Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice that spans cultures and it is a major ingredient in Indian curries. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color.
This spice has almost no calories (1 tablespoon = 24 calories) and zero cholesterol. It is rich in dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. The wide range of turmeric health benefits come mainly from its main ingredient, curcumin. This widely researched component of turmeric is highly therapeutic and is used in various drugs and pharmaceutics as it has anti-oxidant properties and it boosts immunity.
Here are some benefits that turmeric may offer to your body:
– Boosting immunity – Curcumin has a huge therapeutic value and boosting immunity. “5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E and stronger than vitamin C, this antioxidant breakthrough may help boost your immunity, maintain normal cholesterol levels, and put the brakes on aging,” said Dr. Joseph Mercola about the curcumin in turmeric.
– Blocking cancer – Doctors at UCLA found that curcumin appeared to block an enzyme that promotes the growth of head and neck cancer. Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant properties fight cancer-causing free radicals, reducing or preventing some of the damage they can cause.
– Potent anti-inflammatory – According to Dr. Randy J. Horwitz, the medical director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, “Turmeric is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories available.” Another study shows that taking turmeric daily for a few months may improve kidney function for people who have kidney inflammation.
– Curcumin protects against certain liver diseases – A Mexican study showed that curcumin prevents acute liver damage by at least two mechanisms: acting as an antioxidant and by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and thus production of proinflammatory cytokines.
– Curcumin Prevents the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in people who have prediabetes. A Thai study that was published in the journal Diabetes Care proved that people with prediabetes who took capsules containing curcumin were less likely to go on to develop type 2 diabetes compared with people who didn’t take the curcumin capsules.
– Indigestion and heartburn aid – Curcumin works with the gallbladder, stimulating it to make bile, which may help with digestion. Turmeric can help upset stomach, bloating and gas.
– Curcumin in turmeric has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease – According to a study that was published in the Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, some effects of curcumin, such as decreased Beta-amyloid plaques, delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant property, improved overall memory in Alzheimer’s patients.
– “Raw is best” – According to Natalie Kling, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist “Sprinkling it on vegetables or mixing it into dressings is quick and effective.”
