Supriya Yadav, Microbiologist at Vital Neutraceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Turmeric, which comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant can be named as the best natural supplement because it is 100% ayurvedic and its usage in every Indian kitchen rightly proves the saying “Life is better with turmeric” . Since, Haldi (Turmeric) is responsible to give yellow colour to the Indian curries, We all know that Indian food dishes are incomplete without turmeric; But do you know about the 7 mysterious health benefits of turmeric we can gain by consuming turmeric daily in right quantity? There are many medicinal benefits of turmeric which you may not be aware about! To name a few, turmeric has anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric is good for cholesterol lowering, turmeric has weight loss benefits and a way lot of health benefits. Boosting immunity is the main concern for everyone in this pandemic, so why to wonder when the solution lies right in our kitchen?
Key Highlights:
- Pure turmeric powder has the highest curcumin concentration, averaging 3.14% by weight.
- Research shows ingestion of 440 mg of curcumin for 29 days was accompanied by a 59% decrease in an agent that is responsible for blood and bone marrow cancer.
- The 30-day study revealed that 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40%.
Curcumin, the chemical extract of turmeric, makes it more special. Pure turmeric powder has the highest curcumin concentration, averaging 3.14% by weight. Curcumin benefits your health by boosting your immunity which can keep you away from sickness and flu. The curcumincontent in turmeric powder has many medicinal uses which makes turmeric useful apart from the culinary uses as well. It is one of the most prevalent household remedies still in use in both rural and urban India as an instant fix for many health problems.
Here are some important health benefits of curcumin in turmeric:
- 1. It acts as a strong antioxidant to prevent coronary heart diseases.
- 2. It exhibits immunomodulatory properties which help in eliminating Cancer cells.
- 3. It exerts anti-inflammatory activities which are effective against Athritis.
- 4. It is an anti-depressant effective against major depression symptoms.
- 5. It can protect from Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).
- 6. It is the best natural immunity booster.
- 7. It helps in protecting skin from acne and aging.
Turmeric is thought to possess therapeutic properties, the curcuminoids complex found in the rhizome of turmeric contains 2.5-6% curcumin. Curcumin comprises approximately 77% of the curcuminoid content which makes it the best antioxidant supplement and it’s free-radical quenching properties exhibited in the body plays an important role in the inhibitory effects that protect you from getting prone to any diseases. Curcumin up-regulates the antioxidant enzyme of your body to help you to fight against free radicals, thereby stimulating the antioxidant defence mechanism of your body. It is a good source of natural flavonoids, which have been shown to exhibit antioxidating activity and free radical-scavenging capacity that prevent coronary heart diseases.
The immunomodulatory abilities of curcumin arise from its interaction with various immunomodulators (able to enhance or suppress the natural immune response as per the need) including not only your cellular components but also molecular components involved in the inflammatory process. Research has shown that the ongoing activation of NF-kB is linked with most cancers and major diseases. Curcumin is a natural substance that inhibits NF-kB (a protein complex that activates the genes and pathways that increase inflammation). Curcumin does not adversely affect healthy cells, suggesting that it selectively targets cancer cells. Scientific studies have evidenced that it works synergistically with certain chemotherapy drugs by enhancing the elimination of cancer cells. Research shows ingestion of 440 mg of curcumin for 29 days was accompanied by a 59% decrease in an agent that is responsible for blood and bone marrow cancer.
A common disease associated with inflammation, both chronic and acute, is Osteo Arthritis (OA), a chronic joint condition. It affects over 250 million people worldwide, leading to increased healthcare costs, impairment in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and ultimately decreased quality of life. Several studies have shown the anti-arthritic effects of curcumin in humans with OA and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).The study evidenced that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts ,1000 mg/day treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms).The 30-day study revealed that 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40%. Research also suggests that curcumin reduces joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness.
Inflammation is known to play a major role in the pathophysiology of major depressive syndrome. As curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties that act as natural antidepressants, it has been hypothesized that curcumin might be effective in treating symptoms of a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression. In various studies, it has been observed that curcumin is generally well-tolerated by patients. The research findings suggest that curcumin, if added to standard care, might improve depressive and anxiety symptoms in people with depression.
Turmeric is effective against many stomach related problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains a prevalent and difficult-to-manage gastrointestinal condition. There is growing interest in the use of traditional medicine to manage IBS. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and mucosal protective effects which modulate gut microbiota to make it potentially useful against IBS. It also appears safe and well-tolerated, with no adverse events reported in the available trials.
Curcumin has antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties which helps your immunity to fight against deadly viruses and pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have suggested that intake of curcumin daily boosts the immune system. ‘Haldidoodh’ (Golden Milk) is the easiest way to increase curcumin intake in this pandemic which may not only improve your immunity but also help in speedy recovery from any injuries or trauma. As per research, it is advisable to consume Haldi milk in the morning or just before bedtime.
Turmeric is the best skin protector as it reduces wound-healing time and improves collagen deposition. Several studies propose curcumin as a natural, safe, widely available, and inexpensive treatment for the management of many skin conditions including iatrogenic dermatitis. Due to its known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, potential topical and systemic use of curcumin in the treatment and prevention of skin aging has been examined, especially when related to sun exposure (photoaging). Most anti-aging and skin cleanser products available in the market have turmeric as one of its main ingredientsas it is also used for natural acne treatment.
Apart from being one of the best natural supplements acting as an effective immunity booster, Curcumin (active compound of Turmeric) benefits you in many ways by exhibiting antioxidative, anti- inflammatory, and anti-depressant properties. You can have 1-3 g of turmeric, which is an acceptable daily intake that can provide you with the above-mentioned health benefits of the turmeric. Thus, it is particularly important to include turmeric in your diet not only in this pandemic but throughout your lifetime. Thus, turmeric is not just another spice in your kitchen shelf. The curcumin content in it makes it an immunity booster. Curcumin, if used effectively; may prove to be ‘Curecumin’, a natural healer in your life! So, when are you starting to incorporate the proper intake of Turmeric in your daily life apart from using it in your kitchen for colour and flavour to get the added benefits of curcumin on your immunity?
