Turmeric is a vibrantly colored spice traditionally used in Indian cuisine. Sometimes called Indian saffron, it grows naturally in southeastern Asia and has been used medicinally for centuries. Turmeric’s “claim to fame” is that it contains a powerful antioxidant called curcumin.
Thanks to curcumin, turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may play a role in reducing the risk of several diseases, like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Turmeric spices and supplements are made from the rhizome—or root—of the plant, which are ground up.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is widely known to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this, it has been studied as a potential remedy for anxiety, arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and many inflammatory conditions. Scientists attribute most of the benefits of turmeric to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.