. Even pregnant women may have a doctor’s approval to undertake turmeric.
- Promotes nerve growth: Curcumin is also said to promote nerve growth in certain areas of the brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF (one of the main neurotrophic factors that play a central role within the maintenance and survival of neurons within the brain), features a direct link to depression, pointing out that people with depression have a reduced BDNF. BDNF is critical for memory and learning, also as eating and drinking. Studies (animal trials) have shown that curcumin may increase brain levels of BDNF, possible managing brain disorders like depression.
How To Use Turmeric For Depression?
As a supplement: Turmeric supplements are available at most health stores in tincture and extract forms. Make sure you buy supplements with ninety-five per cent curcumin.
Add to foods: Adding turmeric to your foods also can be beneficial. However, more studies are required to understand the same.
Turmeric Lemonade For Depression
Ingredients: You will need the juice of an orange, four tablespoons of honey, two lemons, four cups of water and two tablespoons of turmeric powder.
How to prepare: Blend all the ingredients and drink them once a day for seven days.
On A Final Note:- once we say turmeric is useful for people with depression, it does not state that eating turmeric or drinking turmeric milk would magically cure the psychological state condition. It means that the components in turmeric such as curcumin can help, suggesting the use of turmeric-based supplements that has curcumin as the primary element.
SOURCE
https://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/turmeric-for-depression-how-to-use-risks-138614.html