Turmeric is a powerful yellow/orange spice that is mostly used while cooking to add color and flavor. It comes from underground stems called rhizomes of the turmeric plant. It has been used for a long period in India and some parts of Asia to treat many health conditions as it is believed to have strong medicinal properties. Studies show that people in India have low occurrences of disease just because they take this spice.
The turmeric contains an active substance called curcumin, which has antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties and it helps the body in very many ways. The amount of the curcumin substance will vary in different types of turmeric, and this depends on the growing conditions, time of growing and harvesting.
The health benefits of turmeric curcumin include:
- It helps the body fight foreign invaders that cause diseases in the body, such as heart diseases, degenerative conditions of the musculoskeletal, cancer and metabolic syndrome. Curcumin works by fighting chronic inflammation, and it prevents and treats these diseases.
- The antioxidant property in it helps protect the body from free radicals and oxidative damage that is associated with many diseases and aging. The curcumin has a powerful chemical structure that helps reduce the harmful effects of the free radicals which destroy the body cells and tissues by neutralizing them. It also boosts the activity of the body so that it produces its own antioxidant enzymes.
- It helps reverse the steps in the process of heart disease. The curcumin helps improve the function of the endothelium, which lines the blood vessels, hence reducing the chances of getting high blood pressure and blood clotting. It also reduces the oxidation and inflammation and helps minimize the buildup of plaque that can cause clogged arteries which lead to strokes and heart attacks.
- Cancer is characterized by the uncontrollable growth of cells, so curcumin blocks the enzyme that promotes the growth of cancer cells in the body. It affects the development, growth and spread of the molecular level and it helps reduce any new growth of new tumors and metastasis which eventually leads to the death of cancerous cells.
- Curcumin helps in digestion as it works on the gall bladder, which stimulates bile, which is essential for metabolism. Turmeric is used to deal the digestive problems such as stomach upsets, bloating and gas. When you take turmeric, it will reduce the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers, and dyspepsia. Turmeric works by relieving flatulence and soothing intestinal spasms and pain by relaxing the intestinal sphincters and muscles.
- Turmeric helps relieve pain and inflammation of the joints when one suffers from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It can be used as a supplement to pain relief medication such as ibuprofen and it offers much relief to the joints.
- Turmeric works quickly and more efficiently when it is taken when it is taken raw and can be sprinkled on food or vegetables. It can be taken as an anti-aging supplement and helps in preventing diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
