Turmeric is a Hindu spice with incredible nutritional, preventive, curative and medicinal properties and benefits. Discover its most important qualities in this article.
The turmeric is certainly warm spice, great aroma and flavor that comes from the root orange flesh of a belonging herbaceous plant family of gingers, scientifically known as of Curcuma longa, which is mostly native to South from India and Indonesia.
It is a spice with great historical tradition, since it was used for the first time in India between 610 BC to 320 BC, at which time it was used as a dye for wool thanks to its yellow orange color due to the presence of curcumin.
Many centuries later it became one of the most used spices in Indian cuisine, due to its qualities as a food coloring (especially in rice and meat dishes), and because it is part of the spices that make up the popular curry .
The benefits of turmeric
Helps to care for the liver naturally
Did you know that turmeric is very beneficial in liver care? In fact, it becomes an ideal spice when it comes to protecting the liver in a totally natural way, thanks to the presence of curcumin, caffeic acid, borneol, eugenol and turmenone, all substances with hepatoprotective action (that is, they help to protect the liver cells).
It also helps to take care of the gallbladder, being a natural option recommended when removing stones from the gallbladder.
Digestive and stomach tonic
Turmeric is an excellent tonic for the digestive system, so it is very interesting when it comes to facilitating and improving digestion, especially when there are slow or heavy digestions. In fact, its consumption is very useful in case of dyspepsia and especially in a type of chronic gastritis in which hypochlorhydria occurs (lack of acid secretions in the stomach).
It is also useful to facilitate the digestion of fats, thanks to its cholagogue effect, which is why it is so interesting in case of copious and excessive meals.
Antiulcer properties
Turmeric is rich in zingiberene, an active compound that stands out for its antiulcer qualities. It also provides 1-phenyl-hydroxy-N-pentane, a substance capable of stimulating the secretions of pancreatic juices, gastrin and secretin. In addition, it helps maintain gastric pH.
Helps relieve gas
In case of gas and flatulence, turmeric helps naturally to reduce them, thanks to its carminative qualities, which help to expel gas from the intestine, which is why it is suitable for relieving intestinal gas.
Suitable in cancer prevention
Did you know that the turmeric rhizome contains 10 components with anti-cancer action? Among them are curcumin, beta-carotene, curdione, limonene and curcumenol. According to recent research, turmeric would help reduce the risk of various types of cancer, such as duodenal cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and skin cancer. In addition, it would help to reduce the effects of the drugs that are usually prescribed in the treatment of cancer.
Anti-inflammatory properties in case of carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis
Turmeric provides a useful anti-inflammatory effect to reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. This is demonstrated by numerous scientific studies, which have confirmed the anti-inflammatory qualities of curcumin.
How to make a turmeric tea:
A great way to enjoy its different qualities and benefits is by preparing a wonderful turmeric tea. Its preparation is really simple, and in just a few minutes you can enjoy a natural and delicious drink. Find out how.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
Turmeric tea preparation:
Put the water in a saucepan and when it boils add the teaspoon of turmeric. Lower the heat, cover and let it rest for 15 minutes. After this time filter or strain the drink, add it to a cup and sweeten to taste. Ready!
Turmeric contraindications
The regular and habitual consumption of turmeric is not advised in the case of the following conditions and health problems:
- Liver diseases: especially in cases of severe liver disease. We must bear in mind that turmeric is a supplement with liver qualities, but in the event of any disease it should always be treated by the doctor.
- Stones in the gallbladder: the consumption of turmeric can cause painful colic in case of stones in the gallbladder.
- Before a surgical intervention: since turmeric can affect blood clotting, its consumption is not recommended before a surgical intervention.
- Pregnancy and lactation: during pregnancy, turmeric can have an emmenagogue effect (it favors and increases menstruation). On the other hand, there is not enough safety to make sure that turmeric can affect breastfeeding. Therefore, the use of supplements is not advised during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Allergies: in case of allergy to the rhizome or turmeric powder.
