Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of the turmeric longa plant, which is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is often used to flavor or add color to curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses.
Just be careful with your clothes. Turmeric will easily stain them, but may not remove the color.
Turmeric contains the widely known and famous curcumin. Curcumin - a yellow pigment found mainly in turmeric. Curcumin is a polyphenol with anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to increase the amount of antioxidants produced by the body.
Because curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric can reduce swelling, it is often used to treat conditions related to pain and inflammation.
People commonly use turmeric to treat osteoarthritis. It is also used to treat hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and reduce itching. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Do not confuse turmeric with Javanese turmeric root or tree turmeric. Also, don't confuse it with goldenrod, which is an unrelated plant sometimes called turmeric.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Most studies use turmeric extracts that are standardized to contain high levels of curcumin.
The English name of turmeric is – TURMERIC
Turmeric benefits
Turmeric is used when the following symptoms are present:
- Hay fever. Taking turmeric appears to reduce symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching, or runny nose.
- Depression. Most studies show that taking curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric, reduces symptoms of depression in people already taking an antidepressant.
- High cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia). Taking turmeric appears to reduce blood levels of a type of blood fat called triglycerides. However, the effect of turmeric on cholesterol levels is controversial. Also, there are many different turmeric products. Not sure which ones work best.
- Accumulation of fat in the liver people who drink little or no alcohol (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). Taking turmeric extract reduces markers of liver damage in people with this disease. It also seems to help prevent more fat from building up in the liver.
- Swelling (inflammation) and ulcers inside the mouth (oral mucositis). When inflammation starts to affect the tissues of the body, taking turmeric can be helpful. In one study of patients with ulcerative colitis, those who took 2 grams of curcumin per day along with prescription medications were more likely to remain in remission than those who took the drug alone.1
- Osteoarthritis. Taking turmeric extracts alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients can reduce pain and improve function in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Turmeric can work in the same way as ibuprofen for pain relief. But it doesn't seem to work as well as another drug called diclofenac.
- Itching. Consuming turmeric can reduce itching caused by a variety of causes.
- Free radicals. Turmeric helps fight free radicals. Turmeric has antioxidant properties, and one study suggests that it may protect the body from free radicals by neutralizing them.2
Another study suggests that the antioxidant effects of turmeric may also promote the effects of other antioxidants.
Maybe not effective
Turmeric is also used to reduce other symptoms, but there is a lack of information to support this:
- Alzheimer's disease. Taking turmeric, or a chemical in turmeric called curcumin, does not seem to improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
- Stomach ulcers. Taking turmeric does not seem to improve stomach ulcers.
Side effects
When taken orally: Turmeric is likely safe when used short-term. Turmeric products that contain up to 8 grams of curcumin daily appear to be safe for up to 2 months of use, and up to 3 grams of turmeric daily appear to be safe for up to 3 months of use. Turmeric does not usually cause serious side effects. Some people may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, dizziness or diarrhea. These side effects are more common with higher doses.
After applying to the skin: turmeric is likely safe. We have no information that side effects have occurred.
When used as an enema: turmeric may be safe, with no reported side effects in the literature.
Turmeric is safe to consume. Side effects are observed only after overdose. Taking up to 3 grams of turmeric daily appears to be safe for up to 3 months
What to pay attention to
Surgery: Turmeric may slow blood clotting. This can cause additional bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using turmeric at least 2 weeks before your scheduled surgery.
Gallbladder problems: Turmeric can make gallbladder problems worse. Do not use turmeric if you have gallstones or bile duct obstruction.
Pregnancy: Turmeric is usually used in small amounts as a spice in foods. However, taking large amounts of turmeric as a medicine during pregnancy is probably not safe. It can cause a menstrual period or stimulate the uterus, putting you at risk of pregnancy. Do not take medicinal amounts of turmeric if you are pregnant.
The use of turmeric
Turmeric was most commonly used by adults in doses of up to 1.5 grams per day for up to 9 months. It is also sometimes used in mouthwashes, gels, creams and tonics. Talk to a professional to find out what dosage might be best for your particular condition.
For optimal absorption, it is recommended to consume with heart-healthy fats such as avocado, nut and seed oils.
High-quality and reliable turmeric can be purchased from: Turmeric
How to use turmeric
You can take turmeric as a supplement or use it as a spice.
"Curcumin is stronger in the supplement because they extracted it from turmeric," says Hopsecger. “If you buy turmeric in the store, it has some antioxidant properties. Although its use as a spice may not have much impact, it is a great way to flavor food without salt.”
Turmeric – and especially its most active compound, curcumin – has many scientifically proven health benefits, such as its ability to improve heart health.
It is a strong antioxidant. It can also help improve symptoms of depression and arthritis.
It is important to rememberthat everyone's health is individual and there is no common recipe for everyone!
So, if you want to know what nutrients your body might be lacking right now, health professionals recommend a guide – "Your Day".
- In time, pay attention to the signals sent by your well-being
- Replenish the body with natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients necessary for health.
- Enjoy energy and good mood everyday!
