Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb.
Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a
pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use
this herb in their cooking.
According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society,
turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial,
antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein,
dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium,
copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often
used to treat a wide variety of health problems.
1. Prevents Cancer
Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of
existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers
have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best
protectors against radiation-induced tumors.
It also has a preventive effect
against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast
carcinomas.
2.Relieves Arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for
treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In addition, turmeric’s
antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells.
It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume
turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild
joint pains as well as joint inflammation.
3. Controls Diabetes
It also improves glucose control and increases the
effect of medications used to treat diabetes.
Another significant benefit is
turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may
prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes.
However, when combined with strong
medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to
consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.
4. Reduces Cholesterol Level
Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food
seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels.
It is a known fact that high
cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper
cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.
5. Immunity Booster
Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which
helps stimulate the body’s immune system.
Its antibacterial, antiviral and
antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system.
A strong immune
system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do
get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one
teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.
6. Heals Wound
Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can
be used as an effective disinfectant.
If you have a cut or burn, you can
sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process.
Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and
other inflammatory skin conditions.
7. Weight Management
Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body
weight.
A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an
important component in the breakdown of dietary fat.
Those who wish to lose
weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having
one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.
8. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes
of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Turmeric supports overall
brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and
improving the flow of oxygen.
This can also prevent or slow down the
progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
9. Improves Digestion
Many
key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which
then improves digestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas.
Also,
turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease
including ulcerative colitis.
However it is important to bear in mind that
people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric
as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition.
It is best to consume
turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.
10. Prevents Liver Disease
Turmeric
is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through
the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital
enzymes.
These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body.
Turmeric
also is believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these
factors support good liver health.
Given
the numerous health benefits of turmeric, adding this powerful herb to your
diet is one of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your life.
You can add turmeric in powder form to curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies,
warm milk and even to spicy salad dressings.
Turmeric can be taken in pill form
also. However, turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile
obstruction.
Here's
How to Use Turmeric
1.
Spice up your food.
Add
this spice to anything, besides sweets, for a new flavor and a ton of health
benefits. You can use turmeric to add some zest to cooked vegetables, eggs, and
meat dishes. You can also add it to boiling water you're using to make pasta,
rice, soups, and more.
Bring
four cups of water to a boil. Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to
a simmer for 10 minutes.
Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.
Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste.
Castor oil with tumeric powder is a powerful toxin releaser for your skin.
For women, it is great to apply to the breast and under arm because it will pull out harmful toxins from the lymph nodes and fat cells of the breast.
For women, it is great to apply to the breast and under arm because it will pull out harmful toxins from the lymph nodes and fat cells of the breast.
4.
Use a turmeric supplement.
Along with
adding turmeric into your diet you may also consider taking it or curcumin in
supplement form. I personally recommend Organifi
Green Juice. It
has turmeric as main component and other worldwide high rated super-foods.
What makes organifi so unique? Find out more,Click here.
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