Turmeric is a spice that is the powdered root of the Curcuma longa plant. Turmeric contains the yellow pigment curcumin, which is in turn composed of a number of phytochemicals called curmumoids. Evidence suggests that curcumin is a potent antioxidant in animal tissue and may have a number of health effects relating to this antioxidant effect. Antioxidants may benefit mental health because they can prevent oxidative stress in brain tissue that may be a cause of mood disorders. Studies have investigated the effects of cucumin on the mood of otherwise healthy subjects. The researcher administered 1 gram of curcumoids to the participants or a placebo, for 30 days. The results of the study showed that the severity of of the anxiety were significantly reduced when the subjects were administered curcumoids, as measured by the Beck Anxiety Index. Curcumoids may therefore be able to positively affect mood and the regular consumption of turmeric may therefore improve mental health.
Turmeric may be able to benefit mental health because it contains high levels of antioxidant phytochemicals.
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