The plant’s ground roots are used to make the turmeric that is found in spice cabinets and on shelves. Turmeric has been used as a dye by numerous cultures because of its vivid yellow colour.
Curry powder also contains a significant amount of ground turmeric. Among the commercially accessible forms of turmeric are capsules, teas, powders, and extracts.
The key component of turmeric is called curcumin, and it has potent biological effects. Turmeric is suggested by the traditional Indian medical system of Ayurveda therapy for a number of ailments.
They consist of inflammation and persistent pain. Studies on turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent have started in Western medicine. Learn more about the potential health benefits of turmeric by reading on.
What do curcumin and turmeric mean?
Curry’s yellow hue comes from the spice turmeric. For thousands of years, it has been used as a spice and medicinal herb in India. Studies have indicated that chemicals having therapeutic potential are present in turmeric.
We refer to these substances as curcuminoids. The primary active component of turmeric, curcumin, is the most significant. These are the top ten health advantages of curcumin and turmeric that are supported by research.
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What is the herb turmeric?
Turmeric (Curcuma longa), which gives curries their distinctive yellow colour, also affects the flavour, colour, and texture of the food it is paired with. Turmeric is a tropical spice that has long been known for its health advantages, particularly its ability to reduce inflammation. It is a popular topic of news coverage. It is the root of a flowering plant and a member of the ginger family.
Turmeric’s nutritional profile
Approximately one tablespoon of powdered turmeric contains • 0.9g protein; 4g carbs; 2.1g fibre; 0.3g fat; 196 mg potassium; 5.17 mg iron; 29 kcal/123 KJ.
Includes protecting substances
Turmeric is one of those colourful plants that are helpful for our health since they contain pigments that give them their vibrant colours. The primary active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, accounts for approximately 3% of the root’s weight and is the focus of much of the spice’s notoriety.
These chemicals are collectively referred to as curcuminoids. Curcumin is simply one of hundreds of bioactive chemicals present in this spice, despite being an outstanding ingredient.
Possesses antioxidant properties
Plant chemicals such as curcumin are valuable because they aid the body in fending off the detrimental effects of oxidation. This process has the potential to result in chronic inflammation over time, which can then trigger age-related diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
Our bodies are better equipped to handle ageing and the inflammation that comes with it when we include foods high in antioxidants in our diet. It might also lessen inflammation brought on by activity and possibly ease some muscle discomfort.
The body’s ability to produce antioxidants can be enhanced by turmeric.
It is thought that oxidative damage is one of the processes that cause ageing and other illnesses. Free radicals are extremely reactive compounds that lack a paired electron.
Free radicals frequently react with essential organic materials like proteins, DNA, and fatty acids. Because of its chemical makeup, curcumin is a strong antioxidant that may scavenge free radicalsTrusted Source.
Moreover, investigations on animals and cells According to a reliable source, curcumin may both increase the activity of other antioxidants and inhibit the effects of free radicals. Additional human clinical research is required to validate these advantages.
Curcumin may reduce your chance of developing heart disease.
The leading cause of death worldwide according to Trusted Sources is heart disease. Investigate Curcumin may offer protection against several stages of the heart disease process, according to a reliable source.
More specifically, it enhances the health of your blood vessel lining or endotheliumTrusted Source. Heart disease has endothelial dysfunction as one of its main causes. Trusted Source.
This is the condition in which your endothelium fails to control blood pressure, coagulation, and other physiological parameters. Curcumin may also benefit heart health, according to additional research.
Furthermore, as was previously said, curcumin can aid in lowering oxidation and inflammation, both of which can contribute to heart disease.
It’s possible that turmeric helps prevent cancer.
Supplemental curcumin appears to be effective against a wide range of cancer types. Trusted Source. Indeed, curcumin has been proven to influence the growth and development of cancer and has been explored as a helpful herb in cancer treatmentTrusted Source.
Research has demonstrated that it can: aid in the malignant cells’ demise decrease angiogenesis, and the tumour’s creation of new blood vessels. minimise metastasis, or the spread of cancer
Additionally, there’s evidence (Trusted Source) that curcumin may help prevent cancer from starting in the first place, particularly colon cancer and other digestive system malignancies.
Could lessen the symptoms of arthritis
Research contrasting the anti-inflammatory effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) and turmeric has demonstrated significant promise.
Positive results have also been obtained from animal research investigating curcumin’s therapeutic potential as an arthritis therapy. In actuality, curcumin’s capacity to reduce joint discomfort presents the strongest supporting data.
However, more carefully thought-out clinical trials are still required to evaluate the effectiveness of curcumin for arthritis patients, especially those who take NSAIDs to treat their illnesses.
Could aid persons suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s
Turmeric contains another active component called turmerone. Although there is still much to learn about turmerone, research indicates that it may help treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke by inducing cell repair and maybe promoting the restoration of brain function.
However, since the active ingredients in turmeric are frequently poorly absorbed in people, additional research is required before we can determine how useful turmerone may be. Moreover, these studies usually only use animal and cell models.
Could bolster the immune system
Curcumin has the potential to modulate immunity by affecting key immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and “natural killer” cells. Furthermore, curcumin seems to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory molecules known as cytokines, which are ultimately responsible for the harm brought on by inflammation.
Curcumin may improve our immune responses when taken in small dosages, assisting us in fending off infection. Additionally, some research on animals points to a potential function in the management of allergic reactions, such as hay fever.
Could improve mood
Once more, curcumin might be the reason why the spice improves our mood and lessens some depressive symptoms. According to one study looking at its antidepressant properties, curcumin works just as well as the medication Prozac. Curcumin may also increase feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, according to some research.
Could improve memory
According to research on animals, curcumin raises brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, a hormone. This plays a crucial part in memory and learning and aids in the survival of nerve cells. Although more human research is required to properly explore these advantages, preliminary results are encouraging.
Could lessen ageing symptoms
By protecting cells from harm and activating specific proteins, curcumin may help slow down the ageing process. This may halt the advancement of age-related illnesses and lessen their accompanying symptoms.
Is turmeric beneficial for you overall?
This golden spice is thought to lessen inflammation and damage to our cells, maybe delay the ageing process, relieve arthritis symptoms, and possibly even stop the spread of malignant cells.
Even while these advantages seem plausible, curcumin’s low absorbability limits them, and additional research is required to find out how this might be improved.
However, adding spice to your food on a daily basis may have some advantages. For best results, try combining turmeric with freshly ground black pepper and a little fat or oil.
Is everyone safe to use turmeric?
Turmeric is a safe choice for the majority of us, but in rare cases, care should be used. You should not take therapeutic doses of turmeric if you are pregnant. According to recent animal research, curcumin may change oestrogen levels.
However, it might be advantageous to consume the spice in moderation during pregnancy, for instance, in a meal or beverage. Steer clear of turmeric in large amounts if you suffer from iron-deficient anaemia.
Spice-containing compounds seem to bind to iron in the stomach, preventing it from being absorbed and exacerbating symptoms.
You should be warned that turmeric increases bile output if you have liver illness, gallstones, or bile duct obstruction.
Consuming as much of it could make your symptoms worse. If you’re taking medication, consult your chemist or general practitioner for advice. Take extra caution when using turmeric if you are on blood thinners, diabetic medicine, or PPIs like omeprazole for acid reflux.
Regarding the effects and interactions of turmeric, there is still much to discover. More study is required to assess the impact on human health, as the majority of the evidence to date has come from studies conducted on animals and in test tubes.
FAQS
Who shouldn’t consume turmeric?
Certain persons should avoid consuming turmeric, according to doctors: expectant mothers and those reliable
Sources who are nursing, undergoing chemotherapy, or suffering from bile duct or liver issues individuals on anticoagulant or anti-diabetic drugs those who underwent surgery in the previous two weeks
Is taking turmeric daily beneficial?
Considering all of the health benefits of turmeric, taking it regularly isn’t a bad idea. Constipation, diarrhoea, or vomiting are unlikely to occur if you adhere to the 12 g or less Trusted Source recommendation. Find out more about the dosage of turmeric.
Is it possible for turmeric to burn tummy fat?
The primary ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, may help reduce belly fat, according to research trusted Sources. Find out more: Does curcumin aid in weight loss?
