Top Health Benefits of Turmeric

by | Oct 20, 2024 | Blog

Turmeric, famously known as the “golden spice,” has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in India and Southeast Asia. This bright yellow spice, sourced from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, is well-known not only for its use in cooking but also for its impressive health benefits.

The secret behind turmeric’s therapeutic properties lies in its active compound, curcumin, which boasts strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing qualities. Let’s dive into the many ways turmeric can support your health.

Traditional Uses of Turmeric

In Chapter 13 of their book “Turmeric, the Golden Spice: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Medicine,”Sahdeo Prasad and Bharat B. Aggarwal explored the traditional uses of turmeric in different parts of the world over time:

  • Afghanistan – Turmeric is used for cleansing wounds and stimulating their recovery by its application on a burnt piece of clothing placed over the wound.
  • China – Turmeric is used to relieve abdominal pain in traditional Chinese medicine (Aggarwal, Ichikawa, and Garodia, 2004). It aids in digestion and relieves flatulence.
  • India – In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to strengthen the body’s overall energy, relieve gas, dispel worms, improve digestion, regulate menstrual flow, dissolve gallstones, and relieve arthritis. There is also a well-documented treatment of respiratory conditions as well as liver disorders, anorexia, rheumatism, diabetic wounds, runny nose, cough, and sinusitis using this spice (Araujo and Leon, 2001). It is also used to treat sprains and swelling.Indians also use turmeric for purifying the blood and treating skin conditions. In some parts of India, women use turmeric paste to remove excess hair.
  • South Asia – This spice is used on cuts, burns, and bruises as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent.
  • Pakistan – Turmeric is used to reduce inflammation and relieve gastrointestinal discomfort associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and other illnesses of the digestive system. It is also used to cleanse wounds, as in the Afghan tradition.

Source: National Library of Medicine ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/)

7 Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric Powder

Image by Summer Malik from Pixabay

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Many diseases are rooted in chronic inflammation, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s. Curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can decrease inflammation throughout the body.

2. Rich in Antioxidants

Turmeric is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can harm cells, potentially leading to aging and diseases like cancer. There must be a balance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body for proper physiological function (Lobo et al., 2010). The antioxidant activity of curcumin promotes overall wellness and supports the body’s natural defense systems.

3. Supports Heart Health

Curcumin has been shown to improve heart health by enhancing endothelial function. The endothelium is the lining of blood vessels. A study by Santos-Parker et al. (2017) demonstrated that “12 weeks of curcumin supplementation is safe and well tolerated, and improves resistance and conduit artery endothelial function in healthy middle-aged and older adults.”

4. Aids in Digestion and Gut Health

Turmeric has long been used to soothe digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties are used to reduce symptoms of IBS and other gastrointestinal conditions in some cultures.

5. Enhances Skin Health

Turmeric’s benefits extend to skincare as well. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help treat various skin conditions. Turmeric can promote wound healing and brighten the complexion.

In some parts of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, turmeric is believed to make the skin glow and keep harmful bacteria away from the body (Prasad and Aggarwal, 2011), which is why turmeric paste is applied to the skin of the bride and groom before marriage. Nowadays, turmeric is a popular ingredient in face masks and skincare products.

6. Potential Cancer-Fighting Properties

Curcumin has shown promise in reducing the growth of cancerous cells in laboratory studies. Its ability to inhibit cell growth, reduce inflammation, and neutralize free radicals makes it a potential natural aid in cancer prevention and treatment. While more research is needed, some studies suggest that curcumin may help reduce the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.

7. Natural Pain Reliever

Turmeric has been used as a natural pain reliever in traditional medicine for centuries. It can be a safer, natural alternative to over-the-counter pain medications.

Whether you incorporate it into your cooking, enjoy it as a tea, or take it as a supplement, turmeric can help enhance your overall health and vitality.

How to Use Turmeric Safely

The National Institutes of Health‘s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has given the following recommendations about the safe use of turmeric based on available data and research:

Turmeric and conventionally formulated curcumin products are probably safe when taken orally or applied to the skin in the recommended amounts.

Efforts have been made to develop curcumin products with increased bioavailability, and many modified products are already on the market. Improving bioavailability might lead to increases in harmful effects as well as desirable ones.

Turmeric may be unsafe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than those commonly found in food. Little is known about whether it’s safe to use turmeric in amounts greater than those commonly found in food while breastfeeding.

Remember, while turmeric offers many health benefits, it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your routine, especially if you are on medication or have underlying health conditions.

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