Health Benefits of Turmeric – Super Herb
A cornerstone of the Indian Ayurvedic medicine for its preventive abilities, turmeric is a traditional golden-yellow spice that has delivered a host of health benefits to people in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East for many centuries now.
- By custom, this bitter, peppery and mustard-scented spice that comes from the root of the plant of Curcuma longa is used to put off problems typically felt in the digestive system, gallbladder, and liver.
- It is also used to relieve arthritis, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, fever, infections, and jaundice.
- Interestingly, it is also used to make the skin clear, smooth, and supple.
- Of course, it is an indispensable ingredient in the many variations of the Asian curry.
Still, there are more ways by which turmeric can benefit our health.
Below are just some of them.
Curcumin of Turmeric
The health punch that turmeric has lies largely on its curcumin content, which incidentally also gives this spice its signature bright ginger color and tart taste.
Curcumin is packed with high amounts of antioxidants that are responsible for giving turmeric its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
It also provides turmeric the ability to ward off potential diseases or stop them from getting any worse.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
- Turmeric for Anti-Inflammation
Turmeric is believed to ease inflammation by curbing histamine levels and encouraging the activities of adrenal glands that perform anti-inflammation actions.
It is widely used by people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and joint pains.
- Turmeric for Anti-Aging
The antioxidants found in turmeric can help us look young, really.
This is because the antioxidants in the spice limit the damages wreaked by free radicals, which are uncontrolled oxygen molecules that cause, among other things, premature signs of aging like wrinkling, dull complexion, and age spots on the skin.
- Turmeric for Cancer Prevention
Because of its rich antioxidant content, turmeric has also been included in naturopathy’s cancer-preventive diet.
Cancer, like many other kinds of diseases, is caused by the non-stop blitz of free radicals in the body.
Some preliminary studies have shown that turmeric can kill leukemia cells. These studies, however, are not yet conclusive.
- Turmeric for Liver Health
The use of turmeric to clean up toxins in the liver has been time-honored.
Recent studies have even confirmed that turmeric may indeed protect the liver from toxins, particularly alcohol.
- Turmeric for Cardiovascular Health
Turmeric is capable of keeping our blood from clotting and assisting regular blood flow.
This anti-platelet capability of turmeric may prove useful to us who would want to improve our cardiovascular health as well as prevent heart attacks and strokes.
- Turmeric for Digestion
Turmeric has been used for a long time to improve digestion and increase absorption of nutrients in the body.
It stimulates the flow of the bile and works like a natural laxative.
- Turmeric for the Skin
In some parts of Asia, women apply turmeric and milk onto skin to make it glowing.
It is believed that the anti-bacterial properties of turmeric fight blemishes.
Also the antioxidants in the spice are also thought to make the skin look young and soft.
Turmeric - Healthy but not for All
Just like all good things, turmeric is not a fit-for-all herb, meaning we should use it with caution.
- It is generally safe to consume turmeric but not on very high dosages as it can upset the stomach and other parts of the digestive system when taken excessively.
- Women who are lactating or pregnant as well as people under medication or suffering from certain severe conditions ought to speak with their doctors first before using turmeric.
- People who are already suffering much pain from gallstone and liver disorders should avoid using turmeric and first speak with their doctors.
We should note that turmeric, very healthful and useful as it is, has been used for prevention, rather than cure to most health conditions.
Copyright © 2012 Kerlyn Bautista
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