In this article, we are going to talk about the different health benefits of turmeric. Can it really be beneficial for the health, or is it the other way around? Give this article a read to learn the answer! Don’t worry, you will learn a lot from this article. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the read!
Turmeric: What is It?
Turmeric, also called Curcuma longa, is a major spice in the Indian dish known as curry. Many argue that it is the most powerful herb on earth, mainly because they believe it has the potential to fight and even reverse diseases. In fact, the benefits of turmeric have been thoroughly studied and found to be vast. So let’s get to know more about this amazing herb. Read on!o
Turmeric comes from the Curcuma long plant, which grows in India, as well as some other Southeast Asian countries. The Curcuma plant’s dried root is ground into a distinctive yellow turmeric powder.
There are actually several chemical compounds that are present in turmeric. These are called curcuminoids. Curcumin is the most active substance in this particular herb and is what really makes turmeric such a functional food. It is considered to be a food with positive health effects that go way beyond basic nutrition.
The best part about turmeric is not just that is has been well studied, historically significant and amazingly potent; it is also safe. Moreover, there are very few side effects, if any, of turmeric, so you can always try incorporating it into your foods.
Uses of Turmeric
A juice made with turmeric can help treat a lot of skin illnesses, including chicken pox, shingles, scabies and eczema. Furthermore, its antimicrobial properties are what really makes it an essential home remedy. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Herein lies its big potential for clinical medicine.
Moreover, turmeric is also used in Chinese medicine to treat an array of infections. It is also beneficial as an antiseptic. The circumin has been the center of attention for the possible treatment of a lot of diseases, including arthritis, allergies, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. Because gout is a kind of arthritis (bear in mind they share similar symptoms), turmeric might even be beneficial in treating this condition too!
Nutrients in Turmeric
100 grams of turmeric may possess the following nutrients:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 354 Kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 64.9 grams | 50% |
| Protein | 7.83 grams | 14% |
| Total Fat | 9.88 grams | 33% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 21 grams | 52.5% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Folates | 39 micrograms | 10% |
| Niacin | 5.140 milligrams | 32% |
| Pyridoxine | 1.80 milligrams | 138% |
| Riboflavin | 0.233 milligrams | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 0 IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 25.9 milligrams | 43% |
| Vitamin E | 3.10 milligrams | 21% |
| Vitamin K | 13.4 micrograms | 11% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Sodium | 38 milligrams | 2.5% |
| Potassium | 2525 milligrams | 54% |
| Minerals | ||
| Calcium | 183 milligrams | 18% |
| Copper | 603 micrograms | 67% |
| Iron | 41.42 milligrams | 517% |
| Magnesium | 193 milligrams | 48% |
| Manganese | 7.83 milligrams | 340% |
| Phosphorus | 268 milligrams | 38% |
| Zinc | 4.35 milligrams | 39.5% |
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of turmeric:
- Helps encourage normal lipid levels. Various studies show how impressive turmeric is in reducing the lipid profiles in turmeric-supplement groups. The ability of turmeric to encourage normal lipid profiles has been hypothesized since the 1990s, with many promising results s
- Helps sooth irritated tissues. Turmeric is valuable in helping soothe irritation. The swelling response is actually a healthy and natural mechanism that the body uses in order to usher the soothing compounds during repair and crises.
- Helps encourage a balanced blood sugar level. One study suggests turmeric is beneficial balancing blood sugar levels in the body. Researchers discovered that turmeric had a positive effect on B-cell lines and the human islet cells.
- Helps ease aches and discomfort. One study showed that turmeric was beneficial in getting rid of discomforts and aches when used as a means of pain relief. The results showed that the patients taking turmeric experienced significantly less aches and discomfort.
- Helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant properties of turmeric are beneficial in preventing the damage that may lead to Alzheimer’s disease. More importantly, research shows that turmeric may reduce the synaptic marker loss as well as the accumulation of amyloids.
- Helps prevent cancer. This is probably one of the best health benefits of turmeric. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are so beneficial that the National Cancer Institute recognized it as one effective anticarcinogen.
