Turmeric is the most effective spice that origin from the turmeric plant. It is mostly used in Asian foods. You may know turmeric as a spice that is used in curry. It is known as Indian saffron or golden spice. Various cultures use turmeric as a dye. Ground turmeric is an ingredient that is used in curry powder.
In turmeric, there is curcumin ingredient, and it has biological properties. Turmeric is an Ayurvedic medicine that can help in treating various health problems. Keep reading this blog, to find out about turmeric, its uses, benefits, and more.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric’s scientific name is Curcuma Longa, which is an ancient Indian spice and medicinal herb. Turmeric is an important ingredient in Indian curries, and its taste is bitter. It consists of carbs, mostly fiber, and starch. In addition to this, it contains various plant compounds and nutrients.
The active compound in turmeric is curcuminoids. It contributes to turmeric’s orange-yellow color and serves various health benefits. Commercial turmeric usually contains additives. These incorporate silicon dioxide, an anti-caking agent that helps in preventing clumping.
Turmeric adds color and flavor to the food. However, it has been used for its health benefits. Curcumin is considered as a safe ingredient without any worse side effects.
Health Benefits of Turmeric
The following are some health benefits of using turmeric:
Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to alleviate the aggravation that people feel in their joints who suffer from arthritis problems. The foundation recommends taking capsules of 400-600 mg of turmeric up to 3 times a day to get rid of inflammation.
Boosts Liver Function
Turmeric has antioxidant properties, and this thing seeks attention. With the help of anti-oxidant properties, you can prevent your liver from damage that might be caused because of toxins. This might be good for those people who suffer from liver problems.
Improves Digestion
The best part of turmeric is that it can help you to improve your digestion. As you know, turmeric has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so it can contribute to your healthy digestion.
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicines for years to treat digestion problems.
Minimize the Risk of Cancer
Curcumin ingredients in turmeric can reduce the risk of cancer. Studies show that it is effective for pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer.
Minimize the Risk of Heart Problem
In the world, heart problem is the one that leads to death. Heart problem is complicated, and various factors can contribute to it. Curcumin can treat heart problems. Everyone knows endothelial dysfunction can cause heart problems. Various researches show that curcumin can improve endothelial function.
Prevents Alzheimer Disease
Unfortunately, there is no good treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. However, preventing Alzheimer’s disease from occurring is the most important thing. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier. Inflammation and oxidative damage can cause Alzheimer and curcumin has a positive effect on both.
Treats Aging
As you know, curcumin can prevent heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer, so it can have benefits for longevity. For this reason, curcumin is best as an anti-aging supplement. Curcumin plays an important role in aging.
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Side Effects of Turmeric
There are not so many turmeric side effects, but still, there is some evidence that shows some short-term side effects:
- If you have a deficiency of iron, turmeric can limit the absorption of this nutrient.
- Turmeric can slow down blood clotting. As a result, it can maximize the risk of bruising and bleeding in people that face bleeding disorders.
- Turmeric can lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes.
- If you intake a high dosage of curcumin can lead to acid reflux, dizziness, diarrhoea, and headache.
- As you know turmeric can purify blood that can also make you bleed easily. The reason behind this is not clear.
- If you take turmeric in large amounts, then it can also cause irritation in your stomach.
- Turmeric can cause gallbladder problems. Make sure to avoid using turmeric if you have gallstones.
Conclusion
Now, it is clear that turmeric has plenty of benefits by including turmeric in your diet. Turmeric boosts the immune system, relieves pain, and helps indigestion. However, turmeric also has some side effects, and turmeric may not be good for some people. So, make sure to intake turmeric in a moderate amount to prevent side effects.