Turmeric
natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory
What is Turmeric?
A spice with many therapeutic virtues, turmeric is used in phytotherapy as an anti-inflammatory and a natural antioxidant. It is very effective in particular in the care of diseases of the digestive system and as an anti-tumor.
More commonly used as a spice, especially in Indian cuisine, turmeric is a herbaceous plant with many virtues, especially in cosmetics and health. The Indians had understood its many benefits very early on and use it daily to treat various ailments. Very regularly quoted in Sanskrit writings from the fourth century, we find mention of its incredible effectiveness in treating heart problems.
Very nutritious, it contains fibers and many vitamins and is a great source of zinc, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
The origin of turmeric
From its scientific name Curcuma Longa or Curcuma aromatica, turmeric is native to Asia. It is found in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. From the same family as ginger, the part used is called the rhizome. It is part of many blends; it is in particular the rhizome that gives curry its color. Turmeric is said to have more than 150 therapeutic benefits.
A powerful antioxidant
Curcumin
- Helps boost natural defenses
- Helps fight chronic fatigue
- Helps fight free radicals, responsible for cellular aging.
Powerful natural anti-inflammatory
Very effective action against stomach and digestive tract ailments
flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, jaundice, ulcer
Action on chronic inflammatory joint diseases
rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism, Fibromyalgia.
Powerfull anti-oxydant
Powerful natural anti-inflammatory
prevent the development of certain cancers
treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes
You want to know all about Superfood from Peru?
Turmeric is used in phytotherapy as an anti-inflammatory and a natural antioxidant.
Subscribe to our newsletter to receive information about Superfood of Peru and take advantage of our partners’ commercial opportunities.
The active ingredients of turmeric
The essential active ingredient of turmeric is curcumin. This is what gives turmeric its incredible golden color, earning it the nickname “golden spice of life”. Numerous studies have been conducted on curcumin. It is believed to inhibit cell multiplication and the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones (angiogenesis), a pathological process related to the growth of malignant cells and metastasis in cancer. Curcumin would therefore be a natural and interesting active ingredient in the fight against cancer. Curcumin also has powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Curcumin is not the only active ingredient in turmeric. Many other constituents are interesting for their action on health. The main ones are :
- Sesquiterpenes: have anti-inflammatory properties and an effective action against aging.
- Steroids: have anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol-lowering properties.
- The alkaloids: stimulate the nervous system, anti-cancerous action.
- Essential oils: have antidepressant, anti-ulcer and hepatoprotective properties.
Turmeric: a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent
Indian Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine had already updated the natural antioxidant properties of turmeric. It would help boost natural defenses and fight against chronic fatigue. It would also help to fight free radicals, responsible for cellular aging.
Turmeric is recognized as one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories. It has a very effective action against stomach and digestive tract ailments, whether for simple digestive disorders (flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, jaundice) or more serious ones (ulcers, liver disease).
It can also be used to treat chronic inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatism and fibromyalgia.
Turmeric has a natural and effective action against diseases of the digestive system
Turmeric promotes the digestion process. It helps to limit digestive difficulties such as heartburn and colitis. It regulates the intestinal flora, protects the liver and increases bile secretion. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes its effectiveness in the treatment of peptic ulcers. This action is made possible by its ability to fight against a pathogenic bacterium of the stomach, Helicobacter pylori.
Similarly, turmeric is believed to be effective against chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric may have an action against cancer
Turmeric, thanks to curcumin, could prevent the development of certain cancers.
It has been proven that in Asian countries, which are major consumers of turmeric, lung, colon and breast cancers are less common.
The possible anti-tumor properties of turmeric are today at the heart of many studies and are of interest to researchers.
Taking turmeric as an adjuvant in cancer treatment would increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and limit the occurrence of side effects.
Benefits of turmeric against diabetes
Two studies were conducted to evaluate the benefits of turmeric in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
The clinical trials report favourable effects on the pathology, both in terms of its development and its stabilization.
Treated individuals saw their fasting plasma glucose levels decrease, as well as their weight and waist circumference. It is also believed to have a role to play in preventing the development of cataracts due to diabetes.
Turmeric, a hope against Alzheimer’s disease
Although clinical studies are still insufficient to prove its action against Alzheimer’s disease with any certainty, it is nevertheless known that its active ingredients have an action on the brain and intellectual capacities.
It should also be noted that cases of Alzheimer’s disease are 4.4 times lower in India among adults aged 70 to 79 years, compared to the United States.
The benefits of Turmeric for skin and hair
Turmeric is also a beauty ally. It is effective in the treatment of skin diseases such as eczema, scabies or acne. It soothes irritations and is also an effective aid in the healing of wounds.
Its properties in skin care are numerous. In addition to giving a healthy glow, it is also a powerful anti-aging agent which, thanks to its anti-oxidant actions, fights against the appearance of wrinkles and skin aging. If you have dull skin, prone to irritation and lacking firmness, turmer is for you. You can use it as a face mask, mixed with yoghurt or coconut milk.
Turmeric is also very effective in hair care. It makes the hair supple and shiny, giving it beautiful golden highlights and helps to fight against irritated scalp problems. It can also be used in powder form in natural coloring, mixed with neutral henna or blond henna to give golden highlights to the hair.
How to consume turmeric?
Turmeric can of course be consumed daily with meals. You can add it in your soups, sauces, stews or cook it in typical Indian dishes: curry, curry, and other recipes with sweet exotic flavors will delight your taste buds and give you a taste of elsewhere.
Nevertheless, the major problem with this method of ingestion is that turmeric is poorly assimilated by the body. In fact, there are also food supplements in various forms (dried plants, capsules, tablets, rhizome etc.) which, thanks to their compound, act in synergy to counter this problem and allow you to benefit from the virtues of turmeric.
For example, curcumin is all the more effective when used with piperine (the compound that is at the origin of the pungent taste of pepper) because it promotes its absorption by the body.
Nevertheless, both supplements should be used under the supervision of a physician because by facilitating the absorption of curcumin, they also facilitate the absorption of heavy metals. Turmeric is also not recommended in case of pregnancy, gallstones or taking anticoagulants.
Ayurvedic recipe with turmeric: golden milk
This ayurvedic recipe is nowadays very popular thanks to its properties and subtle taste.
In winter, golden milk helps to fight against fatigue, offers a boost of energy and brings together all the benefits of turmeric mentioned above.