There are a large number of plants and herbs that are extremely beneficial for our body. One of them is turmeric, a medicinal plant with endless health benefits. Discover everything about the properties and uses of this exotic spice.
What is turmeric
Turmeric is a product derived from the root of a plant of the same name. This can be found in various forms, but the most common is to find it in powder as a condiment.
It stands out for having a quite bright yellow color, which makes it widely used as a coloring agent. As a spice it can be used pure, although it is also found as one of the main ingredients curry. Take a look at this post about the properties of cinnamon, another exotic spice that will conquer your palate.
The active ingredient found in turmeric is curcumin and it has very good health properties. In fact, it is often used as an ingredient in some traditional medicines made in places like India.
Nowadays, multiple studies are being conducted with the aim of demonstrating that turmeric can be used to treat different conditions. In fact, numerous experts claim that it has great power as a pain reliever.
Properties of turmeric
Turmeric is a product that has quite a few benefits for the body. Next, we will talk a little more in depth about what those properties it can offer us are.
Benefits of turmeric
These are 4 of the main benefits that turmeric can offer you. We have selected those that in our opinion are the most important from a huge list.
1. Anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric is a product that has been used for a long time to treat inflammations. This is a property obtained thanks to curcumin. According to some studies, it is even likely that it can be more effective than some common medications.
There are many ailments that curcumin can help to solve. In fact, it is often a good option for treating chronic diseases naturally and effectively. For example, it has benefits for treating diseases such as arthritis.
2. Helps protect against heart diseases
According to some studies, curcumin can be beneficial for heart health thus preventing heart diseases.
This is because it has been found that improves endothelial function (a membrane that is important for regulating blood pressure). This function decreases with age, that is, as you get older it tends to stop working properly. Curcumin consumption has been shown to help slow down this decline significantly.
3. Curcumin could help prevent certain types of cancer
One of the most interesting properties of curcumin is that it can be an excellent ally for cancer prevention. Although it may not seem like it, this product is capable of slowing the spread of cancer cells at the right doses.
According to experts, it has been found that curcumin could be capable of contributing to the death of affected cells. It has even been suggested that it may help to prevent tumor formation.
That is why this is a product that is under constant study, since its benefits are still being evaluated. However, so far the results obtained have been quite encouraging.
4. Relieves osteoarthritis symptoms
Another of the benefits that curcumin can provide is relief from osteoarthritis symptoms thanks to its great anti-inflammatory power. That is why the possibility of using it in the treatment of this disease has been studied.
Contraindications or side effects
Turmeric is an excellent product as we have already mentioned, however, it can also have some side effects.
For example, some people may experience stomach discomfort. Similarly, it can stimulate contractions in pregnant women.
However, this does not mean that everyone will experience these symptoms, as this depends on each person's body. Also, being a natural product reduces the possibility of suffering any adverse effects, although this does not mean they do not exist.
However, we always recommend that before consuming a product regularly, if you have doubts, consult your trusted doctor beforehand.
How to take turmeric: uses in cooking
There are several ways you can consume turmeric. These are the most popular:
Turmeric powder
Turmeric is an excellent seasoning, as it gives a good flavor and color to food. It is mainly used in oriental cuisine, although it has been becoming increasingly popular in the West.
Turmeric supplement
Another way you can consume turmeric is as a dietary supplement. This usually comes in the form of concentrated pills or capsules that provide the amount your body should consume to take advantage of its benefits.
Turmeric infusion
In many places, turmeric is usually consumed as an infusion since in tea form you can make the most of its properties. It is usually combined with other ingredients like ginger to enhance its effects. If you want to learn about other infusions with great benefits for the body, don't miss our post about lThe properties of Matcha Tea.
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