Turmeric: Health Benefits and Damages

Ancient legends say that turmeric was presented to man by the gods. It is no coincidence that this famous spice in India is called "holy powder." Indeed, this natural product has a lot of useful properties. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry, cooking, and the pharmaceutical industry. There are many unique folk recipes that are still actively used in home therapy for a huge number of diseases. Thanks to the work of scientists, many useful qualities of turmeric are known, but research work in this area is still ongoing. Perhaps the new discoveries will bring a lot of surprises, but for now let's talk about what the “golden powder" is famous for.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric spice, popular around the world, is nothing more than a product of processing the roots of a herbaceous plant belonging to the Ginger family. This culture grows in southeast India, in China, Peru, Indonesia, and the Philippine archipelago. In these regions, the most favorable climate for turmeric is, as another name for a monocotyledonous plant, the stems and roots of which contain the coloring matter curcumin. Therefore, even in ancient times, grass was very much valued precisely for this quality. But, in addition to the natural persistent dye, today from the plant on an industrial scale receive the essential oils necessary for the production of medicines, perfumes, cosmetics.

Given the huge demand for natural raw materials, turmeric is currently grown on large areas in compliance with all agricultural standards. An adult plant reaches two meters in height, and when flowering, pink inflorescences appear on it of amazing beauty.

To obtain spice, the roots of the plant are first dried and then ground into powder. But, like many other plants, turmeric has several varieties.

Types of Turmeric

In the view of most people, turmeric is a spice of a bright saffron hue. But in nature there is also a white variety of plants, or ceodarium. In general, more than 40 species of this culture are known, but only four were widely used:

1. Homemade or long turmeric. This type of plant, better known as turmeric, is a favorite in the East spice. Any national cuisine in Central Asia includes dishes using this seasoning.
2. Round turmeric is used for starch production.
3. Zeodaria (citrate root) are small pieces with a specific bitter aftertaste. Such raw materials are used in the production of liquors.
4. Aromatic turmeric is the most popular spice variant, widely used for culinary purposes.

How to distinguish real turmeric from a fake

Unfortunately, the increased demand for a particular type of product is often used by unscrupulous sellers as a reason for personal enrichment.Therefore, it is not so easy to buy real turmeric today, because often experienced manipulators give out low-quality fakes for a high-quality seasoning. In order not to become a victim of fraud, you should conduct the following test for the authenticity of the goods when buying: drop a pinch of turmeric powder into a glass or any other vessel with water. If the powder floats to the surface after thorough mixing - this is a fake. Real turmeric will quickly dissolve in water.

What is the difference between curry and turmeric

Not all consumers are well aware of the characteristics of a particular spice. Therefore, when choosing products of this category, knowledge of the distinctive characteristics of one type of spice from another is often required. Most often, consumers confuse turmeric with curry, although these are two completely different products. Their main differences are:

1. Curry is a mix of various spices. This method is used by manufacturers from different countries, creating authentic mixes of spices. The composition may contain up to a dozen or more ingredients, but necessarily includes turmeric, curry leaves, coriander.
2. Turmeric, unlike curry, is monospecial. Often, a product for a specific shade is called saffron.

How much turmeric can be consumed per day

Turmeric is a herbal product that has a range of powerful actions. The results of numerous studies have proved that spice is able to exert an effect on the body comparable to the effect of medications. For this reason, you should be very careful when using this product. With the abuse of spice, even a healthy person can suffer, not to mention people with serious pathologies.

Experts recommend not exceeding the norm, which is 5 g per day. With a competent approach, regular use of turmeric will only benefit the body. To avoid possible errors, it is best to consult a doctor about the advisability of using such a dietary supplement.

Composition and calorie content

Turmeric is one of the few plant products that, when systematically consumed in moderation, can not only have a beneficial effect on the body, but also stimulate the flow of important biochemical processes. Such unusual possibilities are due to the unique composition of the spice.

In the list of main components:

1. Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound with coloring properties.
2. Ascorbic acid is a substance that improves the state of the immune system.
3. Essential oil is a natural aphrodisiac that improves the sexual capabilities of both sexes.
4. Vitamin group "B", which has a positive effect on the central nervous system.
5. Iron is essential for the hematopoietic system to maintain normal hemoglobin levels.
6. Phosphorus is an element involved in almost all internal processes.
7. Vitamin "K", responsible for blood coagulation.
8. Iodine is a substance necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
9. Calcium is the main building material of teeth and bones.
10. Borneol is a derivative of essential oils used widely in the manufacture of cosmetics.
11. Fellandren is a complex organic compound that is part of many medicinal and cosmetic products.
12. Sabinen is a liquid substance from the group of monoterpenes, which has a lot of useful properties.
13. Zingibern is another essential component that is in demand in the pharmaceutical and beauty industries.

The energy capacity of turmeric is 325 kcal per 100 grams of food, and the value of powdered spice is 312 kcal. It should be noted separately that with a relatively low content of proteins and fats, the proportion of carbohydrates in the product is very high - more than 58 grams.

Useful properties of turmeric

It is logical that such a rich set of substances should provide a number of useful properties.The main advantage of turmeric is that the spice belongs to natural antibiotics, that is, with its help it is possible to successfully treat mycoses, infectious and viral processes. In addition to these effects, the product has the following properties:

• eliminates signs of inflammation;
• is a powerful natural antioxidant;
• as a prophylactic agent is used to prevent the oncology;
• relieves muscle cramps;
• positively affects the general state of immunity;
• enhances the secretion of internal glands;
• well relieves pain;
• has diuretic (diuretic) properties;
• expands the vascular bed;
• burns fats perfectly, which is used in the process of losing weight;
• helps relieve the effects of a depressive state;
• is a powerful expectorant.

To this, it must be added that turmeric helps restore the structure of the liver. With regular use of the wonderful powder, Alzheimer's disease can be avoided. Spice preserves youth and beauty, and also helps in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The product cleanses blood vessels of cholesterol and normalizes blood pressure. This list can be continued, but if you want to use this powder for good purposes, you should always remember about a sense of measure. And the most reasonable solution is to consult a doctor about this.

Now it is worthwhile to separately consider how useful turmeric is for people of different sex and age.

For women

Turmeric can bring great benefits to women's health, because in many respects the well-being of the representatives of the beautiful half of humanity depends on the hormonal background. If in this area there is a violation caused by age-related changes or pathology of the female genital organs, then simple recipes with a wonderful spice will help to cope with any problem. Turmeric is used even in the treatment of uterine fibroids and endometritis.

Alternative medicine recommends using healing powder to increase breast volume. Since the spice enhances local blood circulation and stimulates the production of female hormones, significant results can be achieved in this process without surgical methods.

For men

Due to the stimulation of blood flow provided by the spice, one can cope with the most common male problem - sexual weakness. The presence of spicy powder in dishes will positively affect the state of the hormonal system, and increased testosterone production will restore normal potency in men. But, in addition to improving sexual capabilities, doctors advise using turmeric for home therapy for prostatitis.

During pregnancy

Although turmeric is not specifically prohibited for use during pregnancy, any spices at this stage should be treated with extreme caution. We must not forget about the vulnerability and insecurity of the fetus, which through the umbilical cord, along with useful substances, can get harmful to it components. In addition, it must be borne in mind that turmeric in large portions significantly enhances blood circulation, and this threatens bleeding and premature birth. Therefore, the expectant mother is simply obliged to coordinate all changes in the diet with a gynecologist observing the pregnancy.

When breastfeeding

A nursing woman strictly monitors her diet, evaluating the usefulness and safety of each product that falls on her table. Of course, the benefits of turmeric are beyond doubt. This unique product stimulates lactation and can serve as an excellent prophylactic against mastitis. In addition, after childbirth, the body of women is greatly weakened, and the immune system needs to replenish resources, which are quite capable of filling the composition of a wonderful spice.

If mommy has no contraindications, it is worth considering the possibility of using this product. But at the same time, the dose should be minimal, and the mother needs to monitor the condition of the baby.At the slightest manifestation of an allergy, a specific product should be immediately removed from the menu.

For kids

It's no secret that after three years, most babies eat with adults. For this reason, products often fall into their plate, which, due to age characteristics, is too early for them to consume. Especially this point should be considered when adding various spices to dishes, including turmeric. Acquaintance with gold powder can begin after six years, even when it comes to medical recipes. When this critical line is left behind, it is allowed to add spice to the composition of cough, parasite remedies. But we must remember that an overdose, like improper use of the product, can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Older children are advised to add turmeric to tea, lemon water, and a healing solution can also be used to gargle with sore throat.

How to take turmeric for weight loss

Many weight loss recipes developed by traditional healers and professional nutritionists contain turmeric as the main ingredient. And this is a natural phenomenon, since a spicy product perfectly breaks down fats and accelerates metabolic processes. In addition to these actions that are beneficial for weight loss, the spice cleanses the body of toxins and stimulates digestion.

You can add turmeric to salads and main dishes in the usual dosage for seasoning. Experts even advise to dissolve the powder in small quantities, and then drink it with water. To achieve a more tangible weight loss result, you can use the following recipes:

Kefir with turmeric

Sour-milk drink with the addition of spices is very effective in losing weight. The formulation of the preparation is as follows: you need to take 1 tablespoon of water and turmeric powder, mix these ingredients to make a pasty mass. Then put the resulting paste into a glass of kefir, stir the hot dessert well, then drink completely. This recipe will be helpful for diabetes.

Turmeric and water

This extremely simple recipe is very popular among women who occasionally correct their figure. The presence of polysaccharides in turmeric instantly leads to an active state of immunity, stimulates the production of enzymes and bile, which creates favorable conditions for better absorption of food. Water with turmeric does not allow fat to be stored in reserve. For a week of drinking such a drink, you can safely lose 4-5 kilograms. The cocktail is prepared in the following sequence: half a teaspoon of turmeric powder must be diluted in a glass of warm water.

Turmeric Tea

There are several “tea” recipes, but dwell on the simplest way to prepare a drink. The following ingredients will be required:

• boiled water - 0.5 l;
• turmeric - 1 tbsp;
• ginger (root) - 2 segments;
• loose leaf tea - 3 tbsp .;
• cinnamon - a pinch.

All of these components, except water, must be mixed, then pour boiling water. Before use, you can add honey.

All slimming cocktails should be drunk once a day. This is best done in the morning on an empty stomach, but can be taken in the evening. It is better to drink a kefir drink before bedtime, as it will help you fall asleep quickly, and also restores the normal intestinal microflora. Kefir cocktail is ideal for fasting days. If you don’t eat anything on such days, but only drink kefir with turmeric, you can lose up to 8 kg per month.

Turmeric in medicine

In traditional medicine, the complex of therapy in the treatment of many diseases often includes turmeric preparations prepared according to folk recipes. From this natural product, ointments, nutritious cocktails, rubbing products and other dosage forms are prepared. Let us dwell on some of the most common pathologies.

With diabetes

In diabetes, carbohydrate metabolism is disturbed, as a result of which glucose is not supplied to insulin-dependent tissues in an insufficient amount.A large load falls on the pancreas, blood vessels and other organs. To establish the flow of metabolic processes, you can use a vegetable cocktail with the addition of turmeric powder. This homemade medicine, if you drink it one glass each morning, will help stabilize your sugar level. The ingredients of a vegetable drink are juices:

• spinach;
• cabbage;
• cucumber;
• celery;
• beetroot;
• carrot.

The listed vegetable nectars should be taken in equal quantities of 30 ml, mixed, add 1/4 teaspoon of tea turmeric. A fresh drink should be taken on an empty stomach. This shake will increase tissue sensitivity to insulin and can prevent serious diabetes complications.

With pancreatitis

Since turmeric stimulates the production of gastric enzymes, this can only complicate the course of pancreatitis. Therefore, in the acute phase of this disease, patients are forbidden to consume any spices. But in a period of persistent remission in a chronic form of the disease, saffron in minimal doses can be used.

With gastritis

The ability of turmeric to exert an anti-inflammatory effect on the gastric mucosa can be used in the treatment of all forms of gastritis and peptic ulcer. But in this case, a combination of spices with milk is more suitable. A drink can be prepared in a few minutes, for this you need:

• Boil 50 ml of milk.
• Powder three tablets of activated carbon.
• Coal powder mixed with 10 g of turmeric.
• Pour the mixture with hot milk.

Such a home remedy should be taken three times a tablespoon. The recommended course of treatment is 21 days. This recipe will help with bowel problems.

For the intestines

To restore the normal intestinal microflora, you can use an effective turmeric-based recipe: dissolve two teaspoons of dry powder in warm milk with a high percentage of fat content. You can use homemade kefir. At the end of the cooking process, add a pinch of ground black pepper, shake, then drink a cocktail. The treatment is designed for 3 weeks. After a two-month break, you can resume such therapy.

For constipation

Effectively cleanse the intestines and alleviate the condition of a person with regular constipation is able to turmeric powder in small quantities. You should apply this recipe: in a glass of milk, dilute a teaspoon without a slide of dry spices, add a little honey, slightly warm the drink, but do not boil. You can also mix ginger powder with homemade yogurt. Such a dessert is best consumed after a meal or as a separate dish.

With gout

As a disease, gout was known several thousand years ago. And all this time, turmeric was considered an indispensable means of treating this dangerous disease. It is known that spicy powder relieves pain, relieves swelling and inflammation, that is, eliminates the main symptoms of gout. Such patients are recommended to add spice to tea, milk, salads, mix with honey. Such dietary supplements will block the development of the pathological process, and after three days the discomfort and discomfort will disappear.

But you need to remember that turmeric is not able to completely replace drug therapy. This type of treatment serves only as an aid to the main therapeutic measures.

With colitis

Experts speak ambiguously about the benefits of turmeric in colitis. This product has recently been generally forbidden to use for intestinal inflammation. But recent scientific studies have proven that spice can speed up the healing process. But to decide on the inclusion of this unusual product in the treatment complex can only be a doctor, but not the patient or his relatives. Colitis is a serious illness. Therefore, any initiative in its treatment is unacceptable.

For the liver

To some extent, turmeric is a natural hepatoprotector.The inclusion of this useful product in the patient’s diet will only stimulate the regeneration of affected liver tissue. In addition, solar powder has a pronounced choleretic property, and can also effectively cleanse the diseased organ of toxins. Enough to drink a drink twice a day, prepared from half a teaspoon of seasoning, diluted in a glass of water. An infusion of turmeric and celandine taken equally equally helps with liver diseases - 1 tsp each. After mixing the main ingredients, they are poured with a glass of boiling water. After half an hour of infusion, you can drink a third of a glass three times a day.

With hemorrhoids

With hemorrhoidal nodes, turmeric is used to prepare medicinal pastes and ointments. The product is applied externally to problem areas. Ghee is recommended as the basis for homemade preparations. Also, oral administration of therapeutic cocktails that improve digestion is not excluded.

With cholecystitis

A universal spice is also useful for inflammation of the gallbladder, if it is used in moderation and in strict accordance with the instructions. The powder relieves inflammation and enhances the outflow of bile. These actions will not allow stagnation and will prevent the formation of bile.

With anemia

Since the composition of the spice contains iron in a sufficiently large amount, it can be used for anemia. The recipe for such therapy is simple - a small amount of powder (not more than 0.5 tsp) should be mixed with honey. This combination will contribute to a good assimilation of the product. You can eat turmeric in the form of a dessert, if you add a teaspoon of gold powder to a cup of yogurt. A treat prepared according to this recipe should be eaten on an empty stomach in the morning.

With asthma

You can get rid of an allergic cough and quickly stop an asthma attack with a home remedy, which is a combination of 1/2 cup of milk and half a teaspoon of spice. Drink a drink on an empty stomach three times during the day.

With psoriasis

The complex of beneficial effects that turmeric can exert can be used in the treatment of even the most severe forms of psoriasis. For this purpose, ointments or pastes for external use are prepared. But you should always remember that psoriasis is a systemic disease, so it needs complex treatment.

Ointment recipe
Turmeric powder (1/4 tsp) must be mixed with so much water to make a thick paste. The mixture obtained in this way must be applied to the affected areas, and then bandage these places. It is best to do the procedure at night, then in the morning it remains only to wash off the ointment with warm water. A few days after such therapy, a positive result will be noticeable to the naked eye.

With psoriasis, you can prepare ointments from turmeric with aloe, as well as make an infusion of alcohol for internal use of 30-40 drops.

How to drink turmeric for medicinal purposes

Therapeutic cocktails and infusions with turmeric are recommended to be drunk according to the scheme that is best suited for the productive treatment of a particular disease. Particularly clearly follow the instructions if complex herbal compositions with many components are used for treatment. In general, when it comes to the therapeutic use of any folk remedies, it is better to consult with professional doctors. After all, turmeric is a very powerful natural antiseptic. Therefore, there is always a risk of side effects.

Liquid dosage forms should always be used immediately after their preparation, until the drug has lost its healing properties. All compositions from fresh plant components are not subject to long-term storage, even in the refrigerator.

Turmeric in cosmetology

The rejuvenating masks with saffron were loved by noble persons of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. In those days, the cost of this magic powder was equivalent to the price of gold. However, today it cannot be said that turmeric is included in the group of cheap goods.But modern technical capabilities make it possible to obtain this most valuable product in such quantities that satisfy the demand of the cosmetology industry and medicine. Also, lovers of home beauty procedures are quite free to get a good quality spice in a store or on the market.

Turmeric smoothes wrinkles, eliminates freckles, moisturizes the skin well. Here are some effective recipes for home use:

Turmeric face masks

Most often, turmeric is used for the purpose of rejuvenation, that is, to eliminate signs of aging from the dermis. Regular masks well saturate the depleted dermis, even out face tone and relief, and tighten the contour of the oval. As an example, we give an effective recipe for a mask, which is definitely worth putting into practice:

1. Mix two tablespoons of kefir with a small spoon of good honey.
2. Then add a pinch of turmeric to the mixture.
3. Apply a nutritious mass evenly to the face.
4. After a quarter of an hour, rinse the composition.

Turmeric extract has a powerful anti-aging effect, which can be purchased at the pharmacy chain.

Women praise the mask, which consists of turmeric and colorless henna. These components are mixed and poured with boiling water. On the face, the composition is kept for 15-20 minutes and washed off with warm water. The skin after such a mask becomes more fresh, inflammation is eliminated.

Hair masks

Solar powder is able to improve the condition of hair, especially if they are constantly exposed to the negative effects of the environment, dyes and other destructive factors. The nourishing mask, the recipe of which is given below, will help strengthen hair and accelerate its growth.

Recipe: the juice of one medium onion should be mixed with egg yolk, add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a third of a teaspoon of red pepper. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, apply the mixture evenly over the entire length of the hair. For best results, wrap your head in polyethylene and then wrap it with a towel. After half an hour, the mask can be washed off.

The use of turmeric in cooking

The main purpose of the spice, when it comes to cooking gourmet dishes, is to give the food a pleasant aroma and a bitter taste. The seasoning is used in a ground form, as well as in the composition of such spicy mixtures, such as curry. Moreover, the scope of the spice is not limited to only the first and second courses, since it is added to desserts, alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

What foods add turmeric

Here is a list of some dishes whose taste characteristics will significantly improve the presence of turmeric:

• kefir smoothie with vegetables and apple;
• delicate egg omelette, sprinkled with gold powder on top;
• tuna paste;
• homemade sauces and vegetable salads;
• steamed vegetables;
• popular side dishes like buckwheat and brown rice.

In principle, if health allows and there are no serious contraindications, it is allowed to include turmeric in reasonable amounts daily in the diet.

How can I replace turmeric?

Curry is considered the best substitute for turmeric, since spice is one of the main ingredients in this spicy mix. In addition, the belonging of the culture to the Ginger family allows replacing it with ground ginger or parts of the root of this plant. You can also add cumin in the form of powder and seeds instead of turmeric.

Golden milk from turmeric: benefits and harms

If turmeric is added to milk, the mixture will acquire a characteristic yellowish tint. Therefore, it is no coincidence that this healing drink is called "golden milk." In addition to a pleasant color, the tool is distinguished by its outstanding capabilities: it helps in the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies and liver, eliminates the signs of allergies, strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of oncology. Even a severe toothache will help remove the magic drink prepared according to the following recipe:

• Heat a glass of milk.
• Dilute in it a teaspoon of spicy spices.
• Drink the whole drink in one go.

This is not the only recipe for “golden milk”, there are still variations with the addition of almond oil, water and pepper.This cooking technique is called in honor of its author - "according to Ayurveda." But this technique is more complicated and takes more time.

If you drink "golden milk" in monthly courses twice a year, there will be no problems with sleep and the general condition will significantly improve.

Turmeric essential oil: benefits and uses

Turmeric ether is considered one of the most powerful natural antidepressants. This extract will help:

• to handle the stress;
• establish a dream;
• increase the emotional background;
• improve the production of natural elastin;
• remove wrinkles from the face;
• protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment;
• restore the elasticity of the skin;
• remove acne and acne;
• eliminate unpleasant greasy shine.

For aesthetic purposes, turmeric essential oil can begin to be used after 30 years, when age is understood by the first changes in the skin of the face. You can add a useful product to the composition of therapeutic and nourishing masks, to medicinal solutions for internal use, to ointments and other means.

When using ether, the recommended dosages of the drug should be observed:

• for a relaxing bath - dilute 8 drops with an emulsifier;
• for a compress from muscle pain - 5 drops;
• for massage procedures - 7 drops per 15 ml of vegetable oil;
• for internal use - the norm is 1-2 drops mixed with honey.

Before using the essential product, a sensitivity test must be performed. It is forbidden to use essential oil during pregnancy and children under 12 years of age.

Harm and contraindications

Despite such an impressive list of useful qualities, in some situations, turmeric can harm health. Direct contraindications to the use of this spice are:

• urolithiasis disease;
• peptic ulcer and gastritis in the acute phase of the disease;
• other pathologies of the digestive system in the acute period;
• cholelithiasis.

Seasoning can not be combined with the intake of such medicines: Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Neglecting this rule can lead to bleeding.

An overdose of spice can give side effects in the form of hypotension, digestive disorders, large blood loss during menstruation.

How to choose and store turmeric

Determining the naturalness of spices is very difficult, because many sellers dilute expensive powder with cheap mixtures, add dyes. Therefore, when choosing this category, you should conduct a simple but effective test for authenticity, which is described above. Of course, on the counter in an ordinary store you can hardly find 100% genuine goods. More likely to buy quality seasoning on the market. Conscientious sellers care about their reputation and put up for sale only good products. True, in this case there is a risk of being cheated.

So that the spice does not lose its useful qualities for the longest time, turmeric should be stored in a dark glass container with a tightly lidded lid. The product should be left in storage in a dark place, but it is better to put it in the refrigerator.

Interesting Facts About Turmeric

1. Turmeric used to be used as a dye for fabrics. This was especially widespread in the homeland of this culture - in India.
2. Scientists, studying the features of the diet of the Indians, discovered this phenomenon: they eat fruits and vegetables seasoned with turmeric daily. At the same time, Indians are distinguished by good health and longevity.
3. In India, turmeric powder is an indispensable attribute of a wedding ceremony. The groom and the bride smear each other's necks with the paste made from the product. It is believed that this rite forever binds young spouses.
4. And the Malaysians use turmeric during childbirth: they use a paste to lubricate the umbilical cord and the mother’s stomach after the baby is born.

Turmeric photo