The yellow spice turmeric has long been utilized in medicine, cosmetics, and cooking because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Its vivid yellow color is both useful and lovely.
What is Turmeric?
Native to India, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a perennial herb that shares a close relationship with the other members of the ginger family. The plant's rhizome, which the herb is made from, is dried before it can be obtained in a useable powdered form. Despite being exported because of its popularity, it is not commonly grown worldwide since it requires a very particular climate and habitat to flourish. The most notable feature of this herb is probably its vivid yellow color, which is caused by the curcumin it contains. Even though you may not have recognized it, you have undoubtedly seen it, and if you have ever had Indian food, you have most likely eaten it.
Although it has a faint mustard scent, turmeric adds a spicy, nearly peppery bitterness that goes well with a number of different foods. In Ayurvedic therapies and other traditional cultural cures, the herb has also been hailed as one of the most potent and all-encompassing herbal medicines. The primary active component of this "super herb" is curcumin.
Dietary Information
One of the most nutrient-dense herbs is turmeric. A teaspoon of turmeric powder has around 29 calories, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin B6, vitamin C, some protein, and sodium, according to the USDA. Manganese, magnesium, and potassium are also abundantly available in it.
Benefits of Curcumin and Turmeric
The following are the main health advantages of curcumin and turmeric:
Anti-inflammatory
According to researchers at the University of Arizona in Tucson, USA, turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties because of its curcumin content. Turmeric's curcumin functions by preventing the action of many molecules involved in inflammation. Indeed, the inflammation of hemorrhoids can be lessened by applying a topical ointment containing turmeric.
Skin Care
There are numerous ways that turmeric can assist maintain healthy skin.
- By preventing the growth of germs that cause pimples and lowering the amount of oil secreted by the sebaceous glands, it prevents acne.
- When turmeric is used consistently, acne scars are removed, leaving your skin smooth and radiant.
- Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities relieve skin irritation and hasten the healing of cuts.
- Turmeric's curcumin, an antioxidant, scavenges harmful free radicals to combat aging symptoms including wrinkles and discoloration.
Packed with Antioxidants
The potent antioxidant curcumin, which is found in turmeric, has several uses, including in medicine and cosmetics. It has even demonstrated a preventive effect against possible harm brought on by mercury exposure. Curcumin's strong antioxidant and oxygen radical scavenging properties are highlighted in a study by University of Edinburgh researchers that was published in the Antioxidants & Redox Signaling journal.
Metabolic Syndrome Treatment
In men with metabolic syndrome, the golden spice turmeric lowers triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and body fat percentage.
Turmeric may also be a great supplement for treating metabolic syndrome since it contains curcumin, which decreases dangerous LDL cholesterol and raises beneficial HDL cholesterol, which is one of the disease's symptoms. Serum c-reactive protein levels and other indicators of inflammation are suppressed by it as well.
Supports the Health of the Liver
It has also been discovered that turmeric and its active chemical compounds enhance liver function by stimulating the liver's bile synthesis and the gallbladder's expulsion of it, which aids in the digestion of fat. According to research that was published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology, turmeric also helps to protect the liver by lowering lipid peroxidation by boosting antioxidant enzymes. Turmeric's antioxidant properties may help prevent liver damage, and it can be used as a supplemental treatment for liver conditions like cirrhosis and fatty liver disease, per a 2018 review of studies.
Turmeric was frequently used in ancient medicine to improve memory recall, focus, and cognitive function. Research has since validated many of those old ideas, and turmeric is still regarded as a herb that can improve brain function. Additionally, it can shield the brain circuits against plaque accumulation and chronic oxidative stress.
Avoids Blood Clots
Because of curcumin, turmeric powder has strong anticoagulant properties. By preventing platelets—tiny cells—from sticking together when they shouldn't, curcumin prolongs blood clotting times.
By raising blood HDL (good) cholesterol and decreasing LDL (unhealthy) cholesterol, curcumin also aids in cholesterol balancing. In addition to preventing atherosclerosis, the herb shows promise as a treatment for a variety of cardiac conditions when used in conjunction with stronger blood arteries.
Additional Advantages
Additional advantages of turmeric and curcumin include:
Lessens Pain
Turmeric has been shown in a study that was published in the journal Surgical Endoscopy to reduce postoperative pain. Additionally, there is evidence that turmeric may help ease the pain of dental issues, menstrual cramps, and osteoarthritis.
Delays Aging
Curcumin, the main ingredient in the herb, is a potent antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and stops the harm they do, therefore combatting aging symptoms like wrinkles and pigmentation. According to a study in Immunity and Ageing, curcumin also helps to reduce age-related conditions including atherosclerosis.
Turmeric powder contains curcumin, which lowers blood sugar levels and inhibits important enzymes associated with type 2 diabetes.
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) is treated
For people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and even more severe diseases, turmeric supplements are frequently advised.
Addresses Digestive Disorders
Traditionally used as a stomach soother, turmeric powder is especially effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps, and constipation. Because curcumin reduces inflammation throughout the gut and lowers the risk of ulcers and intestinal bleeding, its anti-inflammatory properties also have a role in this situation.
Addresses Menstrual Problems
Turmeric might be just what you've been searching for if you experience extreme menstruation pain, cramps, bloating, excessive bleeding, or mood swings. Some of the pain related to menstruation can be alleviated by the herb's inherent anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Uses:
This herb is used in traditional cosmetics and cooking.
Applications in Cosmetics
Although it can also be used to topical salves and lotions, turmeric juice is arguably the most popular form of the herb used in medicine. Turmeric essential oil is also a potent medicinal substance.
- Treatment for sunburn: Turmeric has a protective effect that helps reduce the body's stress reaction to UV radiation damage, according to a study done on rabbits.
- Wounds: Turmeric is believed to speed up the healing process by lowering oxidation and inflammation linked to wounds. Additionally, it "improves[s] collagen deposition, tissue remodeling, granulation tissue formation, and wound contraction."
- Face mask: Since ancient times, people have used turmeric face masks to prevent acne and enhance the luster of their skin. It can be combined with vitamin E, yogurt, glycerine, honey, or aloe vera.
Uses in Cooking
As a general spice flavoring for dozens of other cultural foods and specialties, the herb is also a common element in soups, sauces, curries, meat dishes, biscuits, and rice preparations.
- Smoothies: It can be used to smoothies since it adds health benefits and a distinctively sweet taste that is reminiscent of pina coladas.
- Milk: To make delectable "golden milk," mix a spoonful of the herb with warm milk.
- Tea: To create the tea, combine 1 teaspoon of turmeric with warm water. In addition to its health benefits, this tea promotes glowing skin.
Adverse Reactions
Turmeric can have certain negative consequences on the body, especially when taken in excessive amounts, even though it isn't usually thought of as an allergic substance.
These consist of the following:
Nausea
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Excessive doses of curcumin taken for medical purposes have occasionally resulted in cardiac abnormalities. Additionally, by intensifying the effects of anti-clotting medications, it may reduce blood clotting. Therefore, before using turmeric, patients taking blood thinners or anticoagulants are advised to consult their doctor. Before making major dietary or supplement changes, always consult a healthcare provider. Also, keep in mind that everything should be taken in moderation.
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