Turmeric is a spice that has become popular not only for its
use in various recipes but also because of its many therapeutic properties.
Learn from this article all the reasons why you should consume more spice more
often.
About curcuma and
turmeric - what's the difference
How to obtain turmeric
spice - looks and taste
What are the benefits
of turmeric for health?
How to use turmeric
What are the
contraindications to turmeric consumption
About curcuma and turmeric - what's the difference
The terms turmeric and curcuma are often associated, although
there is little difference between them. So here is the relationship between
curcuma and turmeric.
What is curcuma
Curcuma is a ginger-related plant and is actually a genus of
about 100 species of perennials of the Zingiberaceae family. This plant
originates in southern Asia and northern Australia, being used predominantly in
India for more than 4000 years, due to its therapeutic salt properties.
Plants that are part of the curcuma species can be
distinguished from long, lanceolate leaves with a light green hue. Plant
flowers have different colors depending on each species. Plants multiply only
by replanting the root (root), which in turn has many benefits.
What is turmeric
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the turmeric species, also
known as Indian saffron, although the name of turmeric is more popular.
The reason for this association between the two terms may be
related to the etymology of the word turmeric. In Sanskrit, the word kunkuma
was commonly used for turmeric.
How to obtain turmeric
spice - look and taste
The roots of the turmeric have many thick branches, in cylindrical
form, with a yellow to orange on the inside. Seasoning called turmeric is
obtained by processing plant roots, which are transformed into a powder that
can be used in the diet. To obtain this powder, the roots of turmeric are
cooked and then dried in the oven. They are then ground to obtain a fine
powder.
The spice thus obtained has a deep yellow to gold color and
contains an active substance called curcumin. This substance is extracted by
processing the turmeric root and is found in turmeric powder in a concentration
of 2.5% to 4%. Curcumin has, in turn, some beneficial properties, which is why
it is also used in some dietary supplements in different concentrations.
Nowadays, turmeric powder is used in India to get clothing
paints, an example being the robes worn by Buddhist monks.
The turmeric seasoning has a slightly bitter, slightly
peppery taste and has a strong aromatic odor similar to that of ginger. Also,
it is good to know that turmeric is one of the ingredients in the curry mix.
Turmeric is usually used fresh, but it can also be pickled,
like ginger. Turmeric is also an ideal dye, often used to color dairy, chips
and mustard.
What are the benefits
of turmeric for health?
Turmeric has long been used in ayurvedic medicine
(traditional Indian medicine), but also in traditional Chinese medicine due to
its many therapeutic properties. Benefits are due to the active ingredient of
turmeric, curcumin, which helps to treat inflammation.
Here's what the benefits of turmeric are:
Helps Improve Memory - Several studies conducted on Asian
populations have shown that people who have consumed more curry have achieved
better results in cognitive assessment tests than those who did not consume
this spice. Researchers have correlated this benefit with turmeric, which is
one of the main ingredients of this spice blend, as well as from Asian food. At
the same time, researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of
curcumin can protect the brain against degenerative diseases and prevent the
development of Alzheimer's disease.
Protects the heart - as some studies published in the
journal Pharmacological Research show us, curcumin can protect the body against
cardiovascular disease, such as cardiomyopathy or arrhythmia (irregular
heartbeat);
Protects against skin
diseases - curcumin
helps neutralize free radicals and prevents skin cell damage, speeding up and
improving the collagen absorption process. Curcumin can also help relieve skin
diseases such as psoriasis, dermatitis and acne.
Calms rheumatic pains - a study in 2016 demonstrated that
taking curcumin supplements for four weeks helped alleviate the pain caused by
osteoarthritis in people already suffering from this condition;
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role - one of the
most important benefits of curcumin is the ability to reduce inflammation by
blocking certain enzymes involved in this process. At the same time, its
antioxidant effect helps prevent arthritis, asthma or inflammatory bowel
disease.
Regulates blood sugar
levels - studies
show that curcumin reduces blood glucose levels and increases insulin secretion
of the pancreas. Moreover, curcumin-based supplements can prevent type 2
diabetes.
It has anticancer
properties - a 2015
study published in the Molecules journal has demonstrated that the active
substance curcumin can block the activity of tumor cells, thus preventing many
cancers, such as skin, pancreatic, breast or lung cancer;
Prevents blood clots - as studies have shown, curcumin
improves blood circulation and prevents the formation of blood clots that could
lead to serious health problems such as strokes, deep vein thrombosis or
pulmonary embolism;
Reduces "bad"
cholesterol - a
study conducted at the University of Indonesia showed that the active substance
curcumin helps lower LDL cholesterol levels, as well as total cholesterol,
which has positive effects on the health of the heart;
Improves detoxification - due to its antioxidant properties,
curcumin helps maintain body health and stimulates enzymes that fight free
radicals responsible for cell and DNA damage;
Protects the liver - curcumin prevents the development
of liver disorders and helps the liver to function optimally;
Prevents anemia - turmeric is a rich source of iron
and can prevent anemia;
It treats digestive problems - some studies suggest that
turmeric can help relieve irritable bowel symptoms;
Improves influenza and
cold symptoms -
curcumin helps relieve viral infections, such as colds and flu, and helps the
body fight respiratory problems. Honey turmeric tea is recommended for
relieving cold symptoms.
How to use turmeric
In the kitchen, turmeric can be used for various preparations
in the form of powder spice or bio-cooking powder. At the same time, this spice
can be eaten in the form of tea and even turmeric milk, known as Manjal Pal.
There are also turmeric based dietary supplements containing
curcumin active substance in the form of capsules or tincture. These
supplements have an optimal concentration and can be easily assimilated by the
body.
Turmeric can be given both orally and locally for certain
skin conditions and even for oral hygiene. It has been scientifically proven
that this spice is ideal for teeth whitening, but also as a treatment for
periodontitis or other gum disease, especially when combined with coconut oil.
Turmeric can also be used in weight loss belts because it
accelerates metabolism and stimulates fat burning.
The recommended amounts
of turmeric for
daily consumption are as follows:
turmeric powder - half a teaspoon, three times a
day, possibly mixed with fruit or vegetable juice;
powdered turmeric root - one gram, four times a day;
powdered turmeric root - one gram, four times a day;
tincture - 15-20 drops diluted in water in
four separate doses;
tea - a teaspoon of powder to a cup of
water, twice a day.
Combination of turmeric
with bioperine - benefits
Curcumin administered separately is less assimilated to the
body than combined with bioperin. It has been scientifically proven that this
association increases the body's absorption capacity for this beneficial
substance.
In the case of curcumin-based food supplements, it is
recommended to look for products that contain bioperine or even supplements
based on organic turmeric and fermented curcumin capsules, as the fermentation
process will help increase the rate of absorption in the body.
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What are the contraindications to turmeric consumption
Turmeric has many health benefits, but there are some
contraindications to the consumption of this spice. Among the adverse effects
of turmeric consumption in high amounts are nausea and diarrhea. Used in the
long run, turmeric can cause abdominal pain and, in some cases, ulcer.
In the case of turmeric food supplements, it is always
recommended to consult your doctor. When given in recommended doses, turmeric
supplements do not have side effects. However, they are not recommended for
people with diabetes, those suffering from kidney stones or biliary bladder and
pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Turmeric has anticoagulant properties, so it should not be
consumed prior to surgery or in combination with other anticoagulants such as
aspirin or heparin.
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