What is Turmeric?
Turmeric (scientific name, Curcuma longa), is a perennial herb belonging to the ginger family and much like the ginger in its morphology. More than 100 species of the Curcuma genus were identified and cultivated for their flavour agent, condiment and medicinal properties.
Composition of turmeric:
| Sr. No. | Chemical Constituent | Percentage |
| 1 | Carbohydrates | 60 – 70 % |
| 2 | Moisture | 6 – 13 % |
| 3 | Fat | 6- 10 % |
| 4 | Proteins | 6 – 10 % |
| 5 | Curcuminoids* | 3 – 7 % |
| 6 | Volatile Oils+ | 3 – 7 % |
| 7 | Mineral matte® | 3 – 7 % |
| 8 | Fibres | 3 – 7 % |
*Curcuminoids are polyphenolic compounds and include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
+ volatile oils include, d-α-Phellandrene, D-sabinene, cineol, borneol, zingiberene, sesquiterpenes
®turmeric is rich in minerals, especially magnesium, which perform a great role in tissue healing and regeneration, bone health and bone repair in fractures, blood clotting and production of hormones predominantly sex hormones.
Health benefits of Turmeric:
- Turmeric benefits for allergies:
Turmeric is very good for allergic patients because it reduces swelling and irritations in allergies. Especially in case of allergic rhinitis. It is very helpful in nasal itching, sneezing and fluid secretion from the nose.
- Turmeric and anti-inflammatory properties:
Due to the variety of curcumins, turmeric is a very good anti-inflammatory agent and used for this purpose since prehistoric times. Now it is a very good anti-histaminic agent.
- Turmeric benefits in alopecia
Alopecia is a condition of hair loss, and the turmeric diet is very fruitful in alopecia and results in considerable hair growth.
- Turmeric benefits in Alzheimer’s disease:
Research has proved that curcumins are very helpful in memory improvement in adults. Its further significance is going to test in the experimental labs, by using mice as an experimental subject.
- Turmeric benefits for mental health:
It is proven that turmeric is very good in the development of mood and helps the patients to come out from stress. It is considered helpful in the cure of patients suffering from depression.
- Turmeric benefits for men:
Turmeric is very good for men by improving muscle virility and enhancing the production of male hormones. These hormones especially testosterone enhances the male sexual derives.
- Turmeric benefits women;
In females’ turmeric is very good to promote skin health and is usually helpful in regulating periods and active recovery after menstruation. Turmeric is also helpful in the regulation of estrogenic behaviours in females.
- Turmeric benefits lips, face and skin
In the case of lips, turmeric reduces the number of dead cells that direct light up your lip colour. Its milk-paste use results in bright pink colour of lips and creamy softness. For skin and face, it reduces acne, removes hyperpigmentation, reduces dark spots, and makes skin fresh and soft. It also reduces skin ageing. The application of turmeric paste with milk on the skin reduces psoriasis (flaky patches on the skin) and eczema (redness and itching of the skin).
- Turmeric benefits for fatty liver
Continuous use of turmeric reduces the concentration of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood serum. The reduction of these enzymes shows that the liver function test (LFT) is good.
- Turmeric and Antioxidant properties
Various studies indicate that turmeric is a very rich source of antioxidant agents, that neutralize free radicle and also stimulate other antioxidants.
- Turmeric and Antimicrobial properties:
Turmeric has curcumins that have very good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Because curcumins are very good bioactive substances.
- Turmeric and cardiovascular health:
Because of the good anti-inflammatory turmeric is very good for the health of the human heart and regulation of blood flow. It prevents our circulatory system from cardiovascular disorders.
- Turmeric and anti-cancer properties:
Because of the source of good antioxidant chemical agents, turmeric is very helpful in the reduction of tumour production and preventing cancers.
- Turmeric and weight loss:
Turmeric is directly involved in the lowering of cholesterol in the body. The use of turmeric regularly with food burns the fat and results in considerable weight loss.
- Turmeric and gastrointestinal health:
In the ancient Chinese ayurvedic treatments, turmeric is used for indigestion, stomachaches, infections, and a number of gastrointestinal problems.
- Turmeric as an Anti-Arthritis agent:
Due to its anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric is a very good anti-arthritis agent. International arthritis foundation recommends the use of a 500 mg capsule of turmeric powder three times a day.
Turmeric intake:
We can use turmeric in the form of raw, dried, powder, juice, infusions, milk, tea, or in the form of turmeric capsules.
Daily dose:
2.5 – 3.5 mg/kg Daily