Turmeric Beats Depression
I’m a massive fan of using spices in my food. They not only add incredible flavor, but those tiny specs of seasoning in your food are full of nutrients.
While most traditional cultures have used herbs and spices in their dishes for centuries, scientific research is now just beginning to uncover the fantastic health benefits they offer.
A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders examined the role curcumin (a compound derived from the spice turmeric) can play in combating depression[*].
Turmeric is well known for its distinctive flavor used in curry dishes. It’s also been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine as a healing spice.
The Link Between Turmeric and Depression
But how can a simple spice actually help those struggling from depression?
Indeed, with the historical understanding that depression is related to your brains' happy' chemicals (serotonin and dopamine), adding a spice to a treatment regimen may seem a bit out of place.
However, in recent years a new understanding of depression has emerged, linking it to a wider range of physiological pathways. Specifically, pathways involved in your inflammatory response.
This new understanding opens the door to more treatment options, including food and spices[*].
Instead of trying to regulate the brain with over the counter medications, we can use foods and herbs that we eat every day in an intentional way to regulate our bodies systems for optimal health.
In the case of turmeric and depression, curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent, as well as an antioxidant. These are just two of the roles that curcumin can play in combating depression.
Although research is still in its infancy, there are no reported side effects associated with using turmeric as a means to calm depression, which is much more than can be said for most over the counter medications[*].
With that being said, it’s always important to work with your health care provider before coming off of medications.
But you don’t have to change your supplement or medication routine to start reaping the benefits of turmeric. Here are some simple ways to add this ancient spice to your diet:
Sprinkle turmeric in your morning eggs with some sea salt; the bright yellow color will make your eggs all the more appetizing.
Add turmeric to rice or quinoa with some white raisins for a delicious side dish.
Toss some root veggies in olive oil, sea salt, and turmeric and bake to add a little kick to your roasted vegetable dish.
Add turmeric to your soups or stews to taste.
Make a turmeric tea with ¼ teaspoon turmeric in 1 cup of hot water. Add some honey and lemon and enjoy.
Final Word
To say it's exciting that researchers in the West are beginning to embrace medicine from the East is an understatement.
Although depression seems like a very mind-focused imbalance, in Ayurveda there is no separation between the mind and the body. If your body is out of balance, the mind will follow -- and vice versa.
If you’re feeling stressed or depressed, diet is one of the key areas you should be focusing on. Fresh, real food will nourish your mind and body and help you feel more grounded and in touch with your true self.