Turmeric Health Benefits

 

Turmeric Reduces Inflammation 

Turmeric (Carcuma longa) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) of the tuberous (rhizomes) or underground stems which have been used in ancient times as a condiment for food, dye for textiles, aromatic stimulants and medicinal use.  Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice commonly used in cooking and medicinal medicine to treat various conditions including inflammation, digestive disorders, powerful antioxidants and may help manage heart disease, lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and improving blood pressure.  Its primary active compounds are curcuminoids with curcumin being most notable with scientifically proven health benefits such as the ability to prevent Alzheimer's, cancer and improve heart health.  Its potent anti-inflammatory antioxidant  properties may also help improve symptoms of arthritis and depression. 

The turmeric industry is growing in popularity due to its increasing use in food, pharmaceuticals and medicinal uses in 2024.  The global turmeric market is expected to reach a value of over 7,5 billion by 2033 with a compound annual growth of (CAGR) 5.8 percent. Turmeric is a top selling dietary supplement and cosmetic in the U.S. expanding rapidly as consumers in developing countries are becoming more aware of turmeric health benefits and medicinal properties it provides. It is native to Southern Indonesia and India where turmeric is widely cultivated on the mainland and in the islands of the Indian Ocean. In ancient times it was used as a spice as well as a perfume.  Turmeric has a pepper like aroma with a bitter warm taste possessing a strong yellowish, red, brown, or orange hues of color. It is the ingredient that flavors and colors mustards used in curry powder for relishes, pickles, and for spiced butters for delicious eggs, spiced vegetables, chicken, turkey, beef dishes.

In parts of Asia turmeric water is applied as a cosmetic to lend a golden glow to the complexion.  It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties as turmeric is sometimes consumed as pill supplement, tea, forms and used for a variety of ailments digestive disorders ,arthritis, joints, respiratory tract, and disorders of the skin.  Today turmeric is promoted as a dietary supplement for a variety of conditions including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, depression, liver disease and many others. Turmeric's powerful bioactive compound curcumin on health has been well studied for its health benefits. “Curcumins yellow polyphenolic pigment from the Curcuma longa L (turmeric) rhizome has been used for centuries for culinary and food coloring purposes and as an ingredient for various medicinal preparations, widely used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine.  In recent decades their biological effects have been extensively studied. PubMed Central

Studies suggest natural polyphenols in turmeric is universally known as the wonder drug of life (Gera et al) In ancient times it was used to treat inflammatory conditions of various organs for the digestive tract, liver, and wound healing.  Turmeric shows potential for weight loss and may enhance metabolism regulation by increasing the production of adiponectin hormone that helps regulate glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. Turmeric has promising  potential for therapeutic development as it is categorized as a generally safe (GRAS) material with low toxicity and stable metabolism.  Progress in science has proven the wide spectrum of favorable effects of turmeric on human health and the ongoing applications used in herbal medicine. 

Cheers! 

Patricia Lynn 

Images Courtesy of Ekatepnha Kaboonoba AdobeStock