Turmeric Curcumin: What is turmeric good for?
What it is, properties and how to take it?
Turmeric is a medicinal plant that has a long root of intense yellow color that is transformed into powder and is used as a seasoning in several countries and as a food coloring, especially in India. This plant is also known as root saffron or as a stick.
In addition to being used very often in culinary, turmeric curcumin can also be used as a natural remedy to improve gastrointestinal problems, fever, treat colds and even reduce high cholesterol.
Turmeric is a plant with long, shiny leaves with a height of up to 1 meter and has long roots of intense orange or yellow color. An interesting fact is that it is one of the ingredients of curry, which is another seasoning widely used in Indian cuisine. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa and it can be bought in natural product stores, some pharmacies and in some markets.
Benefits of turmeric curcumin
The main properties of turmeric are its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and digestive action and, therefore, this plant could provide various benefits for the body such as:
- Improve digestion;
- Help in weight loss;
- Improve blood circulation;
- Fight colds and flu;
- Avoid asthma attacks;
- Detoxify the liver;
- Regulate the intestinal flora;
- Eliminate intestinal worms;
- Treat liver problems;
- Stimulate the immune system;
- Relieve inflammation on the skin such as eczema, acne or psoriasis;
It could help regulate blood sugar and avoid the possible complications of diabetes.
Turmeric can also be used to lower blood cholesterol levels, inhibit the formation of clots and relieve premenstrual symptoms.
The active substance in turmeric is curcumin, which is being studied to treat skin wounds such as burns. For its study, it is being included in gels and ointments for topical application, presenting excellent results. See all these benefits in the video below:
How to take it, turmeric curcumin
The most used part of turmeric is the powder that comes from its root to season meals, however, its leaves can also be used in the preparation of some teas.
Turmeric tea:
Place 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in 150 ml of boiling water and let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes. After you need to let it be warm, drink up to 3 cups a day between meals;
- Turmeric capsules: usually the recommended dose is 2 capsules of 250 mg every 12 hours, totaling 1 g per day, however, the dose may vary according to the problem to be treated;
- Turmeric gel: mix a tablespoon of aloe vera with turmeric powder and apply to the regions of the skin that are inflamed, as occurs in psoriasis.
In addition, to improve the absorption of antioxidants from the root, turmeric can be consumed with oils, such as olive, coconut or avocado oil, for example.
Possible side effects turmeric curcumin
The side effects of turmeric are related to its excessive use, which can cause irritation in the stomach and dizziness.
Contraindications turmeric curcumin
Despite having several health benefits, turmeric is contraindicated in people who are taking anticoagulant medications and in individuals who have bile duct obstruction due to gallstones. Turmeric should be used only under medical guidance if pregnancy is suspected or in pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Turmeric Curcumin health benefits
Turmeric Health Benefits are immense
Scientists finally discover what herbalists knew for centuries.Turmeric health benefits are immense and may be the key to your health.
Curcumin gives turmeric its yellow color, pungent flavor and anti-inflammatory properties. The substance does not only harbor anti-inflammatory effects, but is also an antioxidant and antibacterial. The content of curcumin in turmeric is about 3 – 4% by weight. Turmeric isn’t just curcumin. But the spice contains other antioxidants as well as, 25% volatile oil (presence of 400-500 different kinds of molecules). Turmeric Curcumin can help reduce inflammation by lowering the levels of histamine and stimulating adrenal glands to increase anti-inflammatory hormones. It can be used to ease joint pain and arthritis inflammation.
The active ingredient
Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is usually taken as a supplement. This component contains powerful medicinal properties that can prevent a host of health conditions. The health benefits of turmeric lie in the active ingredient Curcumin. Turmeric harbors plenty of stores rich in antioxidants. Curcumin has been found to have an anti-effect in the growth, development and spread of cancer cells. Research shows that the free radicals which damage cells and responsible for premature aging and cancer. Turmeric scientifically known as Curcuma longa, is a culinary spice that has for years been used in Indian curries and in the Indian Ayurvedic traditional medicine due to its healing properties
Turmeric has at least 6000 years of documented history of its use as medicine and in manny socio religious practices. The yellow colored compound of turmeric was isolated in 1842 and was named curcumin. There are several curcuminoids that have slightly different chemical structures. The curcuminoids are phenols and hence are very strong antioxidants. It is one of the most effective nutritional supplements that has been proven to contain major health benefits. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent studies have revealed that it can treat a wide range of other health conditions including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric health benefits
In recent years, turmeric health benefits have captured the attention of many scientists and herbalists. A study that looked at the performance and growth of the brain found that prolonged use of curcumin had the potential to improve brain functions. Curcumin can enhance memory, both spatial and non-spatial as well as hippocampal cell growth. It can increase the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a growth hormone in the brain. High levels of BDNF hormone increases the growth of new neurons and helps in fighting numerous brain degenerative processes.
Among the many turmeric health benefits, this has got to be one of the best. For several years, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. About 600,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year–that’s 1 in every 4 deaths. Turmeric harbors antiplatelet effects, helping reduce blood clotting and improving circulation of blood. The relationship between curcumin and heart disease has been studied and scientists have found that it has the ability to reverse heart disease and reduce strokes. It improves the function of endothelium (blood vessels lining), which when fails, leads to heart attack, blood clotting and high blood pressure.
Turmeric Curcumin has been shown to help treat a number of illnesses including digestive and liver problems as well as skin diseases. Used for over 6000 years in Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, the medicinal properties of turmeric have a beneficial influence on the liver. It has the ability to shrink and engorged hepatic ducts and can treat a variety of liver conditions including hepatitis, jaundice and cirrhosis. Several other recent studies additionally, have revealed that turmeric can protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxins including alcohol. Turmeric health benefits are immense and may be the key to your health. ( Some people are allergic to turmeric and must avoid it ).
See here more about turmeric curcumin from the wikipedia