Turmeric: The Flavorful Healing Spice of India
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that is used in cooking, and it has gained immense popularity as one of the most powerful herbs for fighting various diseases. There are many proven health benefits of turmeric nowadays.
Turmeric is found in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The dried root of the plant is ground to obtain the distinctive yellow powder of turmeric. Turmeric contains numerous chemical compounds, so-called curcuminoids, the active ingredient of which is curcumin. Turmeric is the ingredient that gives turmeric many of its tremendous health benefits. Turmeric contains over 100 chemical compounds that contribute to its healing abilities.
Turmeric (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenol, has been shown to target many signalling molecules in cellular signalling pathways while also showing activity at the cellular level. Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other curcuminoids are bisdemethoxycurcumin and dimethoxy curcumin.
Top Health benefits of turmeric
Health Benefits of this Anti-Inflammatory
The most well-known health benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which give it the power to relieve swelling and pain in conditions such as arthritis. Inflammation is a very common cause of pain and discomfort. Using turmeric saves you from taking prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Increases Immunity
The immune system protects the body from pathogens that can cause disease and infection. Turmeric is one of the best foods for boosting immunity, maintaining, protecting, thereby reducing the risk of disease. Turmeric has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Health Benefits of this Anti-Inflammatory
The most well-known health benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which give it the power to relieve swelling and pain in conditions such as arthritis. Inflammation is a very common cause of pain and discomfort. Using turmeric saves you from taking prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
Increases Immunity
The immune system protects the body from pathogens that can cause disease and infection. Turmeric is one of the best foods for boosting immunity, maintaining, protecting, thereby reducing the risk of disease. Turmeric has antimicrobial and antiviral properties.
Pain Relief
Turmeric is used as a pain reliever for arthritis pain. This has been investigated in several studies, of patients with arthritis. Powerful Antioxidant Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. Oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms behind the development of numerous diseases and ageing.
Antioxidant
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Curcumin can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body. Improving brain function Curcumin can improve and increase the levels of the brain hormone “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new neurons and protects against many degenerative processes in the brain. Hence, turmeric has been used to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Pain Relief
Turmeric is used as a pain reliever for arthritis pain. This has been investigated in several studies, of patients with arthritis. Powerful Antioxidant Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative stress and free radical damage. Oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms behind the development of numerous diseases and ageing.
Antioxidant
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals. Curcumin can increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body. Improving brain function Curcumin can improve and increase the levels of the brain hormone “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new neurons and protects against many degenerative processes in the brain. Hence, turmeric has been used to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Lower your risk of heart disease
Curcumin plays an important role in preventing heart disease. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can improve endothelial function. In addition, it reduces the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. It can help reduce your risk of developing heart diseases and strokes.
Supports digestion
Turmeric also supports muscle movement, enzymatic reactions, acid production, and optimal absorption of nutrients in the intestine. Turmeric has long been used in traditional oriental medicine for its health benefits.
Curcumin, the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. While turmeric and curcumin are generally safe to consume, too much good stuff can be dangerous.
Lower your risk of heart disease
Curcumin plays an important role in preventing heart disease. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can improve endothelial function. In addition, it reduces the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. It can help reduce your risk of developing heart diseases and strokes.
Supports digestion
Turmeric also supports muscle movement, enzymatic reactions, acid production, and optimal absorption of nutrients in the intestine. Turmeric has long been used in traditional oriental medicine for its health benefits.
Curcumin, the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. While turmeric and curcumin are generally safe to consume, too much good stuff can be dangerous.
- Mild side effects include upset stomach, acid reflux, diarrhoea, dizziness, and headache.
- Taking high doses of turmeric supplements can significantly increase urinary oxalate levels and increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Since turmeric has a blood-thinning effect, it should be avoided if you have a bleeding disorder.
- Turmeric can be harmful if you are prescribed antidepressants, blood thinners, antihistamines, antibiotics, heart medications, and chemotherapy treatments.
- It can also interfere with diabetes drugs and cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Turmeric can make stomach problems like heartburn and gallstones worse. Turmeric reduces iron absorption, you should not ingest it if you are taking iron supplements.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women can eat foods that contain turmeric as a spice but should avoid taking turmeric supplements as this can stimulate uterine contractions and cause complications.
- Depending on your general health and whether you suffer from conditions such as kidney stones or gastrointestinal disorders, consult a doctor before taking any turmeric supplement. These supplements can stimulate uterine contractions and cause complications.
Turmeric uses : Ways to incorporate Turmeric in your daily food:
1. Add it to scrambles and curries.
Use a pinch of turmeric in scrambled eggs or curries. This is a great way to use turmeric as the colour is familiar and the flavour subtle.
2. Toss it with roasted vegetables.
Turmeric’s slightly peppery and warm peppery flavour works especially well with potatoes, cauliflower, and root vegetables.
3. Add it to rice.
A dash of turmeric brings colour and mild flavour to a pot of plain rice, a fancier pulav or Fragrant Yellow Rice.
4. Try it with greens.
Sprinkle turmeric into sautéed or braised greens like beans, spinach or cabbage.
5. Golden milk
Simmer turmeric with heavy milk and jaggery to make a comforting and earthy and beverage.
6. Use it in soups.
A bowl of chicken or vegetable soup feels even warmer when it’s drizzled with golden turmeric.
