What Are The Health Benefits Of Turmeric?

Are you familiar with turmeric? Did you know that turmeric has a lot of health benefits? It is a commonly used spice that originates from the curcuma plant. We most likely know it for its spiciness and use in dishes such as curry.

However, turmeric has been extensively used in Chinese and Indian cultures, including as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric is best consumed in its pure sense, rather than as a component of curry powder or other spices.

Turmeric, also known as the “golden spice,”  has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its powerful health benefits. This bright orange root is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but its benefits go far beyond that.

Turmeric is used for its flavor and attractive golden color. A robust herbaceous perennial grows to a height of 1 meter with a short stem and tufted leaves. It is usually propagated from fingers or small sections of the rhizome. The rhizomes grow best in a hot, moist climate.

Turmeric smells peppery and fresh, with a hint of oranges and ginger. It tastes pungent, bitter, and musky. It is also an important flavoring for many Thai dishes, especially in curry powder. And turmeric is used commercially in sauces and in processed food. It is often added to mustard blends.

It is taken as a tonic and as a remedy for liver problems. The juice of the raw rhizomes added to ointments is applied to treat skin diseases. Turmeric is a traditional textile dye. In paste form, it is applied as a beauty mask.

Nevertheless, the Western world has been slow to notice the health benefits of turmeric, though turmeric can provide many health benefits, some of which are outlined below.

turmeric, health benefits of turmeric, curcumin

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant, meaning it can help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. This can help prevent premature aging, improve skin health, and boost the immune system.

Studies have also shown that turmeric may help improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Curcumin has been found to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain.

Turmeric has also been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Some studies suggest that curcumin may help improve memory and cognitive function, as well as potentially slow down the progression of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Anti-Inflammatory 

One of the most well-researched benefits of turmeric is its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to be the root cause of many diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Turmeric has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties in Eastern cultures; this helps the body to fight infection and repair itself.

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It is the oil that the turmeric provides that has the scientifically proven anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Curcumin, the oil derived from turmeric, has been studied in numerous experiments and has been shown to be equally as effective as typical anti-inflammatory drugs.

The key difference is there are no side effects associated with curcumin oil. This is good news for those who suffer from joint conditions, such as arthritis, where inflammation plays a key role in exacerbating chronic pain.

Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease are common disorders that affect many people throughout the world and can be quite debilitating.

Studies have investigated the effect of turmeric in mice who have such diseases.

Although the researchers are not entirely sure how it works, curcumin oil improved cell functions and reduced the symptoms.

Certain symptoms, such as mucosal ulceration, were almost completely removed.

turmeric

Indigestion and Heartburn Relief

Turmeric has also been shown to help with the common conditions of indigestion and heartburn, and these are frequently experienced by individuals and can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable.

Turmeric has also been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve liver function. Some studies have shown that turmeric may help alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and ulcerative colitis.

Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder and increases bile production; in Germany, turmeric is prescribed for such problems.

Respiratory System

Turmeric is very effective in bronchitis, productive cough, and asthma.

One spoon of turmeric boiled in milk should be consumed with a spoon of pure ghee in conditions like bronchitis, asthma, and productive cough.

This gives very good relief and expectorates excessively produced mucous in lungs.

 

Heart Disease

Studies have shown that turmeric has a protective effect on the heart. Initial research shows that turmeric can help to reduce the build-up of plaque in the heart, a key contributor to heart attacks.

Turmeric may help to prevent oxidized cholesterol, which is what damages blood vessels.

Damaged blood vessels are a critical factor in many heart diseases, such as health attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis.

 

turmeric, health benefits of turmeric, curcumin

Delays Diabetes

Research has shown that turmeric can actually delay the onset of diabetes. In a study, participants were tracked over a period of time and given either a placebo or curcumin tablets.

At the end of the study, not one participant who had taken the curcumin had developed diabetes. It is argued this finding is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Cancer Prevention

Additionally, turmeric has been shown to have anticancer properties. Curcumin has been studied for its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the spread of tumors. Some research suggests that turmeric may be effective in preventing and treating certain types of cancer, although more studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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Turmeric has been shown to have important antioxidant properties, which may help to protect cells against cancer, particularly in cells in the colon.

Turmeric can help to protect vulnerable cells against free radicals, which can be harmful to the body.

Moreover, turmeric can help the body to expel mutated cells that may have developed cancer already. However, research is still working out how turmeric can help with cancer prevention.

Lowers Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a common disorder and has been linked to many different, some serious, disorders.

Initial research shows that the oil in turmeric, curcumin oil, can help to lower cholesterol levels. It works on the liver and encourages it to produce more receptors that produce lower cholesterol.

turmeric

Liver

It is extensively used to protect the liver from toxins and microbial. Turmeric increases the secretion of bile, promotes the free flow of bile. This herb can be used to overcome toxic effects of alcohol on the liver. This reduces cholesterol and protects the heart.

Use of a ½ teaspoon of turmeric with warm water rejuvenates the liver and expels toxins out of it.

On Uterus

It initiates regular menstrual cycle and reduces menstrual cramps.

Aging

The antioxidant properties of turmeric give us young looks and make us feel young. It reduces inflammation in joints, protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and keeps us very healthy.

Skin

Blood nourishes the skin and it is known fact that pure blood always keeps the skin glowing and radiant. Turmeric purifies blood, nourishes skin and gives it a healthy natural glow and radiance.

A traditional face pack of India consists of gram flour, pure turmeric powder, milk, and honey. This reduces inflammation of the skin, smoothens it and prevents many skin ailments.

Wounds

Turmeric accelerates the healing process and readily reduces pain and inflammation. Thick Paste of turmeric applied on wounds acts as an excellent antibiotic and anti-inflammatory.

turmeric

Usage In Cooking

arrow2Turmeric in dried spice form can add loads of flavor to curries, stews, stir-fries and roasted meat and chicken.

arrow2Fresh turmeric is a root that looks much like fresh ginger. It can be juiced along with other fruits and vegetables. It can be added to smoothies.

arrow2It makes a great addition to a chicken marinade, adding a bright orange color to the mix; it is a key ingredient in Middle Eastern chicken kabobs.

arrow2Use it to substitute saffron or mustard as it provides an equal yellow hue

arrow2Jazz up white rice, by squeezing fresh turmeric through a garlic press and adding it to the rice, which offers lots of flavors, and a golden color.

arrow2Use fresh chopped or grated turmeric in coleslaw to add color, flavor, and key nutrients.

The active chemical component of turmeric is curcumin.  It is a strong antioxidant and reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels.

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Curcumin protects the liver, reduces cholesterol, and prevents internal blood clotting, thus preventing heart attacks and liver tissue damage.

Incorporating turmeric into your diet is easy—you can sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, add it to soups and stews, or even stir it into your morning smoothie. Consider adding a dash of black pepper to your turmeric dishes, as this can help increase the absorption of curcumin in the body.

 

Caution

Turmeric is very safe. But special precautions should be taken in persons who have gallstones, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.

Everyone should seek medical advice before adding extra turmeric to their diet and sometimes it may actually have negative effects for some people.

For example, its ability to slow blood clotting could be dangerous for anyone taking anticoagulant medication. If in doubt, speak to your medical professional.

Overall, turmeric is a potent spice with a wide range of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, or improve your brain health, turmeric may be just what you need to enhance your overall well-being.

 


POINTS TO REMEMBER

Health Benefits Of Turmeric

Anti-inflammatory
Treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
Use for indigestion and heartburn relief
Treatment for respiratory system
Help in heart disease
Delays diabetes
Prevents cancer
Lowers Cholesterol
Protects liver
Good for uterus
Good antioxidant and for aging
Great for the skin
Accelerates healing of wounds

Caution
Special precautions should be taken in persons who have gallstones, hyper-acidity, stomach ulcers and obstructive jaundice.

TAKEAWAY QUESTIONS

– Are you aware of the health benefits of turmeric?

– What other health benefits of turmeric do you know?

– Are you including turmeric in your food preparation?

– Do you have any recipe using turmeric?


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