Health Benefits of Turmeric
If you like Indian Cuisine, you have probably heard of Turmeric. In this post, we will briefly discuss the health benefits of Turmeric.
Before we do that, lets discuss what Turmeric is.
What Is Turmeric? What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is the most common name for the spice known as turmeric. It’s found in Indian curry powders, also used as a coloring agent in many foods (especially yellow food). In fact, you may have eaten some of this spice without knowing it!
The plant from which it comes was originally native to India, but has been cultivated since ancient times by Indians, Egyptians, Chinese, Arabs, and Persians. Modern day scientists are still discovering new uses for the spice.
What makes curcumin special is its ability to fight inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by injury or infection. When your body senses something harmful in your system, white blood cells rush into action, causing swelling and pain. This process is necessary to protect the rest of your body, but if left unchecked, it can become dangerous. A healthy immune system will usually keep these reactions under control. However, when there is an overabundance of inflammatory chemicals present, they cannot be controlled. That’s where curcumin comes in…
How Does Turmeric Help with Inflammation?
Inflammation occurs when our bodies sense an invader or foreign substance within them. White blood cells then begin attacking the invaders, attempting to destroy them. Unfortunately, this often causes collateral damage to nearby tissues. An example would be when someone cuts themselves shaving. If the wound isn’t cleaned properly, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the cut, leading to a major illness like sepsis.
There are other circumstances that cause inflammation too: infections, allergic responses, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, etc.
But one thing remains constant across all cases of inflammation – the production of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that contain oxygen atoms attached to carbon atoms. These molecules act as cellular messengers, delivering messages throughout the body. They play an important role in regulating cell growth and development. However, sometimes the message gets garbled, resulting in dysfunctional proteins.
For instance, a protein could turn on genes that produce more of itself, creating tumors. Or, the gene could tell another part of the same protein to stop functioning altogether, leaving people disabled. Either way, we want to avoid having excess free radical activity occurring inside our cells. The good news is, curcumin offers protection against free radicals.
In addition to fighting free radicals, curcumin helps protect cells from oxidation, which damages DNA. Oxidation is also responsible for aging. The longer we live, the less efficient our cells become. With age, cells lose their ability to repair damaged tissue and function normally. At first, this can just mean wrinkles forming around the eyes, neck, and mouth. Eventually, however, this leads to serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer.
Additional Benefits of Turmeric
The benefits of turmeric go beyond simply preventing inflammation. Curcumin also promotes healing and protects against radiation. It’s been shown to help prevent certain types of cancers. In fact, research suggests that curcumin may even kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Curcumin is not only helpful for inflammation – it has been found to support numerous health issues, including those related to cardiovascular disease, digestive problems, skin disorders, and mental health.
Where to Find Turmeric & How to Use
Turmeric is available at natural food stores in both powdered form and ground up powder in packets. You can mix turmeric into hot water and drink it as tea, or add it to soups or stews for extra flavor. When cooking meat dishes, sprinkle turmeric over the top after browning the meat; the curry will taste better than usual.
Alternatively, grind up a pinch of turmeric and stir it into yogurt for breakfast or use it to season rice pilaf. Try sprinkling fresh grated turmeric over roasted vegetables, salads, and Indian breads for added flavor.
Turmeric is also a key ingredient in garam masala, the popular spice blend used throughout India. To make your own, combine equal parts cayenne pepper, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, black peppercorns, and dried bay leaves. Grind the mixture together until fine and store in a sealed container away from heat and light. Use 1/4 teaspoon of the spice per serving of cooked poultry, fish, eggs, or vegetables.
You may already be familiar with turmeric’s amazing healing properties. But did you know that there’s another way to get your daily dose? Just a few teaspoons of freshly crushed turmeric root can supply you with enough curcumin to help protect against cancer and other chronic diseases. And unlike synthetic chemicals, turmeric has no known negative health consequences. Plus, it tastes great! It can also help reduce inflammation and relieve stress. So why wait to reap these benefits? Start adding Turmeric to your diet now!
FAQs – Turmeric
What are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric is a yellow spice, commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, that has numerous health benefits. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine for its therapeutic effects.
What are the active ingredients in Turmeric?
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its vibrant yellow color and many of its health benefits.
What are some of the key health benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with conditions such as arthritis and other forms of inflammation. It has also been shown to have strong antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, turmeric may help to improve brain function and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What is the recommended daily dose of Turmeric?
The recommended daily dose of turmeric varies based on age, weight, and health conditions. However, a general guideline is to take 400-600mg of turmeric per day. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Can I consume Turmeric in supplement form?
Yes, turmeric is available in supplement form, typically in the form of a capsule or tablet. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
What are the potential side effects of taking Turmeric?
Turmeric is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses. However, it may cause mild side effects in some people, such as upset stomach, dizziness, and diarrhea. It may also interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking turmeric if you are taking other medications.
Is Turmeric safe to consume during pregnancy?
While turmeric is generally considered safe, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplement during pregnancy, as some supplements may not be safe for pregnancy.
Can I cook with Turmeric to get its health benefits?
Yes, cooking with turmeric is a great way to get its health benefits. You can add it to soups, stews, curries, and other dishes for flavor and to boost their nutritional content.
Let us know how you use Turmeric in your weekly routine in the comments section below or on or Facebook or Instagram pages.
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