1. Turmeric Can Boost Your Mood

Experts say that turmeric can boost norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in your body. Each of these is a hormone that is linked to your mood so increasing your levels can help you feel happier. When your levels of these hormones are balanced and high, you feel better in general. If you're feeling down in the dumps, try turmeric for dinner tonight. Never use turmeric in place of any antidepressant or other mood treatments unless directed by your doctor.

2. You'll Have a Better Memory

As you get older, your memory tends to suffer. There are many ways you can preserve your cognition, but turmeric is one of the tastiest. Not only can turmeric help you remember better, but it also helps you focus and optimizes brain function. If you're finding it hard to stay on task and focused, try adding turmeric to your routine and see what happens.

3. Regulate Your Digestion

When your digestive tract is up in arms, you might be suffering from diarrhea, constipation or cramps. Turmeric has been linked to a reduction in the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome so it makes sense to try using it to help calm your bowels and regulate your digestion.

4. Fight Infections with Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-fungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which means it packs a pretty powerful punch when it comes to fighting skin infections. If you want to try something natural, it can't hurt to give turmeric a try.

5. Give Your Metabolism a Surge

A speedier metabolism helps your body burn more calories, which is great when you're trying to lose weight or maintain a currently healthy weight. Turmeric has compounds that speed your metabolism so using it when you cook is a great way to give your weight goals a little bit of a boost. Just keep in mind that turmeric isn't magic and isn't a weight loss miracle. You'll also have to exercise and eat low-calorie foods.

6. Improve the Appearance of Your Skin

Research shows that turmeric can help improve the overall luster of your skin. If you're anything like me, your skin doesn't always look its best. Sometimes I have to deal with shine and sometimes with dry patches. Whatever skin ailment is plaguing you, try using turmeric as a way to help it even out and look healthy and fresh. Who would turn down a curry dinner? Not you, right?

7. Turmeric May Prevent Cancer

Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many generations. In fact, people in India eat a lot of turmeric and have significantly lower rates of prostate, breast, lung and colon cancer, when compared to other populations. It might not be a guarantee, but it can't hurt to add turmeric to your cancer fighting meal plan today.

What's your favorite way to eat turmeric? What health perk is the one you're most excited about?