Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry , considered one of the best spices with a fat burning effect. With an intense aroma and a somewhat bitter and spicy flavor when eaten fresh, turmeric owes its vivid yellow color (between golden and orange) to curcumin, its main component and responsible for many of its multiple health benefits .
What is turmeric?
Like ginger (to which it is related), Indian turmeric (Curcuma longa) - as well as Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) - is a plant whose rhizomes (underground stems) are highly prized for their gastronomic qualities and its curative or medicinal properties.
Benefits and properties of turmeric
Since ancient times, turmeric has been used in traditional Indian and Ayurvedic medicine to treat rheumatic pain, relieve digestive and liver problems, and is highly valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- A powerful antioxidant. Curcumin counteracts the action of free radicals on tissues, which is why it is considered a powerful antioxidant. This is stated by a group of researchers from the University of California in an article published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Its consumption reduces irritation and degradation of tissues, making it very effective in degenerative diseases.
- Effective as an anti-inflammatory. According to a study published in 1980 by the University of Arizona, turmeric keeps the body free of inflammations caused by blows or infectious pictures; which is why it has traditionally been widely used in India for the treatment of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Protective of the liver. One of the main properties of turmeric is its hepatoprotective nature. On the one hand, it increases bile, as confirmed by a study by the Medical University of Graz (Austria), and on the other, it thins it, which helps digest fats, reduces liver inflammation and contributes to the filtering functions of the liver. . It prevents the formation of gallstones and, in non-acute hepatitis, it is considered as a liver repair.
- Helps lower cholesterol. It has an enormous capacity to dissolve in fat and stimulate the secretion of bile. For this reason, it is considered to help metabolize fats and indirectly to lower cholesterol.
- Ally of the heart. Its effects are beneficial for cardiovascular diseases. It improves blood circulation, works well to prevent strokes and arteriosclerosis, and does its bit to keep blood pressure levels at bay.
- Cares for and repairs the skin and mucous membranes. Applied directly in creams and ointments, it serves as an antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Reduces inflammation of the oral mucosa, infected ulcers and wounds, boils, burns and insect bites. And it can also be diluted in hot water to make gargles that relieve throat irritation.
- It goes well for memory. According to a study from the University of California, Los Angeles, consuming turmeric significantly improves memory and even mood.
- Good for losing weight. It is also recommended in weight loss diets because it has the ability to limit the extension of fatty tissue.
Do you have contraindications?
- By increasing the production of bile, it is recommended to avoid its consumption in case of biliary obstruction or biliary colic, as it could worsen it or make the pain increase.
- It is also contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation because it can stimulate menstrual flow.
- It is not recommended in case of following anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment because it has a slight anticoagulant action.
Is it really that effective?
For some years now, turmeric has been in the spotlight. A 2000 report from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology of the University of Granada, for example, outlined the multiple potential benefits of Turmeric extracts.
However, a study published in 2017 in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry called them all into question. According to their findings, none of the numerous clinical trials conducted comprehensively and indisputably credited the benefits of turmeric.
Does that mean that turmeric is not beneficial for health? Not quite. What the study says is that much of the existing research was not accurate enough to show this clearly. But neither does he deny it, he simply confirms that, at least for now, medical research has not provided totally reliable results.
How to take turmeric?
It is taken both fresh and dry as a powder. Fresh it is bitter and slightly spicy, and dry it is sweeter and more aromatic. To make turmeric powder, the rhizomes are left to dry, they are cooked, the outer shell is detached, they are left to dry again, and finally it is ground or crushed.
It can be taken directly by diluting it in a glass with warm water or fruit juice. However, it is considered to be much more effective by adding it to meals and combining it with black pepper, which helps it to be better assimilated, as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (such as oily fish), healthy vegetable fat (oil of olive, avocado …), and foods rich in quercetin (onion, garlic, cabbage ..). But always at the end of stews because, if you cook more than necessary, it loses its properties. Here we tell you more ideas to take turmeric.
