Turmeric is the golden spice and a commercial crop. It is a 3 ft. tall perennial flowering herb with whose roots which is used as condiments and as the stimulant in most of the medicines.
It is the most wanted culinary spice in many cuisines across the globe. In general, it works against inflammation, protects your heart in various ways thus boosting a healthy cardiovascular system, fights joint pains and is an anti-cancerous crop.
It has various names such as Indian saffron, yellow ginger, yellow root or ukon. Curcumin present in Turmeric gives the yellow color to the crop and this chemical is used widely to color food and cosmetics.
Turmeric is widely used as a flavoring agent in many cuisines, from Indian to Middle eastern. Apart from being an anti-inflammatory agent, it has many associated health benefits – read on to know more.
Turmeric contains the Bioactive Compounds You Need
While you may have made turmeric as part of their daily diet and have included the same in their cuisine for thousands of years, it is only of late that the bioactive compounds of this nutrition supplement have come under the scanner.
Turmeric contains Curcumin, which acts as both an anti-inflammatory agent and an anti-oxidant. While in its natural form turmeric contains only a little curcumin, including it as part of your daily diet should provide you with the associated health benefits over prolonged usage.
Now, what drives the yellow spice to shine so bright?
Despite strict food safety regulations and volatility in the International market, export of the spices has been consistently increasing. The pharmaceutical sector has driven the demand for turmeric in the market in the recent past as well. Major countries like India export turmeric
The Top Ways You Can Use Turmeric
What makes turmeric special is its ability to offer you a whole range of benefits, from health to skin and even stress. Here is a look at how you could use turmeric and its top benefits.
Turmeric medicinal Benefits
Turmeric or more specifically Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It enables your body to attack and protect your body from foreign substances, prevent and fight chronic inflammation and helps fight off cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease to name a few.
One tsp. of turmeric has 29 calories, which is close to a gram of protein, 2 grams of fiber and 6 grams of carbohydrates. Potassium, Manganese, and Phosphorus are the important minerals present in the orange-yellow spice.
Turmeric is said to have the anti-cancer agent, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Chemicals such as to treat medical problems such as
- Jaundice
- Menstrual problems
- Flatulence
- High cholesterol
- Headache
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Bowel syndrome
- Hemorrhage
- Cystic fibrosis
- Different skin diseases
Presence of diferuloylmethane, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberene, sugars, protein, and resins allow turmeric to be the most wanted. Be it in the kitchen or in medicine. It has potential to soothe burns and cuts.
Turmeric is said to inhibit the production of cancer cells in your body. Multiple types of cancer and various age linked diseases can be cured with this golden yellow spice. It is a “turn off gene agent” thus curing many heredity disorders.
Turmeric can be applied to the skin for sprains, swellings, acne, bruising, leech bites, skin sores, gum-related diseases, eye infections and infected wounds.
Turmeric curing Cancer
Cancer Research UK suggests that presence of diferuloylmethane in turmeric allows you to fight with tough cancer cells. It has the ability to inhibit the precancerous changes multiplying cancer cells. Breast cancer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer and skin cancer can be treated with turmeric.
Studies prove its presence in the usage for having therapeutic effects.
2013 study suggests that joined usage of diferuloylmethane and chemotherapy for cancer treatment is helpful rather than just giving chemo to the patient. It will catalyze the effect of chemotherapy treatment.
In 2007, the American study in mice showed that curcumin inhibited the growth of cancer cells in the breast. Different lab research shows that curcumin can restrict an enzyme that helps multiple heads and neck cancer.
A recent study had 21 patients with neck and head cancers consuming two tablets having 1,000 Milgram’s of curcumin. The results showed significant improvement. The curcumin stopped Cancer-producing enzymes in the patient’s mouths, thus indicating a marked health improvement.
Turmeric is a potent Anti-oxidant Agent
The anti-oxidant agent of turmeric can attack cancer cells, thus inhibiting rapid multiplication of cancer cells.
Turmeric reduces Alzheimer’s disease
Another recent study of 2017 shows that curcumin can improve your memory thus increasing brains retention power of memorizing various things. It also prevents mood swings. It is widely believed by the doctors that this improvement in your body happens because of the anti-inflammatory property of the spice. Studies have found that it boosts the repair of stem cells of the brain thus helps in recollecting things.
Turmeric acts as a Powerful Anti-inflammatory Agent
The medical director of Arizona Centre or Integrative Medicine, Dr. Randy J. Horwitz MD experimented with turmeric on rats with injected rheumatoid arthritis. Studies reveal the reduction of the symptoms available in rheumatoid arthritis.
The orange-yellow color spice is also used for treating uveitis (swelling in the middle layer of the eye). The daily dosage of turmeric can improve your kidney functioning in your body, thus preventing you from reaching the early stages of Dialysis Treatment.
Turmeric pain Relief from Arthritis
Turmeric extract reduces the pain in arthritis. It also acts as a pain relief for osteoarthritis, which is quite similar to arthritis.
Turmeric helps in Digestion
Turmeric extracts help in the secretion of the bile juice, which generally helps in digestion. In Germany, doctors will prescribe you turmeric for digestive problems. It prevents bloating and stomach gas problems. It also eases bowel related problems.
Turmeric reduces Risk of Heart Diseases
One of the major causes of heart disease happens to be endothelial dysfunction; Endothelium actually helps to regulate blood clotting, blood pressure among others.
Curcumin or turmeric actually helps your endothelium to function better, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease. Simply told, turmeric reduces the risk of heart attacks and heart stroke by preventing the formation of plaque in your arteries.
Turmeric makes your immune system strong
The orange-yellow spice has the immunomodulatory agent, thus catalyzing antibody reaction. It has anti-microbial properties:
- Prohibits the growth of Bacillus cereus and Proteus mirabilis
- Prevents the multiplication of foodborne pathogens
- Due to its anti-bacterial property, it is a good fighter against Trichophyton longifusus
Turmeric is the Anti oxidant you Need
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and helps regulate and control free radicals in your body. Free radicals are essentially highly reactive molecules that cause damage to your body organs and turmeric inhibits this behavior by boosting your immune system and helping it to produce more antioxidant enzymes
Turmeric helps Improve brain function
Turmeric is known to boost your brain’s growth hormone or to be more specific Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) which actually enables your neurons to make new connections. This is one of the reasons why turmeric is recommended to be included in the diet of those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other brain related anomalies.
Side Effects of Turmeric
- May cause you Hypoglycemia
- Anticoagulant
- Medicinal dosage might result to slow clotting of blood thus increasing your blood flow during menstrual cycle
- An overdose of turmeric is harmful to the liver
Turmeric as a Great Culinary Aid
Nutrients present in one tsp. of turmeric powder are – 26% of Manganese, 16% of iron, 6% of vitamin B6, and 5% of potassium.
Turmeric powder goes well with curries, seasoned meats, and others making it excellent to taste. The calorie content in the turmeric is very low.
It is also available as supplements in the market. Adding turmeric powder while cooking green leafy vegetables is good for health as it boosts your immune system.
Black pepper goes well with turmeric powder. It will make your dish delicious, tasty and the yellow tinge will be an add-on making it look vibrant. Having raw turmeric will leave your tongue bitter.
Other spices that can be combined with turmeric to taste your food good are cumin, coriander, cardamom, cayenne, and mustard. It adds light flavor and color to rice, eggs, soups, stews, paneer, chicken, fish and others.
Combined consumption of black pepper and turmeric increases its absorption rate in the body by 2000 %. Curcumin is fat soluble so it advisable you have it with fatty foods.
Easy to Make Food Recipes with Turmeric
Here are some easy recipes that you can try to make at home with turmeric.
1.Root Vegetables with Turmeric
One of the more healthier options out there, it’s got a good many vegetables to offer you complete nutrition.
Ingredients you need – turmeric, black pepper, salt, cauliflower, potatoes, carrot, a pinch of turmeric and black pepper cooked with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables is a healthy preparation.
Method – A pinch of turmeric and black pepper cooked with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables is a healthy preparation.
2. Turmeric with Rice
More of a simpler method, this can be ideal after a hard day at work. Ingredients you need – Turmeric, Plain Basmati Rice
Method – Sprinkling turmeric in a pot of boiling plain basmati rice will not only give flavor and aroma but will also bring color to the preparation.
2. Chicken with Turmeric
If you are looking to add in chicken to your meal with turmeric, this is what you are looking for.
Ingredients you need – Turmeric, carrot, beans, capsicum, chicken
Method – A dash of turmeric in a bowl of vegetable soup or chicken soup adds a great taste to it.
3. Coconut Milk with Turmeric
If you would rather avoid the tart taste of turmeric, this is the recipe you need. It’s got all you need, from coconut milk to honey, and ensures that you get just the right blend of sweet and sour.
Ingredients you need
- Turmeric
- Coconut Milk,
- Honey
Method
Simmering coconut milk, honey, and turmeric will give you a soothing refreshment.
Home Made Recipes for Turmeric Smoothie: (an Alternative form of Turmeric Supplement)
These homemade recipes for a Turmeric smoothie – the perfect replacement to a Turmeric supplement – can be a great way to start the day.
However, do note that these would take a while to make, which means that you may want to try them out on a Sunday morning.
The Golden Herb Makes Your Skin Glow
The orange-yellow herb has anti-oxidant and antibacterial property due to which you can introduce turmeric into your daily skin care regime to cleanse your skin. This will prevent the growth of bacteria in your skin cells. National Psoriasis Foundation advises people to intake turmeric for treatment of psoriasis.
Studies conducted in India shows that the combined application of neem paste and turmeric paste on skin helps to treat your pimples, acne, sunburns, and rashes.
It is most effective when applied as the facial mask. After application on your skin you can leave it for 20 minutes to dry, then you can wash it off with water and pat dry.
Turmeric’s anti-aging, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant property will give your skin a fresh, toned and a healthy look. Recommended Home Made Turmeric Face Pack:
Turmeric for dry skin:
Things needed- ¼ Tsp. turmeric powder and 1 Tbs. coconut milk. Mix the ingredients well and apply it on your face. Wait for 20 minutes it to dry before rinsing gently with water.
2. For Acne Prone Skin
Things needed – ½ Tsp. turmeric powder and 1 Tbs. yogurt. Mix the ingredients to get a smooth texture. Gently apply it on the face. Wait for 15 minutes. Let it dry before rinsing off with water.
3. For Oily Skin:
Things needed – ½ Tsp. turmeric powder and 1 Tbs. honey. Blend the mixture until smooth. Gently apply it on the face. Wait for 20 minutes. Let it dry before rinsing off with water.
Benefits of adding turmeric into your daily skin care regime
- Turmeric Curcumin
- Via direct Turmeric Plus
- Premium Ultra Plus Turmeric Curcumin
- Doctors Recommended Turmeric Supplement
- Vita direct Health Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine
- Zhou Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin With Ginger
- New Chapter Turmeric Force
- Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin
- Key Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin
- Purly Grown Turmeric Complex
The Orange-Yellow Colour Adds Positivity in Life
Turmeric has cultural importance in Buddhism, Hinduism, and the Southeast Asian society.
Hinduism
In Hindu religious ceremony turmeric resembles fertility, luck and the sun. It is widely used in wedding ceremonies. It is used to anoint Hindu idols during religious occasions because it implies prosperity and wealth. The yellow color resembles the space between sensuality and the sacral chakra, whereas the orange color symbolizes courage, empowerment, confidence and the sun.
Buddhism
The yellow color resembles Bodhisattva Ratnasambhava, a religious ceremony conducted to worship Lord Buddha. The dye of turmeric is used to make saffron color mantle worn by the followers of the Buddhism religion.
How You Can Use Turmeric Supplements?
To make turmeric fully absorbable in the body, you can take supplements. Doctors recommend to have it one and a half spoon of turmeric supplement powder. The active fat soluble element and its essential turmeric oils should be allowed to pass seamlessly through the blood cells of the brain us offering neurological support to the targeted organs of the body.
The turmeric powder that is used in cooking lacks the essential oils so it is not capable of adding nutrition to the food. So it is always better to cook food with organic turmeric. Turmeric loses its flavor, aroma, and nutrition if kept idle for a long time. Curcumins are the most bioactive part of turmeric.
Turmeric supplements that are concentrated and directly extracted without using the harmful chemicals should be chosen.
The Top Turmeric Supplements You Can Buy Online
You don’t need to go far to get the benefits of turmeric. If you don’t want to take Turmeric supplements that are available in the Online Market (Amazon) are:
- Turmeric Curcumin
- Via direct Turmeric Plus
- Premium Ultra Plus Turmeric Curcumin
- Doctors Recommended Turmeric Supplement
- Vita direct Health Turmeric Curcumin With Bioperine
- Zhou Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin With Ginger
- New Chapter Turmeric Force
- Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin
- Key Nutrition Turmeric Curcumin
- Purly Grown Turmeric Complex
Most of the supplement has 500 mg of Turmeric Curcumin, 90-120 capsules, 95% of Standardized Curcuminoids. The supplements claim to support joint health, enhance the immune system, and improve the brain function. It also supports digestion, a good source of antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and minimizes inflammation.
Turmeric supplements having black pepper and ginger combination: black pepper extract ranges from 5 mg to 10 mg, ginger content is 140 mg.
Recent Studies on Turmeric and Its Benefits
Even recent researches show that the consumption of turmeric with warm milk will lead you to take a peaceful, relaxing slumber. By reducing brain inflammation, turmeric reduces the risk of dementia. Asians, including Indians, for instance, are less prone to Alzheimer’s disease thus enhancing cognitive performance.
The study included 40 candidates who were examined to take curcumin after 18 months studies showed that the subjects showed signs of improved memory. In the memory test, subjects in taking curcumin showed improved memory by 28% over 18 months.
It reduced mood swings and the brain scan showed reduced amyloids and tau signals. Additionally, the study claimed it can reduce abdominal pain and nausea.
A few decades back, people weren’t sure if a cure for cancer existed. Today, advanced medical researches show that Turmeric can inhibit the production of cancer cells in your body, stating its potential in the healthcare industry.
By using turmeric as part of your regular diet, you should be able to lead a healthier life.
References and Links:
https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/turmeric-health-benefits-curcumin_n_5978482
https://www.esupplements.com/best-turmeric-supplements/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section3
https://foodrevolution.org/blog/turmeric-health-benefits-genetics/
http://www.kateryanskincare.com/10-benefits-turmeric-skin/
https://blog.freepeople.com/2018/03/wellness-encyclopedia-turmeric-benefits-skin/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section3
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/healthy-haldi/articleshow/63731720.cms
https://www.statista.com/statistics/798681/india-turmeric-production-volume/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/you-are-what-you-eat/201705/turmeric-and-curcumin-primer
http://agriexchange.apeda.gov.in/Market%20Profile/one/TURMERIC.aspx