Turmeric is a popular plant in Southeast Asia. It belongs to the ginger family which makes it have a similar appearance as ginger from the plants to the roots
However, turmeric is used in many different ways from how we use ginger. We often see turmeric used as a spice in some Asian cuisines such as in Indian food, Vietnamese food…. However, it is also used as a type of natural medicine, an important ingredient of beauty care treatments. Turmeric is usually used under the form of powder, extract, juice or simply fresh roots. Besides some common benefits such as healing scars, brightening skin, reducing pigments, turmeric has also many other benefits. Let’s have a look at some of the most common benefits of turmeric.
1. Turmeric contains a large amount of curcumin- natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substance
Turmeric contains curcumin- a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation is known to be a contributor to many diseases. Curcumin can inhibit many molecules known to play major roles in inflammation. In addition, curcumin has powerful antioxidant effects. It neutralizes free radicals on its own, then stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Therefore using turmeric can dramatically increase the antioxidant capacity of the body.
2. Turmeric can help Improve brain functions and lower risks of brain diseases
Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.
5. Turmeric can lower risks of heart diseases
Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
6. Turmeric can help prevent cancer
Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer.
7. Curcumin may help delay Aging and Fight Age-Related Chronic Diseases
Despite its many advantages, turmeric can have unpleasant side effects if too much is absorbed via the skin or body. These include nausea, diarrhea, slow blood clotting, metabolic abnormalities, iron deficiency, and iron transporting problems. In order to avoid aggravation or heavy bleeding, use caution when using turmeric if you have menorrhagia or are menstruation.
