Turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa is a herb from the ginger family and the roots of the plant are used for cooking and as medicine. It is marked by its bright yellow color and slightly peppery and bitter flavors.
Turmeric is also called the “Queen of Spices,” and has been used for thousands of years in Asia as part of Ayurvedic medicine.
Being a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent it is highly effective in treating arthritis, digestive disorders, liver problems, gallbladder problems and it also shows promise as a powerful anticarcinogenic agent.
The Main Constituents Of Turmeric
Turmeric mechanism of action is nature’s answer to all diseases. This herb is loaded with important vitamins, minerals, curcuminoids and essential oils that have numerous benefits for health.
- Curcuminoids – Active ingredients like curcumin and desmethoxycurcumin
- Essential oils – Essential oils such as Termerone, Cineole and Cymene
- Vitamins – Vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E and vitamin K
- Minerals – Iron, Potassium, Manganese, Magnesium, Copper and Zinc
- Fibers – Insoluble and Soluble dietary fiber
8 Best Uses Of Turmeric For Health
Turmeric is the most effective natural supplement that is a one stop natural solution for all diseases. No doubt, it has been used as medicine since the past 4000 years.
Boost Immunity
One of the most substantial uses of turmeric for health from the perspective of Ayurveda is boosting immunity or the body’s own defense mechanism that protects against disease causing bacteria and virus.
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin – the active ingredient present in turmeric helps in boosting immunity thereby, providing protection against fever, cold, cough, asthma and chest congestions.
Although, eating raw turmeric on a daily basis is a good habit but the curcumin present in turmeric is not well absorbed by the body, therefore, it is best to opt for supplements such as curcumin capsules benefits.
Detox The Liver
The benefits of turmeric for maintaining and improving liver health are well known. Turmeric is a natural cholagogue that stimulates bile production in the liver that promotes the excretion of bile through the gallbladder.
Curcumin present in Turmeric can also help in protecting against liver cancer and improving conditions of liver fibroids.
Turmeric aids the functions of specific enzymes that are responsible for removing dangerous carcinogens from the liver. It also helps in rejuvenating damaged liver cells and improving the gallbladder health as well.
Reduces Cholesterol Level
One of the important turmeric health benefits is that it helps in modifying the level of cholesterol in the blood.
The active constituent curcumin present in turmeric influences the liver cells to promote the production of mRNA (messenger proteins) that control the production of receptors for LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Increased LDL-receptors makes it easier for the liver cells to remove more LDL cholesterol from the body.
Curcumin also lowers the level of triglycerides and prevents oxidization of LDL that enhances the formation of atherosclerosis (thickening of the walls of arteries). Therefore, curcumin plays a significant role in improving cardiovascular health as well.
Powerful Antioxidant For Cancer Prevention
Turmeric is considered the ultimate Ayurvedic treatment for cancer. Curcumin derived from turmeric is an amazing antioxidant and has powerful anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive power that helps in controlling several factors that are involved in the growth of cancer.
Curcumin neutralizes cancer-causing inflammation and reduces cholesterol level of cytokines (inflammatory compounds) throughout the body.
It also reduces the production of Advanced Glycation End Products that promote inflammation and may cause cancerous mutation. It blocks cellular replication and uncontrolled growth of new tissues in cancerous tumors.
Improves Digestion
Turmeric has been used for centuries as one of the effective Ayurvedic treatments for digestive disorders.
The anti-inflammatory action of turmeric helps in controlling the level of stomach acids and helps in soothing an upset stomach and heartburn.
Curcumin inhibits cellular inflammation and improves intestinal cell function thereby helping in treating conditions of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease.
The good news is that even very low doses of curcumin is effective enough to protect against digestive disorders and so adding some turmeric powder to your curries is enough to do the trick.
Relieves Joint Pain In Arthritis
One of the most important turmeric uses in case of pains is that it helps in relieving joint pains caused by inflammation. The powerful antioxidants present in turmeric neutralize the inflammation caused by free radicals and oxidative stress and protects the cells and cell membranes.
This action of curcumin provides relief in diseases such as arthritis and gout where free radicals cause painful joint inflammation and eventually damage the joints.
The unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory combination of turmeric can help in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain if the herb or its extract is used regularly in the form of curcumin supplements.
Protection Against Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the groundbreaking turmeric medicinal uses is that it helps in improving brain functions and provides protection against progressive degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease.
One of the possible reasons for Alzheimer’s Disease is accumulation of amyloid-B protein fragments in the brain cells that disrupts brain functions by forming plaques between neurons.
Curcumin helps in inhibiting aggression of amyloid-B protein and has been shown to dissolve amyloid fibrils effectively.
Including curcumin supplements in the diet of elders helps in improving brain functions and slowing down age-related degeneration of brain functions. It also helps in blocking the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Enhances Skin Complexion
Since times immoral, turmeric has been used as the most effective skin care remedy that helps in controlling pimples and acne, improving skin complexion and acting as an Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis and other skin diseases.
Regular use of turmeric topically or as supplements help in defending the skin against harmful UV rays of the sun, improves skin elasticity and slows down the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
The powerful antibacterial properties of turmeric help in healing cuts and burns and treating skin diseases such as psoriasis.
Enhance your overall health with the nurturing bounty of nature and use curcumin either through turmeric or as supplements on a daily basis to prevent chronic diseases and get naturally glowing skin.