Turmeric is a spice that gives curry its characteristic golden yellow colour, but did you know that it also has a wide range of health benefits?  Read on to find out more about these.

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric comes from the root of the curcuma longa plant and has tough brown skin and deep yellow-orange flesh.  It has a peppery, warm and bitter flavour, and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger.  It has been used in Chinese and Indian medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory to treat a wide range of conditions such as flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, haemmorhages, toothaches, bruises, chest pain, and colic.

What Makes Turmeric so Beneficial?

Turmeric is an excellent source of iron and manganese and it is also rich in vitamin B6, dietary fibre and potassium.  The volatile oil in turmeric is a significant anti-inflammatory but something even more potent than this oil is a compound called curcumin.  Curcumin is comparable to strong drugs such as hydrocortisone as well as over the counter anti-inflammatories, without producing toxicity within the body like these drugs do.  Curcumin also provides the body with curcuminoids, which are believed to be antioxidant and antibacterial as well as anti-inflammatory.

Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric can be used for the following:

• Digestive problems – curcumin helps the flow of bile and this helps to break down fats.  It can also help in the treatment and management of inflammatory bowel disease.
• Arthritis – curcumin is an anti-inflammatory that helps to relieve the aches and pains associated with arthritis.
• Cardiovascular problems – curcumin can prevent the oxidisation of cholesterol in the body and, as oxidised cholesterol damages blood vessels and builds up as plaque that can cause heart attack or stroke, preventing new cholesterol oxidisation can minimise the progression of atherosclerosis and heart disease.  It also improves circulation by stopping the blood platelets from sticking together.
• Cancer – turmeric has been shown to help reduce the incidence of skin cancer and help to prevent and block the growth of cancers such as breast cancer and colon cancer.
• Bacterial infection – the volatile oil in turmeric acts as an external antibiotic, thus helping to prevent bacterial infection in wounds.
• Weight – can aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
• Liver – turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier, helping to improve the condition of the liver and protecting it against certain toxins.
• Alzheimer’s disease – can prevent and slow the progression of the disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

Usage of Turmeric and its Safety

Therapeutically, turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form.  You can also gain some of its benefits by simply using it in your cooking.  However, be aware that it should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.  Even though it is often used by pregnant women, it is important to check with a medical professional first as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.