It is not your fault that all your life you have been told about the two basic uses of turmeric – either sprinkle it on a curry dish or apply it on the face before a big event to get that instant glow. However, there is much more you can do with turmeric – numerous health benefits are associated with the consumption of this golden spice.
Bursting with colour, nutrients and a natural flavour, turmeric is more than just an intrinsic part of beauty regimes and cooking.
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Did you know?
The anti-inflammatory properties in Haldi have been instrumental in treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in Ayurveda. Antioxidants present in this spice work to destroy free radicals damaging the cells in the body. So, anyone with a chronic inflammatory disease or joint pain should consume Haldi daily – it will ease the pain and provide relief.
Read More About: Eat These 12 Foods to Ease Arthritis Pain
Haldi consists of a compound known as Aromatic turmerone, which repairs damaged brain stem cells. Damage to these stem cells is responsible for several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and stroke. Daily consumption of turmeric can reduce the risk of developing these conditions and improve memory. Read more about foods that are good for brain health.
Consumption of raw turmeric can boost metabolism and help to manage digestive disorders. The compounds present in Haldi trigger the gall bladder to secrete bile produced by the liver – the bile helps in digestion more efficiently by processing fat. Haldi is also known to alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating.
The natural anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of turmeric make it an effective disinfectant. So the next time you experience heartburn, an upset stomach or end up getting injured, try turmeric for wound healing. Just sprinkle some turmeric powder in a warm glass of milk and drink it away – this will help the wound or infection heal faster and boost immunity.
Haldi increases the production of essential enzymes that help to detoxify blood in the liver by processing and reducing the toxins. Thus, turmeric is instrumental in promoting good liver health by improving the circulation of blood.
Several studies have revealed that Haldi interferes with the molecular pathways involved in the progression and growth of cancer. Based on the evidence, the spice can potentially destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours. For cancer patients, it complements the effects of chemotherapy.
Curcumin may be potentially helpful in depression, heart health, may slow the ageing process and improve skin health and thus a very common ingredient of Indian food.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Curcumin is one of the bioactive compounds in turmeric, it may be involved in improving the function of the tissues that line your blood vessels. Obstructions to these blood vessels are a major part of cardiovascular diseases. Proper blood circulation can also help to avoid blood pressure issues and similar conditions. Curcumin is closely related to a reduction in inflammation and oxidation (as mentioned above), these factors also contribute immensely to the heart health benefits of turmeric.
Curcumin makes up just 3% of turmeric by weight. Since many curcumin benefits require higher amounts than what you get by using it in regular cooking, supplements of curcumin are often used for their health benefits. And one of these benefits of turmeric may be an antidepressant effect. In some studies, curcumin supplements worked as well as depression medications and are also thought to increase the production of serotonin and dopamine.
Now that you know the benefits of turmeric, consume a few pieces of raw turmeric root every morning on an empty stomach. Alternatively, you can sprinkle some powdered Haldi on your daily meals to make the most of its health benefits.
Must Read About: 10 Health Benefits of Turmeric
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
