Health benefits of Turmeric

In our food and wellness today, we want to talk about a root, known as TURMERIC.
There has been so many write-ups, discussions and teachings about this wonder root especially in recent times. Little wonder you find it almost everywhere these days.

What is Turmeric? 
Scientifically called Curcuma longa (which is the name of the plant the herb comes from), it grows in India and several other Southeast Asian countries. It is in the family of ginger. The dried root of the Curcuma longa plant is ground to make the turmeric powder, which is a very tasty and healthy spice used for cooking. This powder is a major ingredient in curry powder, which explains the yellow colour.

It is also called haldi in Hindi (pasupu in Telugu, manjal in Tamil and Malayalam, and arisina in Kannada). Turmeric is one of the most studied herbs in science. The powder is used as a colouring agent in South Asian cuisines because of the yellow colour.
The compounds in turmeric, called curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin), have several advantages for human health. It also contains proteins, resins and sugars.

The herb has so many benefits, too numerous to mention but we would talk about some of the benefits of turmeric, which include:

1. Anti-Inflammatory 
Curcumin, which is a potent compound in turmeric is known to reduce inflammatory, and aids in arthritis treatment.  Turmeric also helps to treat gastrointestinal issues linked to irritable bowel syndrome, which is caused by inflammation. Turmeric is safe and natural, unlike the processed anti-inflammatory drugs which may affect the kidney and the liver.

2. Prevents cancer
Curcumin is known to suppress the initiation, progression, and metastasis of numerous kinds of tumors, protects against cancer and kills cancer cells.
More interesting is the fact that curcumin also activates certain proteins in the body that suppresses tumors. It can even differentiate a healthy gene from a sick gene, and surprisingly alters the expression of the sick gene. This simply means that curcumin can change DNA, alter the course of genes, and totally turns around the health of cells.

3. Prevents Diabetes
It was found to lower the glucose level in the blood, thus prevents diabetes. Curcumin in turmeric can also aid in the treatment of liver disorders associated with diabetes.

4. Prevents heart disease and promotes brain health
Research has shown that turmeric was used for treating chest pain in ancient Indian and Chinese medicine. In other cases of obesity, it was discovered that the herb reduced cholesterol concentrations – and more importantly, increased the levels of good cholesterol.
Similarly, Curcumin in turmeric also boosts the regeneration of brain cells, given the potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

5. Has antioxidant properties
Turmeric is known to scavenge free radicals, inhibit peroxidation, and reduce iron complex – all of which are a direct result of its antioxidant properties.
It helps in weight loss and prevents obesity.

6. Prevents Aging
This wonder root contains curcuminoid pigments which turns on the genes that enhance the body’s synthesis of antioxidants. This protects the cells of the brain and skin from free radical damage, improves concentration, and even slows down the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Wow, you’d say!

7. Boosts the immune system
Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory properties, it was found that it can boost the immune system. It was also discovered that curcumin stops the recruitment of certain immune cells which, when overactive, can lead to ailments like heart disease and obesity. Study also shows that turmeric can stimulate the immune system and destroy the bacteria that cause drug-resistant tuberculosis.

8. Can work as an antiseptic
Turmeric displays excellent antibacterial properties against various types of bacteria, some of them which include E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi – accentuating its antiseptic properties.

9. Great for the skin
The antioxidants enhance skin health, treats acne, psoriasis, prevents wrinkles, cures stretch marks and other skin conditions. It also keeps the skin free from infections.

10. Good for the hair.
It prevents hair loss, and treats dandruff.

How is this wonderful root/herb used?

• It can be used fresh, or dry and ground: whichever way is convenient for you. Drinking this mixture in the morning can give you a healthy dose of antioxidants and take care of your overall health in the long run. You can add honey and ginger if you want.
• You can improve the absorption of turmeric by consuming it in whole food and it can also be chewed raw.
• Fresh turmeric root can be added to your favorite smoothie. Blend a peeled turmeric root with other fresh fruits and vegetables to make a delicious and healthy smoothie.
• For the skin, you can mix turmeric with castor oil for a brilliant skin detox. Or even use it as an acne gel or a soothing face mask.
• For the hair, a mixture of turmeric and olive oil can eliminate dandruff and improve scalp health. Just mix equal parts of both and leave it on your hair for 20 minutes before shampooing. Wonderful you would say! Just give it a try today. It is available in Nigerian markets and shops, and all over the world.