Turmeric

With its brilliant orange hue, it’s impossible to miss a bottle of turmeric sitting on a spice shelf. Originating in India, turmeric is believed to have anticancer properties and can prevent DNA mutations. As an anti-inflammatory, it can be taken as a supplement and it’s been used topically for people with arthritis who wish to relieve discomfort. It’s used worldwide as a cooking ingredient, which makes it a delicious, antioxidant-richTrusted Source addition to many dishes. According to recent research, turmeric is also showing promise as a treatment for a variety of dermatologic diseases and joint arthritisTrusted Source.

INTERESTING FACT

Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for 4,000 years. It’s a tentpole of an Indian alternative medicine practice called Ayurveda.

Turmeric could be beneficial for:

• pain caused by inflammatory diseases, like arthritis
• preventing cancer
• stopping DNA mutations
• several skin diseases

Things to consider

• When used as a supplement, people tend to take too much, so it can be difficult to trust the dosage and quality. Safety increases when ingested as an herb in cooking or tea.
• Long-term use can potentially cause stomach problems.
• Turmeric has low bioavailability. Consuming with pepper can help your body absorb more of its benefits.

What are the biggest benefits of using turmeric?

Blood clots

Bleeding is stopped by blood clots. However, they can also develop in the body when it does not require them, which raises the risk of heart disease, a heart attack, and stroke. Medication is the mainstay of medical treatment for this issue. Ibuprofen overdoses are not uncommon, thus this isn’t always optimal owing to various negative effects. However, turmeric is safe, and the risk of side effects only applies if you consume it in excessive doses. According to a BMB Reports study, turmeric has anticoagulant effects when used regularly and curcumin has antithrombotic qualities.

Antidepressant

Multiple studies confirm curcumin in turmeric offers benefits for symptoms of depression. For example, one innovative study confirms curcumin can be an effective and safe modality for treating patients with major depressive disorder.

Anti-inflammatory properties

One of the most significant benefits of turmeric is its ability to control and decrease inflammation. Research proves curcumin has a tremendous potential to exert anti-inflammatory properties. It does so by inhibiting a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation. It’s important to mention that one research study evaluated various anti-inflammatory compounds and rated their effectiveness. The least effective was Ibuprofen and Aspirin, while curcumin was one of the strongest compounds. The antioxidant effects of the spice also help to fight against free radicals. This may further help to reduce inflammation.

Arthritis management

Turmeric helps patients with arthritis too due to the anti-inflammatory effects. Research from Arthritis and Rheumatism reveals turmeric supplementation inhibits joint inflammation.

Cancer treatment

Most people don’t know curcumin also slows the progression of cancer and helps cancer patients.

Diabetes management

Adding turmeric to the diet is one of the best things you can do to manage diabetes. One study found curcumin could favorably affect multiple aspects of diabetes, including hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and islet apoptosis and necrosis.

Gastrointestinal treatments

Some studies suggest turmeric could be helpful for gastrointestinal problems too. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties found in curcumin. There are a few studies that have shown these benefits. In one eight-week study, participants took two tablets per day tablet containing turmeric. There was a significant improvement in abdominal discomfort. The participants of the study also reported improvements in bowel movements. The researchers concluded that turmeric seems to be effective in helping people with irritable bowel syndrome. However, something to note is that they didn’t use a control group.

Cholesterol regulation

Millions of people in the United States have heart disease, and one of its major causes is pre-diabetes. As a result, both diabetics and non-diabetics suffer from oxidative stress, which damages the inside of blood vessels. Due to this damage, cholesterol starts building up. Statin drugs are widely used to address this issue, but they’re associated with multiple side effects. On the other hand, studies show that the administration of low-dose curcumin reduces total and LDL or bad cholesterol.

Pain relief

Pain relief is one of the most well-known benefits of curcumin. Scientists explain that this compound naturally activates the opioid system, which is your body’s inherent pain-relieving response. Besides alleviating pain, curcumin also proves to be effective in addressing conditions treated by corticosteroids such as lupus, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic pain, scleroderma.

Effectiveness Of Turmeric As A Health Supplement

Researchers have done a number of experiments to better understand how turmeric can be beneficial. The effectiveness of turmeric is frequently the subject of these investigations. According to several research, turmeric is useful for treating a few ailments. There are few results from other investigations. A few studies also refute some assertions made about this spice. The main benefit of turmeric is that it has antioxidant properties. You should also take into account the anti-inflammatory effects in addition to this. The majority of studies concentrate on these areas.

Researchers show turmeric may be useful for the following disorders:

• May help to reduce the risk of certain mental conditions. This includes Alzheimer’s disease. 
• May help to lower the risk of certain brain diseases. 
• May assist in reducing the risk of heart disease. This is due to the potent antioxidant capabilities. Dietary supplements with turmeric help to reduce inflammation in the blood circulatory system. It also reduces oxidative damage to the heart. 
• Studies also show that gastroesophageal reflux disease may improve with the right dose of turmeric. The general health of the digestive system might also improve.
• There are several studies that show turmeric is useful for arthritis patients. This helps to reduce joint pain. 
• Some studies have also shown that turmeric is useful in fighting against depression. This is another health benefit of turmeric. 

Reviews on other subjects are currently somewhat limited. There are a few studies that show turmeric might hold potential as a cancer treatment. The current evidence is very limited, however. Thus, turmeric is not yet a potent treatment option for cancer patients. We need further research to provide more conclusive results on this topic. We also need clinical trials on patients affected by cancer.

Side Effects Of Turmeric Supplements

When people use turmeric, there will generally not be any severe side effects. In fact, a lot of patients prefer turmeric over NSAIDs. Clinical trials show curcumin may yield similar anti-inflammatory effects. It does not, however, cause as many side effects. You should also note that turmeric alone cannot fight cancer and similar diseases. Instead, it is often needed as a complementary therapy. Research shows you can safely use turmeric as a daily supplement for up to eight months. Safety studies for more extended use when a patient has joint pain or another condition are not available. Thus, it is important to consider safety precautions when using turmeric for inflammation over a longer period of time. 

Common Turmeric Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

A high dose of curcumin may lead to adverse effects. There has been a report of abnormal heart rhythm in a patient. People with gallbladder problems should avoid turmeric. People with blood problems should also avoid the supplement. This is especially important for patients who have a bleeding disorder. People with gastroesophageal reflux disease also need to be careful. There are cases where turmeric caused stomach upset. This may lead to adverse effects of this condition. Research regarding turmeric and stomach ulcers is currently limited. Some reports claim that curcumin may act like estrogen in the body. This means people with hormone-sensitive conditions should also avoid these supplements. This includes breast and ovarian cancer, among others.

Best Ways To Add Turmeric To Your Diet

People can boost their intake of turmeric in a number different ways. Many ingredients that fight cancer are added to meals. Turmeric is occasionally added to rice. It could be included in green veggies. Turmeric is also present in a few soups. With a little turmeric, frittatas and scrambles taste great. Additionally, some people sprinkle a little turmeric on roasted vegetables. Turmeric and fresh ginger can both be included in smoothies that promote health. The biggest issue with turmeric recipes is that they only employ a modest quantity of the spice. They rarely use more than a teaspoon.

Turmeric contains a small amount of curcumin. When a person ingests too little curcumin, they will likely not be able to experience the benefits of turmeric. For this reason, finding ways to increase curcumin intake is important. This is why increasing the intake of turmeric through supplements is often a reference. Supplements generally contain concentrated curcumin. The curcumin is extracted from turmeric plants and then added to dietary pills. Sometimes people mix curcumin with other ingredients. This may include ground black pepper extract. Compounds in the black pepper extract may enhance the absorption of curcumin in the body. When taking a supplement, it is important to carefully follow the dosage instructions. Taking too much can lead to more severe side effects. Instead, the person should look at the recommended serving size. This will usually include one or two pills each day. You should not exceed the recommended number of tablets to be taken each day. 

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric Benefits: 11 Little-Known Medicinal Properties

Turmeric, which has just recently adapted to Turkish cuisine, is actually a spice that many people will not want to miss from their home when its healing properties are known. The benefits of turmeric , which has a deep-rooted history in Indian culture, are endless! If you are wondering what the benefits of turmeric are and for which diseases it can be used as a herbal solution, you should definitely check out our list that we have compiled from special information. Here are the benefits of turmeric for the curious and its healing properties that not everyone knows:

When turmeric is examined in terms of nutritional value:

• You can find out that 1 tablespoon is about 30 kcal.
• This spice, which is low in calories, accelerates metabolism and supports weight loss.

What Is Turmeric Good For?

The benefits and use of turmeric is a very broad topic. What is turmeric good for, which has beneficial properties for the health of many people? We have compiled useful information for you that proves how ingenious spice turmeric is, which you can easily reach from herbalists or markets:

• Turmeric is one of the spices that surprises us with its benefits. Regularly consumed turmeric supports the treatment of women with uterine thickening.
• Conditions such as excessive weight gain or loss, stress, severe illnesses, drug use, approaching menopause, and excessive exercise can cause women to experience delay in their menstrual periods from time to time. In such cases, menstrual expectorant plants are used. By increasing uterine contractions, turmeric regulates the release of estrogen hormone and helps regulate the normal cycle of the menstrual cycle.
• Turmeric , a powerful antioxidant, is also assertive about skin whitening . When a teaspoon of turmeric is applied to the face with a teaspoon of honey and left for 15 minutes, it whitens your skin and provides a bright appearance. The skin mask prepared with 1 teaspoon of milk, 1 teaspoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of turmeric reduces the bruises and swellings on the skin and brightens the skin. Turmeric face mask treats acne, blackheads, acne and eczema on the skin with its anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents contamination and oiling on the skin surface.
• Turmeric mask prepared by mixing milk and sugar prevents excessive facial hair growth. It prevents the effects of aging and wrinkles. With its anti-fungal feature, it treats dandruff on the scalp.
• Turmeric is often used together with honey , because it both softens the taste and has a good effect when their strengths combine .
• The mixture prepared with turmeric, ginger and honey is very effective in the winter months when cold and flu epidemics intensify . This mixture, which is good for voice reduction and cough, also prevents sore throat and inflammation of the tonsils. Turmeric, a natural antiseptic, opens the respiratory tract.
• Teeth Whitening with Turmeric: You can whiten your yellowing teeth and smile brightly by using turmeric and coconut oil.
• Turmeric is protective for anxiety, depression and Alzheimer’s as it strengthens neurological health.

How Should Turmeric be Consumed?

It’s time to answer the question of how to use turmeric !

• Turmeric can be used as a spice in every dish except dessert.
• You can also try turmeric as a spice in many dishes using saffron and curry.
• Turmeric pasta and turmeric rice can be given as examples in this regard.
• If you like eggs for breakfast, you might like the turmeric omelet.
• You can include it in the spice mix when marinating your meats or add it during cooking.
• You can add it to your vegetable dishes for both color and flavor. It is common to use turmeric with cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.
• If you like to drink tea, you can prepare turmeric tea by brewing 1 teaspoon of powdered turmeric with 2 glasses of hot water . Due to its bitter taste, turmeric and honey can be used together. You can make it even more delicious by adding ginger to it.
• Indians use turmeric in their cooking along with black pepper in oil. You can also try this way.
• Turmeric milk mixture can be good for your children to increase body resistance, especially in spring .
• Turmeric milk also helps to clean the blood, reduce pain, and fight bacteria and viruses in the body.

What Are the Harms of Turmeric?