Health Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is a common spice which comes from the root of the Curcuma longa. It has bitter taste and it is uses to color and flavor to cheeses, mustards, butters and curry powder. Turmeric contains the chemical which is called curcumin which may be reducing the swelling. That is why it is also uses to relief from pain and inflammation. Turmeric is also used commonly for osteoarthritis. It is also used for itching, high cholesterol, fever, a type of liver disease and depression. But there is no specific evidence which support these findings. There is also no specific evidence which supports the use of turmeric for COVID-19.
- Etymology of Turmeric
The term turmeric derives from the Latin word terra merit which is referring to the colour of the ground turmeric. It is also resembles a mineral pigment. It is knows as “yellow root” in French. Its name is based on the Latin word “curcuma” in many cultures.
- Origin of Turmeric
Back nearly 4000 years, the use of turmeric dates to the Vedic culture in India. It had some religious significance and as used as a culinary spice in India. It probably reached by West Africa by 1200 ad, East Africa by 800 ad, China by 700 ad, and Jamaica in the eighteenth century.
- History of Turmeric
More than 4000 years ago, there are records of the use of turmeric. Back to 2500 BCE, there have been analyses of the pots dating which found the residue of turmeric. As far back as 5pp BCE, turmeric has been shown up in Ayurvedic medicinal texts. Since so many years, turmeric juice was used to heal bruises and wounds. Turmeric paste was said to be beneficial for shingles, blemishes and smallpox at that time.
- Nutritional information of Turmeric
One tablespoon of turmeric powder contains the following nutrition.
- 9.g of Protein
- 2g of Fiber
- 28 calories
- 25g of Carbohydrates
- 2g if Sugar
- 35g of Fat
The same one tablespoon serving provides the following nutrients.
- 3% of daily vitamin C
- 16% of daily iron
- 26% of daily manganese needs
- 5% of daily potassium
- Health Benefits of Turmeric
There are many health benefits of turmeric which are described in detailed and effective manner.
- Lessens Inflammation
Turmeric play an important role in lessens inflammation. In chronic conditions, where inflammation can affect the tissues in our body, turmeric has been seen to be very beneficial.
- Improves Memory
Turmeric plays an important role in improving our memory. Researches suggested that 90mg of taking the curcumin twice a day for one year and sic months might help to improve the performance of memory in adults. These results are promising because through these findings, researchers are able to understand that as well as curcumin’s antioxidant properties and the reduction in the brain inflammation led to less decline in neuro-cognition, which is also the ability to reason and think.
3. Lessens Pain
Turmeric has deep roots in both Ayurveda and Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of arthritis. There is also evidence to support these findings that taking some turmeric extract could reduce the pain from osteoarthritis. Although further researches is still needed to support this fact.
4. Fights Free Radicals
Turmeric has the antioxidant properties. A study shows thatby neutralizing the antioxidants properties, turmeric might be protect our body from free radicals. Another study also suggests that, antioxidants effects of turmeric might stimulate the actions of the other antioxidants.
5. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
Turmeric could lower the risk of heart disease with its ability to help reduce oxidation and inflammation. Researches showed that in older adults and in healthy middle aged adults, who took the curcumin supplements for twelve weeks, were increased in resistance artery endothelial production. Studies showed that, curcumin are safe and also protect from heart diseases by lowering the levels of cholesterol. Although some researches are needed to look more in the effectiveness of turmeric in lowering the risk of heart diseases.
6. Helps Fight Depression
It is said that, if a person has depression, the protein named BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) is reduced from hippocampus (helps us in memory and learning) starts to shrink. A research shows that curcumin can reverse the changes and boost the BDNF levels.
Another research shows that curcumin was effective as fluoxetine in lessening the symptoms of the depression. It might increase the levels of dopamine and serotonin which are chemicals in our brain that play an important role to regulate mood as well as other body functions.
7. Helps Prevent Cancer
According to a few studies, curcumin affect the development and growth of cancer. A research study focused on colorectal cancer showed 40% reduction of the number of the lesions in the colon in men.
- Treat or Prevent Diabetes
According to the researches, curcumin treat and prevent from diabetes. It does not only prevent from diabetes, it also does prevent from associated disorders like diabetic nephropathy as well, which affects people with type I as well as type II diabetes.
- May Improve Skin Health
Because of the antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric play an important role for the treatment for a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
- Work as an Anti-Aging Supplement
Turmeric has been shown to work as an anti-aging supplements in some studies. But there are limited researches which support this fact. There is a need to do more researches to support that whether turmeric work as an anti-aging supplement or not.
Summary
To sum up it can be concluded that, Turmeric as well as its most active compound named “curcumin” have many health benefits included potential t prevent against cancer, Alzheimer, as well as potential to improve heart health. These health benefits are also proven scientifically. It can be also concluded that, it is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also helps to improve the symptoms of arthritis as well as improve the symptoms of depression. That is why it is said that turmeric is very beneficial for our health.
