Turmeric also is known as “The Golden Spice” has been used for its medicinal properties in ancient history. It has been widely used in India for thousands of years as a spice in cooking, and even for enhancing beauty by using in form of face packs and body scrubs (Ubtans). Turmeric paste is also applied on the skin of the bride and groom before marriage in some parts of India, where it is believed to make the skin glow and keep harmful bacteria away from the body. Powdered turmeric is taken with boiled milk to cure cough and various respiratory discomforts. Turmeric is used frequently now in food items and cosmetic industries all over the world, as a natural beauty coloring agent.
According to the best dietitian in North Delhi, curcumin is the main bioactive ingredient in turmeric. Recent studies have shown that curcumin has various biological activities and pharmacological performances and helps in providing protection and promotion of human health. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and is a very strong antioxidant thus has a role in cancer prevention. Various studies have also shown that helps in reducing inflammation and managing conditions like anxiety, metabolic, arthritis, hyperlipidemia, and syndrome.
Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant activity
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant properties are the two most significant components that clarify most of the impacts of curcumin on different conditions. There are various probabilities that it can increase the serum activities of various antioxidants. Various studies have shown the beneficial effects of turmeric on scavenging free radicals present in the body that can be carcinogenic. Therefore, it has gained importance as an anticancer drug.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used drugs worldwide in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, wound healing, relieving pain and are also approved for treating orthopedic conditions and wound healing. However, such drugs have various adverse side effects and prolonged use can be carcinogenic. Curcumin has always shown a productive reaction in the prevention of inflammatory process by inhibition of different roadmap.
Antimicrobial activity
Curcumin has been confirmed by various researches, to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activities. A study revealed that curcumin exhibited inhibitory activity on a certain staphylococcus bacteria and even showed a role in the inhibition of growth of all Helicobacter pylori (a type of bacteria that can cause digestion issues including stomach cancer). Turmeric has been traditionally used as an antimicrobial agent as well as an insect repellant and its role in preventing infections has been well documented in various studies.
Act as a neuro-protector
Turmeric and its chief constituents such as curcumin show a role as neuro-protector. It is considered that the phenolic compound present in turmeric shows a neuroprotective effect. Various studies have confirmed that curcumin improves the survival of neurons (brain cells). Therefore, it has been used in various types of treatments for dementia and traumatic brain injury. The best dietitian in Delhi says curcumin also has a potential role in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Curcumin with its benefits helps in improving the cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. A growing body of evidence indicates that oxidative stress, free radicals, cerebral deregulation caused by toxicity and abnormal inflammatory reactions are the key contributors in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Due to various effects of curcumin, such as delayed degradation of neurons, metal-chelating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effect the overall memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia has improved by supplementation.
Immunity boosting properties
Curcumin has a crucial role in the modulation of the immune system. Curcumin interacts with immune cells to protect against immune-related diseases by modulating various immune cells which helps in improving the functions of immunological parameters.
It also boosts the functionality of a molecule called Cathelicidin (Cathelicidin Antimicrobial Peptide – CAMP). This component present in the immune system helps in the identification and eradication of bacteria and other unfamiliar external agents that attack and impact the human body negatively. Curcumin increases the CAMP activity and improves the body’s defense system against bacterial, viral and fungal infections thereby boosting immunity.
Beneficial for Pre and Post-workout meal
Curcumin also helps in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery. In a study, supplementation with 6g of curcumin each day between 48 hours before and after exercise-induced muscle damage shows an effect on the recovery of some aspects of the muscle function 24 hours after the exercise. Therefore, Curcumin may reduce muscle damage and perceived muscle soreness without negatively impacting a natural inflammatory response following exercise.
How to consume Turmeric
Consuming curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor absorption in the body. Combining it with black pepper which contains active compound ‘Piperine’ has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000%. Therefore, to gain maximum health benefits associated with consumption of turmeric it should be combined with 1-2 grams of black pepper powder. Bromelain, a protein extract derived from pineapple, helps in increasing the absorption of turmeric and is often used nowadays.
Over to you
Turmeric is a highly versatile spice that can be consumed in a range of ways such as adding to curries, homemade dressings, marinades and even making turmeric lattes. Make sure to use at least a teaspoon (5 grams) of organic turmeric powder to gain the associated health benefits.
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