7 Little Known Turmeric Benefits For Your Health
However, the Western world has been slow to notice the health benefits, some of which are described below.
Benefits of Turmeric for Health
1.-Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric has long been used for its anti-inflammatory properties in oriental cultures; Helps the body to fight infection and repair itself. It is the oil that turmeric provides, it having scientifically proven anti-inflammatory capabilities.
Curcumin, the oil derived from turmeric, has been studied in numerous experiments, and has proven to be as effective as typical anti-inflammatory drugs. The key difference is that there are no side effects associated with curcumin oil. This is good news for those suffering from joints, such as arthritis, where inflammation plays a key role in exacerbating chronic pain.
2.-Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's disease is a common disorder that affects many people around the world and can be quite debilitating. Studies have investigated the effects of turmeric on rats that had this disease.
Although these researches are not entirely sure how it works, turmeric oil improves cell function and reduces symptoms. Certain symptoms such as ulceration of the mucosa were almost completely removed.
3. Indigestion and Relief of Acidity
Turmeric has also been seen to aid the common symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. These are experienced by people very frequently, and can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable.
Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder and increases bile production ; In Germany, turmeric is prescribed for these problems.
4.-Heart Disease
Studies have shown that turmeric has a protective effect on the heart. Initial research shows that turmeric can help reduce plaque buildup in the heart, a key factor for heart attacks. Turmeric can help prevent oxidized cholesterol, which is what damages the blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels are a critical factor in many heart conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes and atherosclerosis.
5.-Delay diabetes
Research has shown that turmeric can actually delay the onset of diabetes. In one study, participants were screened for a period of time and given a placebo to one or more curcumin tablets.
At the end of the study, no participant who had taken curcumin had developed diabetes. It is argued that this finding is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric.
6.-Prevention of cancer
Turmeric
Turmeric cut into small pieces
Turmeric has been shown to have important antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells against cancer, particularly in colon cells. Turmeric can help protect vulnerable cells from free radicals, which can be harmful to the body.
On the other hand, turmeric can help the body to expel mutated cells that may already have developed cancer. However, research is still working on how turmeric can help with cancer prevention.
7.-Reduces cholesterol
High cholesterol is a common disorder and has been linked to many different disorders, some serious.
Initial research shows that turmeric oil, curcumin oil, can help lower cholesterol levels. It works on the liver and encourages it to produce more receptors that produce less cholesterol.
Uses in the kitchen
Turmeric in the form of dried spices can add very good flavor to curries, stews, chips and roast beef and chicken.
Fresh turmeric is a root that looks a lot like fresh ginger. You can make juices along with other fruits and vegetables. It can be added to smoothies.
It gives a bright orange color adding turmeric to the mixture of a chicken marinade. It is a key ingredient in Middle Eastern chicken kebabs.
Use it to substitute saffron or mustard as it provides an equal shade of yellow. Pressing the fresh turmeric through a garlic press and placing it on top of the white rice gives a lot of flavor and a golden color.
Use fresh or chopped turmeric in salad cabbage to add color, flavor and key nutrients.
Curcuma_longa _-_ Köhler-s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-199
The plant of the turmeric By Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen (List of Koehler Images), via Wikimedia Commons
Precautions
Everyone should seek medical advice before adding extra turmeric to their diet as it can sometimes have negative effects for some people, for example, their ability to slow blood clotting could be dangerous for anyone taking blood thinners. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions .
