High amounts of turmeric might have a blood-thinning effect. People with liver or bile duct disorders should not use turmeric supplements, as they might increase bile production. Turmeric is also known as curcumin, Curcuma, and Curcuma aromatica. In North India, turmeric is often called “haldi,” whereas in the south it is called “manjal”.
Turmeric is a flowering plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and its rhizomes, which are used as a spice in cooking. The most noteworthy aspect of turmeric is its vivid yellow color, which derives from molecules called curcuminoids, with the predominant one being curcumin. It has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and food, notably in South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Turmeric is a significant component in curry powders and is often used to flavor a range of meals, including curries, soups, rice, and meat dishes. It has a heated, bitter flavor and a spicy scent.
Turmeric is available in numerous forms, including fresh, dried, powdered, and as a nutritional supplement.
Turmeric includes a yellow molecule called curcumin, which is the active element in turmeric. Curcumin is a polyphenol that has various biological effects, including: Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anticarcinogenic, Antithrombotic, Cardiovascular protective.
Benefits of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory properties
Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, has been demonstrated to have substantial anti-inflammatory benefits. Chronic inflammation is connected to several disorders, including heart disease, cancer, and metabolic syndrome.
Antioxidant properties
Turmeric includes antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals, which may harm cells and lead to aging and many ailments.
Pain relief
Turmeric may help reduce pain, particularly in illnesses like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Improved digestion
Turmeric may benefit digestion by boosting bile production, which helps break down lipids in the digestive tract. It may also help reduce symptoms of indigestion and bloating.
Potential cancer prevention
Some study shows that turmeric may help prevent or reduce the growth of some forms of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.
Heart health
Turmeric may help improve heart health by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, lowering cholesterol levels, and increasing blood vessel function.
Brain health
Curcumin has been examined for its possible neuroprotective properties and its capacity to boost cognitive function. It may help protect against neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's disease.
Skin health
Turmeric is occasionally used topically to help relieve skin disorders including acne, eczema, and psoriasis due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics.
Medical use of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory agent
Turmeric includes curcumin, It is used to relieve inflammation associated with disorders including arthritis, rheumatism, and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Pain relief
Turmeric is utilized as a natural pain reliever due to its ability to decrease inflammation. It may help reduce pain linked with illnesses including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and muscle strains and sprains.
Digestive aid
Turmeric promotes bile production in the liver, which aids in digestion and helps the body breakdown fats. It is used to treat indigestion, bloating, and gas and may also help guard against digestive illnesses including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Antioxidant
Turmeric aid neutralize free radicals, which may harm cells and lead to chronic illnesses including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
Cancer prevention and treatment
Some studies show that turmeric may help prevent or reduce the growth of some forms of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer. It may also boost the efficiency of traditional cancer therapies including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Heart health
Turmeric may help improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and enhancing blood vessel function. It may also help prevent the formation of blood clots and minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Brain health
Curcumin has neuroprotective effects and may help protect against neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It may also boost cognitive function and memory.
Skin issues
Turmeric is used topically to treat several skin disorders, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, and wounds, because to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing effects.