Turmeric is a spice native to India and Southeast Asia. It is grown commercially in India and Southeast Asia for culinary uses. Historically, it was used in Ayurveda and other traditional Indian medical systems, particularly for digestive ailments. Today, it is promoted as a dietary supplement, particularly for digestive problems. What are the benefits of turmeric? Here are just a few of them. But, before we get to those benefits, let’s review what turmeric is and why it is so beneficial.
A Brief Introduction to the Yellow Spice
Growing turmeric in the garden is quite easy. Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and shares many similarities with galangal and ginger. Turmeric requires high levels of nutrients and can be harvested anywhere from six to nine months after planting. The process involves adding organic matter to the soil, using predatory beneficial insects to control pests, and rotating the soil after each crop. Using composted manure or green manure will also help.
It grows well in wet, tropical climates. It is used both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Curcumin is the active agent of turmeric and has been linked to several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is also known for its anti-tumoral properties. While turmeric is not considered a cure-all, it is a safe and effective supplement for a variety of chronic ailments.
Uses of Turmeric
One of the most popular Indian spices, turmeric is used for medicinal purposes. Also known as Haldi in India, turmeric has been a popular medicinal ingredient for centuries. Curcumin, the compound in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Due to its many health benefits, turmeric is now considered a superfood. But, what exactly is it? How can it be used? And, which uses can you expect it to have?
Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric. It is used in many forms, including as a food coloring in India and Thailand, in medicine, and in cosmetics. It is also used as an antiseptic and antioxidant in China, Malaysia, and Pakistan. It is also available in supplements, energy drinks, soaps, and ointments. It has been shown to improve inflammatory markers in the blood and reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can attack body tissues, and curcumin may help the body combat this type of inflammatory response. It also helps fight against free radicals and toxins in the body. In addition to preventing disease and reducing the risk of cancer, turmeric is also effective against osteoarthritis. Westerners first learned about turmeric during Marco Polo’s 13th-century voyage to Asia, but only in the last century have they come to appreciate its health benefits.
The volatile components of turmeric make it highly beneficial for health. In addition to its many medicinal properties, turmeric is also an excellent sunburn treatment. As a face mask, turmeric can be used to improve the luster of the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even prevent acne. Turmeric can also be combined with honey, aloe vera, vitamin E, or yogurt to create a delicious, sweet mask. It can even be added to smoothies. And while you are at it, why not enjoy the benefits of turmeric?
Medicinal Benefits of Turmeric
In addition to its culinary benefits, turmeric also has medicinal uses. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been used for centuries to treat conditions ranging from ulcerative colitis to arthritis. It has also been shown to have beneficial effects in conditions involving the heart and gastrointestinal tract, including fibromyalgia, depression, and cancer. For these reasons, turmeric has been incorporated into a number of popular health foods, from green smoothies to juices.
Researchers have also discovered that turmeric may help fight chronic inflammation. Studies have shown that taking 2 grams of curcumin a day can help patients with ulcerative colitis stay in remission longer. Other studies have found that 90 milligrams of curcumin, taken twice a day, can improve memory performance in adults without dementia. But before you start consuming turmeric, make sure to know exactly how much curcumin you’re taking.
Final thoughts
In addition to its countless benefits, turmeric is also used as a food colorant. Turmeric is a cholagogue, meaning it increases the production of bile in the liver and encourages its excretion through the gallbladder. By boosting bile production, turmeric increases the body’s ability to digest fats. Turmeric is also a great way to fight colds and soothe sore throats.
