9 BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Turmeric is a flowering plant. Its botanical name is Curcuma longa. The substance that gives turmeric its characteristic properties is called “Curcumin”. You use its roots for cooking. The plant’s rhizomes (underground stems) are collected and you utilize them in either fresh or dried form.
In-ground form, it gives a deep yellow-orange powder. Turmeric powder has a mustard-like aroma and black pepper-like flavor. It is a staple spice in Asian and Middle Eastern kitchens for its distinct flavor and as a dye.
Turmeric has been a staple in Asia for centuries. It is an integral part of Ayurveda, Unani, and Chinese medicine.
In India, they used it for dyeing the robes of priests and monks. From there it got introduced to South East Asia and later to the rest of the World. In Europe, Turmeric is called “Indian Saffron” or Golden Spice. Named so because of its multiple benefits and distinctive golden yellow color.
Talking from personal experience, crows equally adore turmeric. Once I placed turmeric to be dried on my patio. Whenever I used to go, to check on it, a little would be missing. One fine day, I found the culprit. A crow was taking some away in its beak. As soon as it saw me, it flew away, and off went my precious turmeric, too.
9 BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
1. Turmeric relieves pain
I have a faded memory of my childhood when my dad had back-to-back foot injuries. This is where my Mom came in with a magic potion. She used to make olive oil and turmeric paste and would coat the ankle and foot lightly with it, followed by a bandage wrap. The next day, she would repeat the process with a fresh paste and bandage. In this way, the pain would go away without using painkillers and the foot healed completely. It was something she learned from Oriental medicine.
How does turmeric make you get rid of bone and muscle pain?
What actually happens is that it has Curcumin– the main constituent of turmeric, and is anti-inflammatory, which hastens the healing process.
How to get rid of menstrual cramps?
Are you someone who is writhing in pain during those dreadful days of the month? Then, have golden milk as a nightcap and enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep!
How to make golden milk?
- Take a cup of milk and boil it in the pan.
- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric as a whole or in powder form.
- Mix it thoroughly.
- Put it in a mug and add a teaspoon of honey to it.
- Your cuppa golden milk is ready.
Golden Milk can be used for your post-workout cramps, after coming back from that marathon when your calves are killing you, or if you are restless and need some peace.
All these times, golden milk is your go-to.
2. Turmeric aids digestion
One of the benefits of turmeric is that it is good for digestion.
For centuries, we have used turmeric as a good digestion aid in Ayurvedic medicines. It treats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroenteritis, Acid Reflux, and Stomach Ulcers. Curcumin is the reason for nearly all its goodness as it is antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial.
3. Turmeric helps reduce the risk of cancer
Curcumin in turmeric helps fight cancer by destroying its cells. Due to its antioxidant properties, it may mitigate the effects of inflammation. Research has proved that it is able to kill nearly all kinds of tumors and cancer cells.
4. Turmeric-good for osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, brittle, and crumbly. It makes it a severe health condition, as it leads to compression fractures and excruciating back pain. A simple bending down to pick up a fallen piece of paper or a minor fall may lead to a fracture.
Earlier it was found only in the elderly but now because of unhealthy eating habits, this condition is getting increased in all age groups. You can avoid this condition and get new bone formation with the help of turmeric, which helps increase bone density by 7%.
5. Turmeric as an anti-depressant
According to recent studies, scientists have found that curcumin, the key ingredient of turmeric, increases serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones, which in turn act as a stress buster and an anti-depressant. So, it brightens the mood and makes one chirpy. It helps treat the major depressive disorder (MDD).
6. Turmeric-let wrinkles go away!
Have you turned 20-plus and started to show signs of aging? This must devastate you!! Not to worry, turmeric is here for your rescue! Curcumin in turmeric is a powerful antioxidant. It supports the DNA and lets it repair and prevent further damage.
You must be seeing collagen as a vital ingredient in every other day and night cream. It is the main protein that gives our skin its soft, supple, and radiant look. It helps in skin tightening. Curcumin helps in the production of collagen so that our skin can get supple.
Due to its numerous skincare benefits, turmeric is being used widely in soaps, face creams, face packs, and cosmetics. It also works well in wound healing.
For centuries, Indian brides are getting ready for their big day by applying turmeric paste mixed with rosewater, sandalwood, and milk.
The bride sits in seclusion and elders of the family start applying it to her, a week before the wedding, which helps them to get brighter-looking, glowing skin.
This turmeric paste is called “Ubtan” in Hindi. It is applied to the face, arms, legs, and whole body of the bride. You must have seen a glimpse of this during some ceremony of your Indian acquaintance’s wedding.
Got interested in ubtan and want to know how to make it?
Let me give you the recipe for a DIY ubtan face and skin pack.
DIY Ubtan
- Take 1 tablespoon each of turmeric powder, sandalwood powder, gram flour, and wheat flour.
- Add 2 tablespoons of milk to it until it gets a smooth paste-like consistency.
- Add a few drops of rosewater.
- Apply to your face and body evenly.
- Let it dry completely (it will take 30 minutes)
- Wash it off with normal tap water.
7. Turmeric- you are the apple of my eye
Dry Eye Syndrome, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and other developing eye conditions can be healed by using turmeric. The antioxidant properties of curcumin help in eye health.
8. Turmeric-a brain food
When it comes to the goodness that turmeric brings to our brains, we can easily name it a super-brain food. Curcumin increases a growth factor named brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), or abrineurin.
This may lead to a decrease in age-related brain inactivity and brain illnesses, prevention of Alzheimer’s, and sharpening of memory, as well as cognitive skills.
9. Turmeric lowers cholesterol
Are your cholesterol levels really high? Then do not worry! One of the benefits of turmeric is that it lowers cholesterol levels. Incorporate turmeric into your daily diet other than switching to a healthy lifestyle.
Research-based studies have proven that turmeric lowers triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, LDL, or bad cholesterol.
Who should not take turmeric?
As curcumin activates the increased bile secretion, doctors do not recommend it to be used by individuals who have gallstones, bile duct obstruction, and any other kind of liver dysfunction.
Cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy, or individuals who are taking anti-coagulants, shall consult with their physician about turmeric intake.
Individuals who have stomach issues like reduced bowel movement or stomach pain like in people with Crohn’s disease shall consult the doctor before taking turmeric.
Diabetes patients shall watch out while having it, as it may result in hypoglycemic conditions.
Take Away
Turmeric is a miracle herb with innumerable health benefits. It helps to heal fractures, strengthens the bones, is good for stomach health, helps in eye-related diseases, and is antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancerous, and anti-depressant. Not only does it help lower bad cholesterol, but it also relieves all kinds of pain. It also helps in menstrual cycle regulation, is a mood up-lifter, and is good for sharpening your intellect and memory.
You can use it in your milk or add it to your gravies or can use it as a supplement but only use it in the prescribed amount, otherwise, you can get harmful consequences.
People with chronic stomach and liver issues or those who are going under cancer treatment shall have it after taking a Doctor’s advice.
Have a cup of warm golden milk and let us know how did you like it?