Turmeric : Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Ginger, a homogeneous spice, is obtained from the roots of a plant called Curcuma longa, which grows in tropical South Asian countries. The roots of these plants are bulging where the rhizomes are prepared. These are boiled, dried, then powdered to match the powder that we know as turmeric.

It has been used as a coloring agent or dye since about 600 BC. Turmeric has been used in Indian medicine for a long time because in Ayurvedic herbal medicine it is given to relieve various physical problems such as shortness of breath, arthritis, body aches, and even fatigue. Yellow is also used to dye clothes. In fact, when Marco Polo visited China in 1280, he compared turmeric to saffron. In medieval Europe, turmeric was called "Indian saffron".

Turmeric has a pungent-bitter taste and is sometimes used to color food items. Canned products, bakery products, dairy, juice, and other foods are also used. Yellow leaves are also used for wrapping or cooking food. These leaves bring a certain taste to food.

Turmeric itself is a wonderful spice, but its benefits are doubled if it is mixed with milk. Turmeric is a chemical compound called curcumin which dissolves fats. Heat the milk and mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in it to prepare turmeric.

India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of turmeric in the world. Turmeric produced in India is said to be the best because it contains high levels of curcumin. 80% of the turmeric produced in the world is produced in India.

Some basic information about yellow 

Scientific name: Curcuma longa

 Family: Ginger belongs to the genus Gingiberecia 

Common Name: Turmeric 

 Sanskrit name: Haridra

 Any part used: Roots or rhizomes are used as herbal or food. 

Innovation space and geographical distribution: The lion's share is produced in South Asia, India, Indonesia, China, Philippines, Taiwan, Haiti, Jamaica, Sri Lanka and Peru.

Important information: The name Curcuma longa comes from the Arabic word curcuma for plants. In China it is called Jiang Huanjin.

Turmeric nutrition facts 

Turmeric contains 26% manganese and 16% iron. It is rich in fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C and magnesium. Turmeric is considered to have medicinal properties due to the presence of the chemical compound curcumin in it. It contains antioxidants and is an anti-inflammatory agent. According to USDA Nutrient Database, 100g turmeric contains the following nutrients:

      

         Water = 12.85 g , Energy = 312 

kcal , protein = 9.68 g , Fat = 3.25 g ,

Carbohydrates = 68.14 g , Fiber = 22.7 g ,    Sugar = 3.21 g 

Turmeric Health Benefits 

• As an anti-inflammatory: Used on the skin as an anti-inflammatory, which helps to reduce pain or swelling in the body due to trauma and prevents any area from becoming swollen in a long time. 
• As an antioxidant: Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which has antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The energy it has to destroy free radicals compensates for its oxidative damage and delays the onset of aging in the body.
• For arthritis: Being anti-inflammatory reduces the pain of yellow lumps, and arthritis problems. For the brain: Turmeric helps in proper functioning of the brain and is effective against Alzheimer's and depression. 
• For the heart: Curcumin helps reduce the damage to the heart and heart walls, which reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems.
• As an anti-cancer: Curcumin is effective in preventing abnormal growth. It has been shown to work against breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, lymphoma and certain cancers of the stomach and intestines.
•  For oral health: Turmeric works against gum problems like gingivitis and periodontitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been shown to work against oral cancer.

Turmeric For Heart Health

According to the WHO, the leading cause of death worldwide is ischemic heart disease. There can be many causes of heart disease but for a healthy heart we can always make changes in our diet and lifestyle. Studies have shown that curcumin is one of the herbs that can prevent or prevent heart disease. On endothelial cells, on the lining of the blood vessels of the heart, the role of curculum can prevent heart damage.

As we all know, exercise has a very positive effect on the smooth functioning of the nasal endothelium. A study also found that turmeric has a similar effect on the functioning of the endothelium. Regularly playing turmeric works to keep your heart healthy for a long time.

Turmeric For Brain Health

Turmeric is good not only for the heart but also for the health of the brain, as well as helping to improve memory. One study found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of protein that acts as a major component of the brain. It has a huge role in the regeneration of nerve cells. Another study found that people who suffer from depression or Alzheimer's have very low levels of BDNF. Physical exercise is beneficial because it naturally increases BDNF in the human body.Surprisingly, turmeric does a similar job. 

Playing turmeric regularly helps increase BDNF levels, which in turn improves memory, reduces brain disease, and keeps the brain functioning properly.

Turmeric antioxidant properties

As we get older, the number of free radicals (active oxygen species) in our body increases exponentially. Free radicals are highly reactive and can cause oxidative damage because they react with proteins and fatty acids. Excess free radicals can damage our cells and even our DNA. Smoking, air pollution, increasing the amount of pesticides in food, fried foods, etc. increase the levels of free radicals in our body.

When food is rich in natural antioxidants, our body can keep up with the rising rate of free radicals. These antioxidants are found naturally in vegetables and fruits. One study claims that turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can destroy all these free radicals. It can help increase the production of antioxidant enzymes. So people who regularly eat turmeric live a healthy life.

Turmeric as an anti-inflammatory

Swelling is very important for our body as it helps in repairing damaged tissues and protecting the body from external enemy attacks. Inflammation also helps to fight the pathogens that are entering our system. Transient inflammation or swelling of a place like acne or a small wound can be beneficial for the body but it becomes a matter of concern if it becomes chronic, because then it invades its own tissue.

Swelling or inflammation of any area, small in size but chronic, can lead to heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties because it counteracts the molecule called NF-kB (Nuclear Factor Kappa Beta), which stimulates the gene responsible for increasing cell inflammation. As one study found, turmeric works at the molecular level to reduce inflammation.

Turmeric prevents cancer

Abnormal growth of cells causes cancer. Studies have shown that curcumin present in turmeric can be used to treat cancer because it affects cell growth, preventing cancer cells from growing, spreading and spreading at the molecular level. Curcumin has been shown to be effective against gastrointestinal cancer (stomach and intestine), breast cancer, lung cancer, nerve cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia and lymphoma.

Studies have shown that curcumin does not affect normal cells but kills various tumor cells. For this reason curcumin has proven to be a beneficial medicinal plant, from which various medicines are being used to improve. Thus, playing turmeric regularly makes it easier to fight cancer and prevent it.

Turmeric for Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's (AD) is one of the leading causes of dementia worldwide. Long research on ancient Indian herbal curcumin has shown that it has benefits in modern medicine as well. It is used in the treatment of various symptoms such as gastric ulcer, breast cancer, atherosclerosis etc. Brain injuries are also treated with curcumin.

A study has shown that curcumin obtained from turmeric plays an effective role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin has been shown to improve the condition of those affected by the disease. For lipophilic properties, curcumin may cross the blood-brain barrier, which eventually reaches the brain cells and works to alleviate Alzheimer's.

Therefore, playing turmeric regularly can eliminate all the diseases that cause neurodegenerative neurodegenerative diseases.

Turmeric  for arthritis

Arthritis is a common problem in people of any age. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in turmeric are beneficial for those suffering from arthritis. A pilot study found it safe and effective for the treatment of those suffering from arthritis.

Turmeric for depression

Turmeric helps in relieving the symptoms of depression and also has an effective role in the treatment of those suffering from depression. In a controlled study, 60 patients were given progesterone, curcumin, and a combination of two for six weeks. It was clear that curcumin was given to those who were depressed, and that no subsequent suicidal tendencies or other psychological problems were observed.

Physical examination has also shown that curcumin is safe and effective in treating depression. 

Turmeric for anti-aging

 

Free radicals and inflammation are thought to be the main causes of aging and other diseases. It is clear that curcumin is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Since antioxidants destroy free radicals, curcumin can be used to treat signs of aging.

In addition, curcumin increases the body's production of antioxidant enzymes, which slows down the aging process.

Turmeric for dental health 

 Turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its various medicinal properties. According to a study, yellow can be used to understand whether the teeth have plaque, which is not understood by the white eye. Yellow pigment is formed due to the presence of turmeric extract beni-koji for which the color of the plaque looks yellow. Turmeric also helps in the treatment of gingivitis, pain reduction, periodontitis and oral cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric side effects 

Turmeric has been used in the Barati family for ages. Recently, the popularity of turmeric has also increased in the West. Although turmeric has many properties, it is important to keep in mind that over-applying it can be harmful.

1. Some people may be allergic to turmeric because the curcumin in turmeric is an allergen. It is known to cause skin diseases in contact with it. Symptoms of rash and allergies may occur on contact with turmeric or after ingestion of turmeric. 
2. Diabetes: Turmeric curcumin is a chemical that can lower blood sugar in people with diabetes.
3. Gallbladder: If you have a problem with your gallbladder, it is better not to eat turmeric, especially if there are stones in the gallbladder or obstruction in the bile duct. Studies have shown that curcumin causes the gallbladder to contract.
4. Stomach problems: Antacids may react with turmeric. If eaten in conjunction with antacids such as Tagamet, Pepsid, Zantac, Nexium, or Prevacid, the amount of acid in the stomach may increase. Studies have shown that excessive or prolonged consumption of turmeric can lead to gastrointestinal problems (stomach and intestines) and stomach upset.
5. Curcumin present in turmeric increases stomach (gastric) discomfort which can lead to diarrhea or nausea symptoms.

Remember :

Turmeric has long been an integral part of our culture. The benefits of turmeric far outweigh the side effects, but whether you eat turmeric in any form, it is important to consult a doctor before starting, especially if you are diabetic or pregnant.

Turmeric is not only used in food, it is also used in many natural cosmetics. Turmeric plays a big role in Indian life due to its popularity, as we use it not only in cooking, but also in the preparation of medicines and cosmetics. 

Turmeric is actually a wonderful spice that has multiple uses. It is said that a spoonful of honey mixed with a glass of turmeric mixed with honey no longer requires the help of a doctor.

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