If you’re like most people, you probably think of turmeric as nothing more than a spice used in Indian food. But did you know that turmeric is also one of the most powerful herbs on the planet? It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties. Turmeric is good for your health and can help treat a variety of conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. It’s also great for your skin! In this blog post, we will discuss some of the health and beauty benefits of turmeric and provide recipes for using it in delicious Turmeric lattes, tea, and face masks!
Turmeric is a spice that has been used in India for centuries as a part of Ayurvedic medicine. In this ancient medical science, there are numerous mentions of how Turmeric is good for human health and well-being.
It is made from the root of the Curcuma longa plant and has a deep orange-yellow color. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisine and is known for its earthy, slightly bitter taste. Turmeric is available fresh, dried, or ground into a powder. It can be used to flavor food or made into tea. You can also find Turmeric supplements containing Curcumin.
Though Turmeric contains more than 100 beneficial chemicals, the most significant is ‘Curcumin.’ Curcumin is the main active component in Turmeric. Recent studies have shown that Curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, offering many potential health and beauty benefits.
The nutritional benefit of Turmeric
Many people out there don’t know the nutritional value that Turmeric offers. The spice might not be as popular or well-known in some countries. Still, it’s becoming more common here in the USA with its use for cooking, coloration purposes, and wellness!
Turmeric is a good source of vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. It contains many essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
Turmeric is listed as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA in the United States and European Food Safety Commission.
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a natural phenol and potent antioxidant that is found in Turmeric. Curcumin is a polyphenol, a chemical that comes from plants and is beneficial for your well-being. Polyphenols help prevent diseases like cancer and heart disease and help to treat these diseases if they happen.
Curcuminoids are the natural compounds in Turmeric that give it its characteristic yellow color. Curcumin is the most well-studied curcuminoid. Curcumin has been used for more than 4000 years in traditional Indian medicine for its many health benefits.
Recent studies on benefits of turmeric have found that Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As a result, Curcumin could help in a wide range of health conditions, including arthritis, asthma, cancer, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been shown to boost the immune system and protect the brain from age-related damage.
What are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric is a traditional herbal remedy for many diseases in India and China. It is also used as a supplement all over the world.
Pre-clinical and clinical studies have shown that Turmeric may have multiple therapeutic benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, antiplatelet, and anticancer effects on the human body. Studies also shown that Turmeric increases the secretion of gastrin, secretin, and bicarbonate, increases gastric wall mucus and pancreatic enzyme production, and inhibits intestinal spasms and ulcer formation.
Here are some of the ways Turmeric benefits your health:
1. Regulates blood sugar
A study found that people who took a supplement containing Curcumin (found in Turmeric) did not develop pre-diabetes, whereas 16% of the group who took a placebo did.
300 mg per day of curcumin supplements helped reduce the amount of blood sugar-regulating medicines people needed and reducing their symptoms. In addition, Curcumin may help regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and improving glucose tolerance; it may also protect beta cells from damage. These effects could help prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.
More research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
2. Relieves Heartburn
Turmeric is excellent for relieving heartburn. A study published in Systematic Reviews stated that eating one teaspoon of turmeric powder twice per day had a significant positive effect on the esophagus and colon. These two internal body parts play vital roles in indigestion.
If you have frequent heartburn problems, try adding a couple of pinches of turmeric powder to your smoothies, dressing, or soups.
For severe indigestion, make a thick paste by mixing Turmeric with a few drops of water. Apply the paste to your belly. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes before removing it. You should see results pretty quickly!
3. Prevents overeating
Turmeric has been shown to help prevent overeating by making you feel fuller faster. The natural vitamins, minerals, and fiber in Turmeric aid in the communication between the brain and digestive system, which helps you feel satisfied after eating smaller amounts of food. This way, eating Turmeric keeps you from snacking later in the day and enables you to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Helps Arthritis patients
Turmeric has been used as a natural remedy for arthritis and other joint pain for centuries. Recent studies have confirmed that Turmeric may help to reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis patients. Additionally, Turmeric may improve joint functions and help protect them from further damage.
For faster absorption of Turmeric, use 1 tbsp Turmeric powder, 1-2 egg yolks, and 1 tsp Coconut oil. Blend for 10-15 seconds to emulsify the mixture.
5. Improves Colon Health
Turmeric is used to treat various digestive conditions, including gut health problems. Turmeric helps reduce the overproduction of stomach acids and bile, promotes good bacteria in the colon, and increases the colon’s ability to absorb nutritional elements. Turmeric is a valuable tool for improving gut health and preventing colonization by harmful bacteria.
Additionally, Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve digestion. Overall, Turmeric is an excellent way to keep your colon healthy and functioning correctly.
6. Reduces gas and fart
Turmeric is excellent in treating gas-related problems. This Turmeric recipe treats the symptoms and the cause of the gas and bloating. To make this remedy:
- Mix 1tbsp of ground Turmeric powder with 1 cup of warm tap water.
- Do not use cold water.
- Stir it well and drink slowly. You will notice a reduction in gas and bloating within a few hours.
7. Expedites recovery from illness and infections
Chinese and Indian medicine has been using Turmeric to help expedite recovery from illness and infection. The active ingredient in Turmeric, Curcumin, helps boost the immune system. Recent studies have shown that Curcumin can help reduce the severity and duration of colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. If you are looking for a natural way to help speed up your recovery from an illness or infection, consider adding Turmeric to your diet.
Try a Turmeric milk recipe to recover faster from a viral infection, fever, and other seasonal illnesses.
8. Improves liver functions
Turmeric has lots of powerful antioxidants that may aid in the function of the liver. In addition, Turmeric’s chemicals help trap harmful substances produced by the body and minimize free radicals, which improves liver health and general well-being.
9. Protects wounds from infections
Turmeric is well-known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. These properties make Turmeric an ideal natural protectant for open wounds against infection. To use Turmeric as a wound protector, mix 1-2 teaspoons of turmeric powder with a few drops of water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly to the wound with a clean hand and let it air dry. It may stain the clothes and linens. Turmeric helps keep wounds clean and free from infection, speeding up the healing process.
10. Relieves sore throat
Turmeric is an effective remedy for treating sore throat. Turmeric’s anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral components help treat the cause of the sore throat. Additionally, Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the pain associated with the condition. To use this remedy, dilute ½ tsp turmeric powder and ½ tsp salt in warm water. Gargle with this mixture three times a day for best results.
11. Fights cough and respiratory infections
Turmeric is effective in fighting cough and respiratory infections. The nutrients in turmeric help boost the body’s immune system, while the anti-inflammatory characteristics of turmeric help open the respiratory airways and improve breathing. Additionally, improved blood flow and oxygenation in the lungs help fight infection and speed up recovery time. Next time when you are suffering from a cough or respiratory infection, consider sipping turmeric water and turmeric latte.
12. Prevents and treats various Cancers
Recent research has shown that Turmeric may effectively prevent and treat various cancers such as colon cancer and skin cancer. For example, one of the active ingredients in Turmeric, Curcumin, is believed to clear up dysfunctional cellular components and reduce the growth of melanoma cells and tumor development.
Additionally, Turmeric is high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which help the body fight cancerous cells. Studies have shown that consuming 1 tbsp turmeric per day may prevent cancer.
13. Reduces bad Cholesterol, promotes Good Cholesterol.
One of the benefits of Turmeric is that it can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote good cholesterol levels. This can help protect against heart disease and other health problems caused by high cholesterol levels. Thus, Turmeric is a safe and natural way to improve your health. You can easily incorporate it into your diet.
14. Helps in fat loss
Turmeric helps with weight loss in several ways.
First, Turmeric increases the body’s metabolic rate, helping it burn more calories.
Second, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, minimizing insulin resistance and keeping the body from storing excess fat.
Third, Turmeric improves communication between the digestive system and other organs, keeping digestion healthy and preventing problems like constipation that can lead to weight gain.
Finally, Turmeric regulates hormone production, keeping the body’s metabolism stable and preventing changes in weight caused by hormonal fluctuations.
In sum, Turmeric is a powerful tool in the fight against obesity and weight gain.
The benefits of Turmeric for beauty
For centuries, Indian people have been using Turmeric in beauty remedies. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to protect the skin from damage. Curcumin also helps improve blood circulation, which can help improve skin health and appearance. Additionally, Turmeric is a natural exfoliant, which can help to remove dead skin cells and reveal brighter, healthier skin. Using Turmeric for beauty remedies is a safe and natural way to improve skin health and appearance.
Here are some of the ways Turmeric enhances for your beauty:
15. Clears up acne from face and body
Turmeric is a natural way to treat acne. It has an anti-bacterial property that helps clear up blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Curcumin also regulates skin sebum production, which helps keep the skin free from excessive oil and blemishes. By using Turmeric regularly, you can say goodbye to your acne problems!
16. Fades marks and scars
Turmeric is known for its skin-lightening properties and is often used to fade marks and scars. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to improve skin health. Curcumin helps reduce inflammation, promote healing, and protect the skin from the damage of free radicals. It also helps to lighten blemishes and scars by inhibiting melanin production.
17. Removes dullness from face
Turmeric is known to fight free radicals. It also has skin-brightening properties that can help remove dullness from your face. All you need to do is mix one-half teaspoon of turmeric powder, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and one teaspoon of honey. Apply this mixture on your face and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with lukewarm water. You can use this natural remedy 1-2 times a week for the best results.
18. Brightens skin
Curcumin helps fade dark spots and discoloration, making skin look brighter and more even-toned. Turmeric can be used alone or combined with other ingredients such as sandalwood powder, lemon juice or honey. There are many masks available in the market, with Turmeric as a leading ingredient. Or you can make a turmeric face mask by yourself.
19. Makes skin flowless
Turmeric can make skin glow and flawless. The Curcumin in Turmeric helps regulate the production of melanin, which gives skin its color. By reducing the amount of melanin produced, Turmeric can help lighten dark spots and even out your skin tone. Vitiligo is a condition that is caused by loss of pigmentation in the skin, resulting in white patches. Curcumin can also help reduce the appearance of vitiligo by regulating melanin production.
20. Relieves foot odor and pain
Turmeric is an effective remedy for foot odor and pain. Because of Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it helps relieve these symptoms. To try this remedy, mix ½ cup turmeric powder or 3-4 drops of Turmeric essential oil to warm water in a bathtub/bowl. Let the feet soak in the water for 10-15 minutes. Caution: May stain the towel or bath mat.
Turmeric’s anti-fungal property makes it an effective treatment for Athlete’s foot.
How can I use Turmeric in my everyday life?
Turmeric can be used in many ways to add flavor and color to your dishes. It can be used in its powdered form or as a fresh root. It is a common ingredient in Indian cuisine and can be used in anything from curries to soups.
When using powdered Turmeric, it is important to note that it is very potent. However, a little goes a long way! Start by adding ¼ teaspoon to your dish, and then taste and adjust as necessary. If you use fresh turmeric root, you will need to use more to get the same flavor.
To increase the absorption of Curcumin in the body, when you take Turmeric, make sure to eat it with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado. Black pepper, egg, and fish oil will also help your body absorb Turmeric more easily. According to an NIH research paper, when Curcumin is taken with 20mg of piperine (black pepper extract), its bioavailability increases by 2000%! So make sure to include these foods in your diet to get the most out of your turmeric supplement.
Turmeric is also available in supplement form. These supplements usually contain Curcumin, which is the active ingredient in Turmeric, is thought to have many health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Before taking Turmeric supplements, be sure to check with your doctor first. When using Turmeric as a supplement, it is important to follow the directions on the package. Turmeric is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
1. Add to curries and dishes:
It is a key ingredient in Indian curries and can also be used to make yellow rice or turmeric chicken. Turmeric can also be used as a natural food coloring – add a pinch to any dish you want to give a yellow hue.
2. Make Turmeric Tea:
Turmeric tea is one of the easiest and most effective ways to consume this super spice. To make turmeric tea, simply simmer one teaspoon of ground turmeric in a cup of water for ten minutes. You can also add a pinch of black pepper to increase absorption. This tea is great for boosting your immune system and fighting off colds and flu.
3. Add to soups and stews:
Turmeric is a great spice to add color and flavor to soups and stews. Try simmering turmeric root in water to make a concentrated broth, which can then be added to other dishes.
4. Make Turmeric Latte:
A great way to consume Turmeric is by whipping up a Turmeric latte. Turmeric latte is one of the most commonly used Indian home remedies for aches, pains, cold and cough.
Ingredients:
1 cup milk of your choice
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
Pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
Whisk together all the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to boil. Serve hot.
5. Drink Turmeric Juice:
Another excellent way to consume turmeric is to drink turmeric juice. It’s so easy and delicious!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of water
– ½ cup of orange juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– A pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Enjoy your delicious and healthy turmeric juice!
The side effects of Turmeric
Turmeric has many purported health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Turmeric is generally considered safe when consumed in small amounts. However, like any substance, it can also have side effects. Here are some situations when you should avoid eating Turmeric.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should avoid consuming large amounts of Turmeric. Some studies suggest that Turmeric may stimulate contractions of the uterus, leading to premature labor. Additionally, Turmeric can increase the production of bile, which could lead to jaundice in newborns.
If you have gallstones or a biliary tract obstruction, you should avoid Turmeric. The active ingredient in Turmeric, Curcumin, can increase the production of bile and worsen the symptoms of these conditions.
If you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), you should avoid Turmeric. Curcumin can interfere with the action of these drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
If you have a history of stomach ulcers or gastritis, you should avoid consuming Turmeric. Curcumin can irritate the lining of the stomach and cause discomfort.
If you are taking medications for diabetes or high cholesterol, you should speak to your doctor before starting to take turmeric supplements. Curcumin may lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, leading to adverse effects.
If you have any other medical conditions, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking Turmeric to be safe.
It would be best if you also spoke to your doctor before taking over-the-counter turmeric supplements.
Conclusion:
Turmeric is a spice with many potential health benefits. It has been used in India for centuries as part of Ayurvedic medicine. Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, is thought to have powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on health and beauty.
Curcumin is believed to reduce inflammation, boost cognitive functions, enhance heart health, help manage diabetes, ease arthritis pain, alleviate stomach discomfort and enhance skin texture and clarity. Turmeric has many potential uses, including adding it to curries and dishes, making turmeric tea, and consuming it in supplement form. However, there are also some situations when you should avoid eating Turmeric, such as if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have gallstones or a biliary tract obstruction, or are taking blood thinners. If you have any other medical conditions, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before taking Turmeric.
FAQs
How much Turmeric should you take in a day?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the correct amount of Turmeric for daily consumption depends on various individual factors. However, a common recommendation for a healthy adult is to take 150-250 mg of Curcumin and 1000 to 1500 mg of dry turmeric root powder per day.
The World Health Organization found 1.4mg of Turmeric per pound of body weight is safe for daily intake.
It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before including a high amount of Turmeric in your diet or before starting turmeric supplements.
Does Turmeric help you lose weight?
There is some evidence to suggest that it may help with weight loss. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that rats given Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric, lost more weight than those not given the compound. They also had lower levels of cholesterol and blood sugar.
However, more research is needed to prove if Turmeric has the same effect in humans conclusively. Therefore, if you are interested in trying Turmeric for weight loss, talk to your doctor first. She may be able to recommend a safe dosage for you.