Posts Tagged ‘Turmeric’

What are the health benefits of turmeric (a common spice)?

Turmeric is a very commonly used spice, used primarily to give taste and color to cuisines. It also has many medicinal properties. Turmeric contains Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), which is considered to be the main component of turmeric. This is the component which gives the yellow color to the turmeric stick. Turmeric is also known as Curcuma longa (botanical name). Turmeric is a herb which belong to the ginger root family. Many of us are quite aware of the benefits which turmeric provides. This article will discuss in detail the health benefits which are provided by turmeric and some them are such that they are commonly not known to people. In addition, turmeric is under medical investigation for many other properties such as anti-cancer.
The health benefits of turmeric can be listed as follows:
 One of the main benefits of turmeric is its power to prevent heart attacks and also make the heart strong enough so as to avoid further heart problems. Oxidation causes lipids to build within your arteries which my lead to heart attacks. Taking turmeric regularly for a period of time reduces the chances of formation of lipids in the arteries hence preventing heart attacks and it also helps in reducing the level of bad cholesterol in your body.
 The antioxidants present in turmeric also help reduce the chances of cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer and lung cancer, skin and colon cancers. The combination of cauliflower and turmeric is very good for the treatment of prostate cancer. Regular intake of this mixture ensures the existing prostate cancer growth to stop.
 The neurodegenerative disease known as Alzheimer’s disease is also impacted by the use of turmeric. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties which help lower down the plaque burdens and amyloid levels. Turmeric also slows down the growth of this disease.
 Turmeric is very helpful in treating bruises, wounds and sprains. Turmeric along with hot milk is good for bones. If you are bleeding due to some wound or cut, application of turmeric on the cut will stop the bleeding immediately. Swellings and pain due to bruises can be reduced with the help of turmeric when mixed with lime juice or water.
 Skin problems can be treated very effectively with the help of turmeric. The application of turmeric along with til oil helps in reducing the eruptions caused on the body. Applying turmeric on the whole body before bath acts as antiseptic and fights against various skin problems. It also helps in decreasing spots caused due to ring worms. Turmeric paste is applied to the skin to tone up the skin evenly and enhance the complexion of the skin and stretch marks are also visibly reduced with the application of turmeric on affected areas.
 Turmeric is a very good supplement to reduce diabetes. The intake of herbal extracts of turmeric has shown great improvements in the blood sugar level of the diabetic patients.
 Arthritis can be reduced by turmeric. The regular intake of turmeric gradually decreases the chances of arthritis and also reduces the existing problems due to arthritis like swelling, pain, etc.
 Digestive problems are also reduced by the intake turmeric. Bile juice is responsible for efficient digestion. Turmeric stimulates the secretion of bile juice hence maintaining a proper digestive system.
Turmeric is a very beneficial herb and its list of health benefits is endless. This was just a glimpse of the benefits which turmeric provides. Increase the intake of turmeric in your diet to improve your present health conditions and increase the chances of leading a problem free life ahead.

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Benefits of turmeric for health. Does turmeric prevent cancer?

Turmeric with its deep yellow-orange color is commonly used as a coloring and food flavoring by Asians. Most of the curries are made with turmeric owing to its rich flavor and bright color and it has been an essential part of the seasoning in Asian cooking.
China, India and Indonesia have a very long history of using turmeric in herbal remedies. Indians and Malaysians have a practice of applying turmeric paste directly onto the skin; this practice is now analyzed and studied for the chances that it is likely to prevent cancer of the skin. Some Hindu women mix turmeric with lime juice and wear it s a bright red mark on their forehead.
The rootstock or rhizome and the root of the turmeric plant contain the active ingredient curcumin. Curcumin as an antioxidant shields the body’s cells from damages caused by activated oxygen molecules. Several laboratory studies have proved that curcumin interferes with various important molecular pathways that are involved in the development, growth and spread of cancer.
As an antioxidant turmeric actually protects DNA from dangerous outside pollutants that are known to cause leukemia. The latest information on preventing and treating childhood leukemia brings a fresh air of hope to many sufferers worldwide. It has been observed by the researchers that leukemia rarely occurs in Asia compared to the other parts of the world. Researchers have attributed the credit to turmeric, which is commonly used in curry spice in Asian countries.
Turmeric blocks harmful effects of cigarette smoking. In a study conducted on smokers, it was observed that turmeric supplements played a vital role in lowering the excretion of certain possible cancer indicators.
In a study conducted on skin cancer patients for whom chemotherapy, radiation and conventional cancer protocols of surgery were of no help, turmeric supplements and also turmeric ointments helped to reduce the severity of their symptoms in a phenomenal way. This included various factors like itching, level and severity of pain and the size of skin growth.

The known active compound curcumin present in turmeric has been attributed with many benefits and has a number of beneficial effects. Being an anti-inflammatory compound it helps to protect against stomach ulcers. It also boosts the body’s immune. Other than these advantages, it also prevents the formation of harmful chemicals that usually happens after eating processed foods. Curcumin with its strong inhibitive effects on cancer cells slows and prevents the onset and growth of tumors. Tests conducted on animals have proved that curcumin is poisonous to tumor cells. Curcumin can kill cancer cells in laboratory dishes apart from reducing the growth of surviving cells. Curcumin reduces the development of different forms of cancer in laboratory animals and shrinks animal tumors.
It has been believed by some researchers in the cancer study that turmeric may prevent and slow the growth of a number of types of cancer, in particular tumors of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, skin, and breast. It has also been claimed by the supporters that turmeric protects against diseases of the liver, stimulates the circulatory systems and the gallbladder, lowers the cholesterol levels, helps to cease external and internal bleeding, dissolves blood clots and provides relief from painful menstruation, heart pain and chest pain. Curcumin also plays an important role in providing relief from various digestive problems such as colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and diseases caused by toxins from bacteria and parasites. It overall boosts cell health by improving the cell membranes’ behavior. Curcumin helps to improve the orderliness of cell membranes, which in turn makes the cells fight against malignancy and infection.
It is highly recommended that turmeric be made a regular part of people’s diet owing to its antioxidant properties, detoxification, healthier cells, anti-inflammatory effects, pain reduction and protection against cancer.

Herbs and spices like Clove, Turmeric, Cinnamon and Oregano that not only add flavor to food but also helps preserve brain health and boost cognition

Herbs and spices are natural products made from leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds of plants. They have been used to preserve foods and add flavor and also for medicinal qualities. Many herbs and spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins and molecules that can help protect brain cells from aging and damage caused by toxins.

CLOVE
- Cloves are the best natural sources of antioxidants.
- Antioxidant activity promoted by the abundant phenol compounds contained in the spice help fight toxins and slow harmful processes that result in the aging of cells.
- Eugenol, a compound found in cloves is a powerful platelet inhibitor – a benefit that may help reduce risk for stroke associated with blood clots.

TURMERIC
- Cur cumin in turmeric may help promote the removal of potentially toxic metals from the brain.
- Cur cumin is both a potent antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent.
- The compound may help inhibit the deposition of toxic beta-amyloid plaque, and there is some evidence that it may help in its breakdown and removal from the brain.

CINNAMON
- Cinnamon helps promote the effects of insulin and reduce blood sugar levels by bolstering enzymes that stimulate cellular insulin receptors.
- Cinnamon also lowers the levels of LDL i.e. bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Cinnamon is also a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties.

OREGANO
- Oregano is among the highest in antioxidants of the dried herbs.
- Oregano is known for its anti bacterial properties.
- Oregano has anti-parisitic properties which is helpful in digestive problems.
- Oregano strengthens the immune system.
- Oregano increases the joint and muscles flexibility.
- Oregano Improves respiratory health.
- Oregano is rich in fiber.
- Oregano can help increase menstrual flow.