Benefits of Turmeric

• 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
• It’s used as a spice specially in Indian curries, as a dying agent, used in auspicious days in Indian families (Marriages, pujas) most importantly has been used since ages in various ailments.
• Like a pinch of Turmeric in milk(Golden milk) is highly recommended specially 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

1.  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.

2. Antioxidant properties of Turmeric-

• Curcumin has powerful anti-oxidant properties and thus prevents body from free radicals.
• Free radicals causes various signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation.
• Haldi is used in many face packs due to it’s properties. Haldi is applied to grooms & brides before marriage as a ritual because they enhance skin tone & provide a 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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, diarrhoea, 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

Read Also: Ginseng Health Benefits