A close cousin to ginger, turmeric is more than just a strange-looking, orange root with a tangy flavor that stains your hands and silverware. Ginger's sidekick is known for its numerous health benefits from weight loss to fighting inflammation, or even the prevention of serious diseases, and is one of the most powerful nutrition supplements out there. Once you dive into this list of all the incredible perks of consuming turmeric, I promise you that the root's odd flavor will never bother you again.

1. Kiss your inflammation goodbye.

Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which proves to be a vital component of fighting inflammation. In fact, curcumin is no worse in combating inflammation than over-the-counter drugs. Also, you'll get the benefit of no side effects involved!

2. Ready, set, unleash the antioxidants!

According to Nutrex Hawaii, antioxidants are substances that “prohibit (and, in some cases, even prevent), the oxidation of other molecules in the body.” This means that antioxidants help remove free radicals from the bloodstream. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that form through respiration of oxygen that can cause damage to the body if they are not properly regulated. In short, free radicals make us age and can cause diseases, including cancer. Curcumin has powerful antioxidant properties, which can actually help boost your own body's antioxidant enzymes.

3. Turmeric as a brain booster.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), is an important brain growth hormone, which deals with the connection and multiplication of neurons. Various brain diseases, such as Alzheimers, show a decrease in BDNF. Curcumin has the ability to increase BDNF levels, and the substance is also believed to have the ability to boost your memory.

4. Kick out that nasty cholesterol.

Some studies have shown that Turmeric has the ability to lower your "LDL" cholesterol – the bad kind of cholesterol that you don't want hanging out in your system. Turmeric's ability to protect the heart continues to be researched as well.

5. Fight sickness from cold to the flu.

Turmeric tea is a great drink to consume when a nasty sickness has got you in its grip. Lab research has shown that curcumin can help ward of maladies from everyday cold to potentially influenza.

6. Turmeric can potentially fight cancer

Experiments conducted on animals in labs have concluded that turmeric has the ability to halt tumor growth. This research is no doubt remarkable; however, it is unknown how turmeric will treat cancer in humans, and it can potentially mess with chemotherapy drugs.

7. Clear skin

Thanks to Turmeric, you can say goodbye to those annoying pimples, acne scars and all the other antitheses of clear skin. Because of turmeric's anti-inflammation properties, your skin will receive that V.I.P treatment that it has long deserved!

8. Stomach issues? Say no more!

Gastrointestinal issues can be incredibly unpleasant sometimes, from constipation to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Consuming turmeric can alleviate these issues with a hearty mixture of fiber that can help ease your digestion, as well as reduce inflammation.

As you can see, Turmeric is more than a funky looking root – this fruit of nature can provide you with health benefits from curing a simple cold all the way to preventing Alzheimers.