- Turmeric is totally trending these days. We all have forgotten our traditional herbs and is fascinated towards the Modern system of medicines. We all are familiar with the effects & side effects of modern medicines still we prefer to go to choose that deadly combination because we all want instant relief.
- Ayurveda is a science of life it is a holistic health care science that focuses not only the prevention of disease but addresses solutions to chronic conditions.
- Ayurveda’s approach focuses on the root cause of the health problem and solves it through effective natural procedures.
- Herbs play an important part in all our lives not from today but since ages.
- One such versatile herb is Turmeric.
- It’s used as a spice especially in Indian curries, as a dying agent, used in auspicious days in Indian families (Marriages, pujas) most importantly has been used for ages in various ailments.
- Like a pinch of Turmeric in milk(Golden milk) is highly recommended especially to children to prevent them from seasonal cold , cough & allergies.
Description of Turmeric
Botanical name- Curcuma longa
Family- Zingiberaceae
Synonyms
- The Latin name for turmeric is Curcuma Longa, which comes from the Arabic name for the plant
- Haridra -The Yellow One.
- Gauri – The One Whose Face is Light and Shining
- Kanchani – Golden Goddess
- Aushadhi – Herb
- Haldi – Yellow
Chemical constituents
- Curcumin(diferuloylmethane), a polyphenol compound responsible for the bright yellow color of turmeric, is believed to be the principal pharmacological agent.
- In addition to curcumin, turmeric contains the curcuminoids atlantone, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, diaryl heptanoids, and tumerone.
Benefits of Turmeric
Anti-inflammatory properties
- Research has shown curcumin to be highly effective in reducing inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is most likely mediated through its ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS).
- In many cases even now Haldi is applied if there is local inflammation and then the area is covered with a cloth piece to prevent further inflammation.
Antioxidant properties of Turmeric
- Curcumin has powerful antioxidant properties and thus prevents body from free radicals.
- Free radicals cause various signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation.
- Haldi is used in many face packs due to its properties. Haldi is applied to grooms & brides before marriage as a ritual because they enhance skin tone & provide lustrous glowing skin.
- Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure
- It boosts the activity of your body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
Effective in Diabetes
- Curcumin present in Turmeric delays the onset of Type 2 Diabetes by inhibiting the formation of inflammatory cytokines & thus having favourable effects on blood glucose levels.
- Curcumin helps in decreasing Insulin resistance & Cholesterol levels.
- Turmeric helps to reduce inflammation & oxidative stress, which are factors that play role in diabetes.
- Recent studies believe Turmeric is one of the best Ayurvedic medicines to treat Diabetes naturally.
Lowers the risk of heart diseases
- Heart disease is a common health problem. There are several different types of heart disease like Heart attack, atherosclerosis, Ischemic stroke, Arrhythmia etc.
- Curcumin when it comes to heart disease improves the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of blood vessels.
- Several studies suggest that curcumin leads to improvements in endothelial function.
- Curcumin reduces inflammation and oxidation, which play a role in heart diseases.
Improves Immunity
- Turmeric also boosts immunity levels. Its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties protect from a variety of infections.
- A pinch of Turmeric in a glass of milk is very beneficial for persons suffering seasonal allergies.
- Having a medicine may provide a temporary relief, but it doesn’t eliminate the chances of falling sick again.
- Seasons will change & we can’t stop them but we change the chances of being sick.
For Skin
As an age-old remedy Turmeric has been used by mothers, grandmothers to heal wounds, a pinch of turmeric is applied over the wound to make it heal faster.
Not only in wounds turmeric is very beneficial for skin also-
- Prevent acne and breakouts
- Fight eczema and psoriasis
- Reduce scars
- Lighten dark circles
- Give a natural glow
Some of the Precautions
- A higher dosage of curcumin leads to acid reflux, diarrhea, dizziness and headaches.
- Turmeric might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
- Turmeric might make stomach problems such as GERD worse.
- Turmeric can make blood sugar too low in patients with diabetes.
Conclusion
- Turmeric and its components are recommended in dietary regimens to combat a wide variety of diseases.
- Today spices are used around the globe in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- Every herb, spice or medicine, if taken in excess, have their side effects.
- Proper dosages and the right time to consume is very necessary for any type of medicine.
1 TBS of turmeric contains
- 24 calories
- 7 grams of fats
- 4 grams of sugar
- 5 grams of protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- 3% of Magnesium & Vit C
- 5% B-6
- 15% Iron
