IMPORTANCE OF TURMERIC
Harshita A
U11GT21S0384
I Year BSc, Second Semester
Government First Grade College, Tumkur -572104
aharshita709@gmail.com Ph.no: 8296481417
Turmeric is a bright yellow aromatic powder derived from the rhizome of a plant, which is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric has long been recognized for its medicinal properties and has gained the interest of both the medical and scientific world, apart from its culinary uses.
Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling.
Turmeric has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavor or color curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. Because curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling, it is often used to treat conditions that involve pain and inflammation.
People commonly use turmeric for osteoarthritis. It is also used for hay fever, depression, high cholesterol, a type of liver disease, and itching, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using turmeric for COVID-19.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice used for cooking but has gained immense popularity as one of the most powerful herb for fighting various diseases. Turmeric can be found in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The dried root of the plant is ground to create the distinctive yellow turmeric powder.
There are numerous chemical compounds found in turmeric, named curcuminoids, wherein the active ingredient is curcumin. Curcumin is the ingredient that gives turmeric many of its vast health benefits. Turmeric contains more than 100 chemical compounds that contribute to its healing abilities. Curcumin (diferuloylmethane), a polyphenol, has been shown to target many cell pathway signaling molecules. At the same time, it manifests activity at the cellular level. Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Other curcuminoids include bisdemethoxycurcumin, and dimethoxycurcumin.
SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC
HEALTH BENEFITS FROM TURMERIC
The best-known health benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, giving it the power to alleviate swelling and pain in conditions such as arthritis. Inflammation is a very common cause of pain and discomfort. It can also contribute to the development of certain diseases. Turmeric usage reduces the risk of the side effects of taking prescription anti-inflammatory drugs.
The immune system is responsible for protecting the body against pathogens that can cause disease and infection. Turmeric has been shown to be one of the best foods to maintain, protect, and boost immunity, reducing the risk of falling ill. Turmeric has antiviral, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Turmeric can ease pain and is used as a pain reliever for arthritis pain. This has been studied in several trials, particularly for patients with arthritis.
Turmeric has antioxidant properties that help fight free radical damage and oxidative stress. Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind the development of numerous diseases and aging. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals. Aside from that, curcumin can boost the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body.
Curcumin can improve and boost levels of the brain hormone brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the growth of new neurons and wards off many degenerative processes in the brain. Hence, turmeric has been used to attempt to prevent diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Curcumin plays a major role in the prevention of heart disease. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can improve the function of the endothelium. Moreover, it lowers the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or the “bad” cholesterol. This can help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and even stroke.
Turmeric also supports enzymatic reactions, muscle movement, acid production, and optimal absorption of nutrients in the gut.
PROPERTIES OF TURMERIC: