Health Benefits of Turmeric
What is turmeric? What are the health benefits of turmeric?
Turmeric is an orange yellow root that belongs to the ginger family. It has slightly peppery taste and smells a bit like mustard. It is native to South Asia and is usually made into a spice or powder by grinding. It is very common in East Indian dishes. It is used to add color to dishes, as a seasoning and to marinate fish, beef and chicken.
Turmeric owes it beneficial health properties to an active ingredient known as curcumin, which gives turmeric its bright yellow color and strong flavor. This compound has very high antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. For centuries the people of India have used turmeric as an antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises.
The Malaysia Malays used to drink turmeric juice as a traditional remedy to cure ailments such as gastric and asthma. And it was very common then to see Malay women drinking turmeric juice or eating young turmeric root after childbirth. The reason behind it is that tumeric speeds up the healing of wound caused by vagina tear.
It is also used to help reduce inflammation for conditions such as arthritis. It has properties that help protect both the liver and the heart and has been used to help treat intestinal disorders and other digestive disorders.
It is believed that one of the benefits of turmeric is that it can help strengthen the immune system against certain kinds of heart disease. It helps prevent blood clots and even help destroy the free radicals that can cause certain kinds of cancers. It also has even been used as a treatment for certain poisonous snake bites.
While there is no recommended daily allowance for how much turmeric, the normal limit seems to be between 400 to 600 grams.
Are there any side effects of turmeric?
While turmeric is considered to be safe to use as a spice, over use of it may cause stomach upset and even diarrhea. If you plan to consume turmeric extract or curcumin tablets as a health supplement consult a health care professional first.
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