sTurmeric has gained a very privileged place in the gastronomic and medicinal world. This spice is one of the most used by those who know the benefits offered to the body, that is why today you will have the opportunity to know more about the health benefits of turmeric – the miraculous plant.
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a tropical plant native to India. Other names with which it is known are: yuquilla, Indian gold or saffron stick. Its rhizomes are ground to a yellowish orange powder that contains incredible properties. Curcumin is its main active component and responsible for its intense color. Turmeric is edible, that is, it can be eaten! In fact, it has been used for years as a spice in Indian cuisine and many other countries.
But do you want to know how to include it in your menu? Well, since it has a slight spicy flavor, you can use it to flavor rice, soups, stews, vegetables, etc. In addition, you can also use it to color your meals. However, that’s not all, another way to consume it is as tea or infusion. But you may wonder, will it be true that it has medicinal properties? I will give you the answer below and also present the main health benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric is not only known for its use in the kitchen but for the medicinal properties it possesses, in fact it is one of the plants used in Ayurveda medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Let’s see why.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
This wonderful spice contains a lot of very important nutrients for the organism such as: vitamins C, E, and K, dietary fiber, protein, niacin and minerals (potassium, sodium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc and calcium).
The health benefits of turmeric focus on its active ingredient: curcumin, which contains anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-coagulant and antioxidant benefits.
1. Anti-Inflammatory potencial
Prevents the segregation of inflammatory prostaglandin and is so effective that it has been compared with the effect produced by corticosteroids, but without anti-cancer side effects: beta-carotene and curcumin are two powerful anticancer ingredients that help the body resist the terrible effects of chemotherapy, which is one of the treatments against cancer. Fighting against the oxidation of cells.
2. Powerful Antioxidant
It is excellent against the fight of free radicals as it increases the levels of antioxidants in the body. It also prevents the oxidation of the arteries of the heart bringing benefits to it.
3. Natural Anticoagulant
Helps the blood flow more easily, therefore prevents the formation of plaques in the arteries.
4. Antimicrobial effect
In the year 2000 an article was published in ARS Pharmaceutica where several studies were described demonstrating the efficacy of the active principles of turmeric to combat the large positive bacteria, their anti-parasitic efficacy and their anti-fungal activity.
5. Natural Antidepressant
Scientific studies have shown that both turmeric extract and powder serve as a potent stimulant of the central nervous system, and has a positive effect on mood as it increases the production of serotonin this chemical is considered responsible for keeping our mood in balance.
6. Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis
This disease is characterized by inflammation, pain, difficulty in joint functions and stiffness. However, studies have shown that the chemicals in turmeric are highly effective in blocking the inflammation that is caused by the disease.
7. Prevents osteoporosis
Bone loss is a major concern for women especially postmenopausal, but studies have proven the effectiveness of turmeric to prevent the loss of bone mineral density found in the spine and hip areas of the body more prone to fracture.
8. Improves memory
One of the most important health benefits of turmeric is that it improves memory. A study carried out with people who complained of slight lack of memory were treated with turmeric which reduces brain inflammation and the results showed that this powerful plant can provide cognitive benefits that help improve memory loss.
Is It Good for Weight Loss? Let’s See
Weight loss is one of the benefits of turmeric. Weight loss is one of the things most sought by those who want to maintain good health or look good. You’ll be happy to know that turmeric is ideal to get those extra pounds off.
Due to its antioxidant power it contributes to reduce cholesterol levels, triglycerides and oxidized LDL, which is responsible for atherosclerosis or arteries clogged by fat. There are many ways you can take it to achieve your goal, either lose weight or improve your health.
Curcumin decreases the amount of blood that is distributed to the adiositos, which are cells that store energy in the form of fat; so that the absence of nutrients prevents fat cells becoming enlarged. On the other hand, it stabilizes blood sugar levels, preventing excess fat from accumulating in the body.
How to Consume It?
Powder: You can add it to your food and drinks, such as soups, sauces, milk, tea, among others. You can eat 400 to 600 mg of turmeric a day.
In Capsules: This presentation can be obtained in health food stores and supermarkets, some come in doses of 350 mg, if you get it that way you can take two capsules a day.
In Pasta: If you want to cure a burn or other skin injury prepare a paste with turmeric powder and aloe vera and place it on the affected area, let it act for a few hours and rinse. Remember not to expose yourself to the sun while you apply the paste.
Turmeric Tincture: This is a liquid presentation and you can add 2 to 3 drops in any liquid that you are going to consume as soup, juice, water, etc. You can find this presentation in stores where they sell healthy foods or in the section of health products in supermarkets.
Although there are many health benefits of turmeric, some people wonder: Can I take it? Is it bad for some people? Can pregnant women consume it? Let us know in which cases it is contraindicated.
Contraindications of consuming turmeric
During Pregnancy or Lactation: In view of the fact that the baby that is carried in the womb can absorb all the substances that the mother consumes it is important to avoid the use of supplements and alternative medicines based on turmeric since this can stimulate the uterus and cause an abortion, in addition if you are allergic it is best to avoid it.
People with Gallstones: Some people have more pain in the gallbladder because turmeric causes the gallbladder to produce more bile, although this improves digestion promotes the production of stones not only in the gallbladder but in the kidneys. That’s why it’s best to consult a specialist before deciding to use turmeric.
Diabetics: If you already have a medical control to treat diabetes it is best not to swallow turmeric because it lowers blood sugar levels and a sudden drop in sugar can be dangerous.
Gastric Problems: The excessive consumption of turmeric can cause gastric problems such as ulcers, that is why, if you already have this injury in the stomach, it is best to be careful in the dose you plan to take or otherwise avoid it.
Before surgery: Turmeric tends to slow down blood clotting, which can increase bleeding during and after an operation.
Where to Buy It?
This is a question that many people ask, but it is not difficult to acquire it because due to its high consumption there are many places where you can buy turmeric, for example, you can find it in organic stores, pharmacies, spice stands, supermarkets and herbalists.
Turmeric nutritional table
General
- Energy 314 Kcal
- Total fat 3,24 gr
- Carbohydrates 69,99 gr
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Water 13 mg
- Protein 9,50 g
Vitamins
- Vitamin E 4,40 mg
- Vitamin K 13,6 mg
- B-3 Vitamin 5 mg
- B-9 Vitamin 5 mg
Minerals
- Calcium 170 mg
- Iron 50 mg
- Potassium 2090 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Sodium 28 mg
- Zinc 55 mg
- Copper 25 mg
- Manganese 90 mg
- Selenium 0 mg
Via: MedicalNewsToday | WebMD | Dr.Axe
