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Turmeric (Curcumalonga)
Turmeric, nicknamed as Indian saffron, is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It contains bioactive compounds called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. These compounds are loaded with numerous miraculous medicinal properties.
Health benefits of turmeric
1. A natural anti-inflammatory
Curcumin, a compound present in turmeric, fights inflammation at the molecular level. It is believed to be as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs, without causing any sideeffects. It has demonstrated positive results on people suffering from conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
2. Boosts antioxidant capacity of the body
Turmeric provides double-defense against free radicals as it blocks them directly and enhances the activity of the body’s own antioxidant capabilities. Thus, it reduces the risk of heart diseases, cataracts, and glaucoma.
3. An ideal brainfood
Turmeric can considerably increase the levels of brain-derived hormone neurotrophic (BDNF), which stimulates the growth of new neurons and helps treat depression and degenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
4. Fights heart diseases
The Indian saffron enhances the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. Thus, turmeric enables the body to regulate blood pressure and inhibitsblood clotting, making it capable of reversing many steps in the heart disease process.
5. Helps in treatment and prevention of cancer
Turmeric is found to be remarkably effective against growth, development and spread of cancer at molecular level. It plays a major role in destroyingcancerous cells and suppression of angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumours) and metastasis (spread of cancer). It can also potentially prevent certain types of cancer like colorectal
cancer.
6. Hasanti-aging properties
Since turmeric lowers the risk of many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases and Alzheimer’s, it is evident that it helps us lead long, healthy lives. Besides, given the fact that it fights oxidation and inflammation, it acts as an excellent anti-aging supplement.
Best ways to consume turmeric
- To get the most out of turmeric’s nutritional benefits, it is advisable to consume it
with black pepper. Piperine, the bioactive compound of pepper enhances the
absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. - Taking turmeric with healthy high-fat foods such as almonds, coconut milk, coconut
oil also helps to maximize the body's absorption of curcumin, as it is a fat-soluble
compound.
- Category BENEFITS
- Date 20th, March, 2021
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