Turmeric: The Health Benefits To See You Fly Through Autumn

The autumn and winter are well known for their seasonal viruses, with most of us having to fight off at least one nasty cold a year, if not several.

The good news is there are foods you can eat to help keep the bugs at bay, so you can stay fit and healthy throughout the colder months. This includes the flame-coloured yellow spice, turmeric. 

How turmeric fights winter illnesses

Turmeric, which is typically found in southern Asia, has been used for centuries for its health properties, particularly when viruses are rife, as it contains an active compound called curcumin. 

Boosts immune system

Curcumin is an antioxidant, which means it helps to boost the body’s immune system so it is better able to fight viral infections. 

These antioxidants work by neutralising free radicals and lowering oxidative stress, helping the body’s immune system to grow stronger and defend itself against unwanted bugs.

Helps with respiratory illnesses

It is particularly effective against respiratory illnesses, such as coughs and colds, as the ‘golden spice’ is an anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe sore throats and calm swelling in the nasal passage.

This also reduces mucus, helping the patient to breathe better, and soothe nasty coughs. 

Reduces aches and pains

Winter illnesses can often leave you with aches and pains, but turmeric can ease these, thanks to curcumin. 

The cold weather can also stiffen muscles and joints, which causes discomfort, so having a turmeric ghee latte every day can reduce inflammation in muscles and bones and reduce the pain. 

Of course, there are also lots of health benefits from ghee, including fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, E, D, and K2, as well as the butyric fatty acid. 

The vitamins help with eye, skin, cardiovascular and cell health, as well as immune function and bone density, while butyric is great for digestion.