“What is turmeric used for?” when you hear this question, one of the first things that comes to mind is the golden hue of an Indian curry. So, is turmeric restricted to a culinary component and nothing more? The answer is a resounding no and we will tell you why.
It is hard to find another spice that is so widely used and that too for so many different uses. Other than a beloved culinary ingredient, turmeric eat finds extensive use for its health benefits. Most health experts suggest that we include more colourful plants in our diets. The reason for this being the antioxidants present in such plants. They have the magical property to repair the cells damaged by free radicals. Curcumin, present abundantly in turmeric, is an antioxidant which satisfies this criterion. Now you know why ancient civilizations in India and China recommended lavish use of Turmeric drink in their cuisines.
Turmeric- how to use for health benefits?
There are more than 10000 peer-reviewed research articles published in various science journals that have unequivocally established the various health benefits of Turmeric. Some even mention a few side effects as well, but they are far too rare and isolated to make a serious impact.
Let us look at some established health benefits of using turmeric regularly.
- Relief from inflammation and pain: One of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory agents known to man, Turmeric offers immediate and sustained relief from even chronic inflammation and pain. The best part about this is that unlike most other medications out there, turmeric use doesn’t have any harmful side effects, none whatsoever.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Again, the anti-inflammatory property of Curcumin comes to play here. It has the unique ability to reduce interleukin (IL)-6 which is known to be the cause factor of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Diabetes: Turmeric has proven capabilities when it comes to reducing the glucose levels in the blood. This is achieved by reducing the glucose production in the liver. Compared to other medicines available in the market, Curcumin can achieve this without causing any harmful effects on the body.
- Cancer: Until recently, the healing power of turmeric vis-à-vis cancer was not known to the medical world. However, a series of recent studies have established that Curcumin can reduce the cancer cell growth in humans considerably.
- Aging: Almost all Ayurvedic face packs contain Turmeric as a prime ingredient. The reason behind this being the antioxidant rich constituents of turmeric. It also has anti-bacterial properties making it an ideal antidote for acne and other skin disorders.
Turmeric intake and dosage:
The best way to ensure sustained and continuous intake of turmeric is to include it in your regular meal plan. This doesn’t mean you have to necessarily switch to an Indian cuisine all the time. Adults can also opt for Curcumin capsules which are available in various dosages. Turmeric oil can also be consumed in recommended quantities to ensure regular turmeric intake.
Benefits of turmeric and endless, hence it is high time you started including it in your diet.
– Written by Jaga Salai, a food technologist, working as Production Manager in Alobha Exim
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