Turmeric: its 10 benefits and healing properties

This vegetable is much more than the main ingredient of curry; it has health properties.

There is a great diversity of plant species in nature, many of which are edible for humans. Fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, cereals... all of them are an indispensable part of our diet.

In addition to them we can also find other types of plants that we use more as a condiment, although they are still of great importance to us and even form part of the traditional cuisine of many cultures.

One of them is turmericwhich, besides being one of the main ingredients of curry, has been part of Asian cultures such as India since ancient times and is receiving more and more attention due to its numerous beneficial properties. It is about this vegetable that we are going to talk about throughout this article.

What is turmeric?

It is known as turmeric to a plant of aromatic herbaceous type which is part of the family of the zingiberáceas and whose scientific name is Curcuma longa. This plant is native to the territories of Southeast Asia, where it has been well known since ancient times, and unlike others, it does not reproduce by seeds but by using cuttings. The most commonly used part of turmeric is the rhizome or subway stem, from which the roots originate.

The best known use of this plant is gastronomic, in which it is generally used as an aromatic spice (which is obtained by crushing the rhizome of the plant) and used as a condiment in different preparations, including the famous and already mentioned curry. It is also sometimes used in infusions. Although it is a traditional food in Asian it is a traditional food in Asian countries and especially in India, the use of this spice has graduallyIt is a traditional food in Asian countries and especially in India, but little by little the use of this spice has been expanding.

It is also sometimes used as a food that helps to treat various conditions and minor ailments, being known many of its properties since ancient times and some of them being endorsed by science. It also has other uses, for example as a dye or colorant.

In this sense it has also generated an orange food coloring, the E-100, in addition to being used in the coloring of paints and clothes. It is also part of various religious and cultural traditions (e.g., it is one of the most important plants in the world). (for example, it is one of the plants used as a dye to draw the traditional mark on the forehead of the Hindu population).

Main benefits and properties of this plant

Many properties and benefits have been attributed to turmeric, some of which have been scientifically verified. Generally, one of the elements that has been most studied at this level is curcumin, the natural colorant derived from turmeric. The following are some of the most known benefits and properties of curcumin.

1. Anti-inflammatory properties

Several investigations carried out in animal models seem to indicate that the administration of turmeric and/or curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the emission of cytokines (which are pro-inflammatory) and inhibiting that of inflammatory prostaglandins.

In this sense, it may be useful in conditions such as arthritis or psoriasis, and has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation. has been shown to be effective in the reduction of edema and granulomas, as well as in the treatment of asthma.as well as in the treatment of asthma. These effects are observed in different organs, both at the ectopic and respiratory levels, among others.

2. Antitumor effect

Although it is far from being a miraculous product in this sense, it has been observed that the administration of turmeric has a certain anticarcinogenic effect, contributing to reduce the growth of neoplasms by inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factors and various interleukins (which favor the development and growth of tumors). Its anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to this.

3. An interesting antioxidant

Another of the proven properties of turmeric is its action as an antioxidant, through which it slows down the generation and effects of free radicals that cause cellular aging.. These effects have been seen at the blood level, protecting from oxidation of hemoglobin and lipids. This also includes a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease by reducing the appearance of beta-amyloid plaques.

4. Hypoglycemic and diabetic support

Some studies indicate that curcumin has hypoglycemic capacity, that is to say that it contributes to reduce blood sugar levels. In addition it has also been observed that it favors an increase of insulin and a reduction of cholesterol. and a reduction of cholesterol.

5. Protects the intestine and liver

Partly thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity, it has been observed that turmeric contributes to maintaining the digestive tract in good health, as well as having hepatoprotective properties.as well as having hepatoprotective properties. It also facilitates the flow of bile, which also facilitates the digestion of fats.

6. Healing

In addition to being used as an anti-inflammatory at the skin level, turmeric has also been used topically because it also has antioxidant and astringent effects, something that favors the closure of wounds. which helps wounds to close.. It is used for example in burns.

7. Protects the heart, lowers cholesterol and prevents heart disease.

It has been observed that turmeric is useful in preventing heart ailments, since it reduces inflammation and oxidation that can favor them and also has antiplatelet capacity.. In this sense it is very useful because it hinders the creation of thrombi and also helps to reduce cholesterol.

8. Antibiotic properties

In addition to all of the above, it has been observed that turmeric has antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal effects, which helps to fight against some infections and parasites.

9. Its usefulness in HIV is being investigated

Some studies suggest that turmeric and products derived from its active ingredients may be useful for people suffering from HIV, as they appear to to slow the spread of the retrovirus by affecting the HIV-1 intergrase..

10. Improves mood

Finally, it is worth mentioning that another interesting property of turmeric is the fact that it contributes to reducing stress and depression levels by modulating the neurotransmission of certain hormones..

Bibliographical references:

• Ammon, H.P.T. & Wahl, M.A. (1991). Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Medica, 57 (1): 1-7. Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart. New Work.
• Araujo, C.A.C. & Leon, L.L. (2001). Biological Activities of Curcuma longa L. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 96 (5): 723-728. Rio de Janeiro.
• Díaz Ortega, J.L.. (2014). Curcuma Longa and its beneficial molecular potential on inflammatory processes, cancer and chronic degenerative diseases. Revista IN CRESCENDO- Ciencias de la Salud, 1 (1): 115-124.
• Saiz de Cos, P. (2014). Turmeric I (Curcuma longa L.). Reduca (biology). Botanical Series, 7 (2): 84-99.