Turmeric has been used in Indian and Chinese medicinal system since ages. It comes from the root of Curcuma Longa plant and is yellowish in color. It has a very characteristic flavor which is little peppery and nutty. It has enormous health benefits and acts as a natural health supplement. It is an excellent source if iron, potassium and manganese. It is rich in fiber and vitamin b6.
Benefits :
TURMERIC IS ANTI INFLAMMATORY
The medicinal properties of turmeric have been proved time and again. There is a compound in turmeric called curcumin which gives it the deep yellow color associated with turmeric. This compound can help reduce chronic inflammation. If inflammation persists for a long time it causes many conditions like heart diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other degenerative ailments. Taking turmeric along with our food in our daily routine can help reduce the symptoms of inflammation. It actually helps in bringing down inflammation by blocking the pathway at molecular level. Turmeric has shown to be as powerful as anti inflammatory drugs without any side effects. It is beneficial to eat turmeric as part of our food to keep inflammation at bay.
TURMERIC IS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Many diseases are related to the release of free radicals in the body. These free radicals react with the molecules of fatty acids, and proteins in the body and cause ageing and other conditions. The role of the antioxidants is to protect the body from these free radicals. The antioxidants present in turmeric can neutralize these free radicals and help you live strong. Not only this, turmeric also helps the body boost the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. So it acts in two ways against the free radicals: first by releasing antioxidants present in its compounds and second by helping the body in releasing its own antioxidants.
HELPS TO IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION
Many types of growth hormones are present in the brain which play an important role in keeping us alert and active. The decreased level of this hormone is responsible for depression, which is increasingly spreading its tentacles. A low level of this hormone is also responsible for Alzheimer’s. Many studies have confirmed the turmeric can increase the level of this hormone and is effective in delaying numerous brain related diseases. It is also effective in warding off memory related issues.
LOWERS RISK OF HEART DISEASE
Most of the heart diseases are related to the accumulation of bad cholesterol in the linings of the blood vessels, known as endothelium. When the endothelium is unable to control the blood pressure and clotting of blood it leads to heart attack. Curcumin present in turmeric is known to improve the functioning of endothelium. Turmeric has proved to be as beneficial as drugs used to reduce endothelium dysfunction.
TURMERIC CAN PREVENT CANCER
Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of cells. Studies indicate that turmeric is very useful in prevention of cancer and can affect cancer growth, development and spread. Several research work point to the fact that turmeric is useful in reducing the growth of blood vessels in tumors thus preventing the spread of cancer. It has even shown to cure cancer by killing the cancerous cells. It has been proved beyond doubt that turmeric is beneficial for digestive system to the extent that it can prevent the formation of tumors in the digestive tract. It was seen that turmeric was highly effective in cases of colorectal cancer.
TURMERIC IS HELPFUL IN ARTHRITIS
Arthritis is a common age related problem though many people may suffer from this condition earlier. There are many kinds of arthritis available but the most common is related to the swelling of joints, which is very painful and can restrict the movement severely. As turmeric is known to have anti inflammatory properties, it has proved to be of great help in rheumatic arthritis. Several studies in various patients showed that turmeric was as potent as the medicines that were being taken to reduce the inflammation.