Properties and benefits of turmeric What is it and why is it important?
The turmeric is a golden spice that comes from the Curcuma longa plant, native to Southwest Asia. It is widely known for its characteristic flavor and color, being an essential plant in the cuisine of many cultures and in natural medicine, especially in India. Today we will tell you about the benefits of turmeric.
Beyond its culinary use, turmeric has gained popularity in Western medicine and throughout the world due to its numerous properties and uses of turmeric for general wellbeing.
Its medicinal properties are mainly due to the plant's active compound called curcumin, which is responsible for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective action.
Health benefits of turmeric
Turmeric is a powerful plant whose benefits have been widely recognized and studied. Its active compound, curcumin, is responsible for much of its therapeutic properties.
We will delve into the 10 key benefits of turmeric that have led to its popularity, not only for its yellow color for Indian food, but also for its use as a dietary supplement around the world and how they can contribute to improving our health and well-being.
Among the main benefits and properties of turmeric are its anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and pain in the body, being especially useful for people with osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
Powerful anti-inflammatory effect
Of the most outstanding health benefits of this Indian spice, first of all, is its potent anti-inflammatory effect.
Chronic inflammation is an underlying factor in many conditions such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Curcumin acts by inhibiting the production of certain pro-inflammatory substances in the body similar to drugs such as ibuprofen.
The various mechanisms work together to reduce inflammation and make curcumin a powerful ally in the management of inflammatory conditions and related diseases.
2. Strengthens the immune system
Among the benefits and properties of this root, it also plays an important role in strengthening the immune system, which contributes to the prevention of diseases.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help to maintain a balanced immune system. In addition, turmeric has antimicrobial properties that can help protect the body against bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
In addition, turmeric can stimulate the production of immune system proteins and cells, such as immunoglobulins, lymphocytes and macrophages, which are essential for fighting infections and maintaining an adequate immune response.
3. Improves brain function and memory
Turmeric also offers significant benefits to the brain and cognitive function, including memory, as it has been shown to have neuroprotective and neurostimulant effects.
One of the active components of turmeric, curcumin, has been shown in scientific studies to improve brain function by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
BDNF is an essential protein for the formation of new neuronal connections and the maintenance of existing ones. A higher level of BDNF may promote cognitive ability, memory and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
Therefore, including turmeric in our diet also has the use of keeping our mind active, in optimal conditions and avoiding risks to our health.
4. Relief of digestive and stomach discomfort.
Another benefit of turmeric is its ability to relieve digestive and stomach discomfort. These effects can be attributed to the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of curcumin.
In particular, its anti-inflammatory action can soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to reduce symptoms such as bloating, gas and abdominal pain.
Moreover, curcumin stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder, facilitating the digestion of fats and improving overall digestive function.
Its antimicrobial properties can even help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal flora, which in turn benefits digestion and prevents infections or stomach upsets.
Finally, it has also been shown that turmeric can help relieve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Therefore, incorporating turmeric into your diet can be a natural and effective way to relieve digestion discomfort and improve gastrointestinal problems.
Curcuma, less known benefits:
5. Natural treatment for depression symptoms
Turmeric and specifically curcumin appears to have antidepressant properties due to its effects on various biological mechanisms related to the mind.
In addition to increasing BDNF levels, curcumin can also regulate the balance of key neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood regulation and emotional well-being.
Therefore, being a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, turmeric helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, factors that are closely related to the development of depression.
6. Accelerates healing and care of skin and hair.
Turmeric is an ingredient that can be of great help to the skin, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can help fade hyperpigmentation, scars and sun spots, providing a more even and healthy skin tone, and its antimicrobial action can certainly be beneficial in combating acne and other bacteria-related skin conditions.
It can also stimulate the production of collagen and promote cell regeneration, which helps to firm and elasticize the skin, helping to prevent the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Finally, turmeric can stimulate blood circulation in the scalp, which promotes hair growth and may reduce hair loss. By improving the nourishment of the hair follicle, turmeric can promote stronger hair that is resistant to damage.
7. Protection against heart disease
Turmeric is a potent protector against heart problems. By reducing inflammation in the body, turmeric is also a root that can help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries and reduce the risk of heart problems.
Finally, one study suggests that turmeric may also help reduce levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which could further lower the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
8. Cancer prevention and treatment
Some studies have found that curcumin can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce tumor formation.
It has also been shown that turmeric is able to improve the efficacy of certain cancer treatments and reduce the side effects of these treatments.
9. Contributes to bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.
Curcumin can help prevent bone loss and promote new bone formation, which may be useful in preventing conditions such as osteoporosis.
Turmeric may also have an indirect effect on bone health by helping to reduce inflammation in the body, which may contribute to better functioning bone cells and a reduced risk of developing bone disease.
10. Benefits of turmeric for arthritis and joints
The great anti-inflammatory power of turmeric makes it a very effective treatment for arthritis and other joint-related conditions.
Its antioxidant action may also protect and improve joint cells, which may reduce the risk of long-term ailments and injuries.
How to incorporate this spice and its benefits into your daily life
Take advantage of the benefits of turmeric in your daily routine is easier than it seems. These roots are widely used in gastronomy for their aroma and as a colorant along with other spices used in cooking such as saffron, ginger, curry, for a meal with lots of flavor.
So this versatile Southeast Asian spice can be included in your dishes and meals as an ingredient that brings yellow color and flavor to your dishes.
Turmeric supplementation
Turmeric supplementation is an easy and effective way to incorporate this powerful ingredient into your daily life. That's why we have created the Turmeric+Probiotics Nutribrainwhich combines the potency of curcumin with the additional benefits of probiotics for a greater effect.
