10 Healing Powers of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

February 27, 2023 Agric4Profits

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an extremely powerful and multipurpose herb, it is also an anti-inflammatory herb used in treating many varieties of ailments. However, turmeric as a powerful medicinal herb is also regarded as the “younger cousin to ginger”.

Turmeric is stated to be native to Southeast Asia, most people even call it the “Indian Saffron” because of its golden color.

Turmeric has lots of healthy compounds contained in it, one of such is “curcumin”.

Recent studies by medical experts have shown that Turmeric contains anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that fight disease, also provide potential health benefits.

In this article, we’ll be pinpointing some of its potential health benefits that you may not know.

Turmeric, whether it be in turmeric powder, tablet, or extract form, intended for therapeutic dosing, eating turmeric as part of your day-to-day diet can be the best way to enjoy those benefits

Health Benefits of Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

10 Healing Powers of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — Turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant

(1) Helps to Fight Against Inflammation

Most health conditions these days are being caused by inflammation. Inflammation is said to be the root cause of diseases like heart disease, and even cancer.

Scientists have discovered that Turmeric may also play a role in cognitive decline.

Also, this powerful herb tends to produce pro-inflammatory genes, which block inflammatory response gateway in the body.

Turmeric possesses essential properties that can fight against inflammation.

(2) Mitigates Free-Radicals

As mentioned earlier, Turmeric is highly medicinal and possesses lots of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that fight diseases. Also, turmeric helps fight against free radicals in the body.

This is very essential because fighting against free-radical in the body boosts the strength of the body’s immunity.

As stated, it boosts the immunity of the body, thereby increasing the capacity at which your body fights diseases.

Turmeric not only boosts the body’s immunity but also protects your skin from free-radical damage like environmental pollutants.

(3) It helps boost your immune system

The presence of curcumin(anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties) in turmeric makes it a health-promoting powerhouse.

However, adding only turmeric to your diet is not enough as curcumin contained in it, is not well absorbed into the bloodstream.

Therefore, consuming it with black pepper can enhance absorption, because black pepper contains a substance called piperine.

(4) Helps Ease Joint Pain

The rare compound found in turmeric is responsible for providing important potential health benefits.

Curcumin’s inflammatory property may help to ease joint pain. Turmeric has shown many promising results in its ability to manage pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.

(5) May Help Prevent Cancer

Also, turmeric’s curcumin has been studied extensively for its role as a complementary cancer treatment and prevention of cancerous cells.

Tumeric is a natural alternative for fighting against cancer plant-based-dish.

(6) Protects Your Heart

Turmeric’s compound curcumin also plays a huge role in protecting your heart against heart-related diseases and also improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation.

(7) It Helps Heal Your Gut

Tumeric is a low-FODMAP food, so it’s safe to use if you’re on a FODMAPs elimination diet.

However, turmeric also helps in treating inflammatory bowel conditions like colitis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Reap the amazing benefits of turmeric by adding it to your diet today.

(8) Serve As a Mood-Regulating Neurotransmitter

Recent studies have shown curcumin to be used in treating depression, this is done by reversing detrimental brain changes that occur in depression.

Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, getting enough of this amino acid can also help support a stable mood. While it’s mostly found in animal protein, oats are a great plant-based source.

(9) Stave Off Neurodegenerative Diseases

Use turmeric in an all-purpose spice blend for fish or toss with olive oil and toast up with walnuts, another food shown to protect brain function as we age.

Because curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier, research has it that the brain can also benefit from its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory benefits and stave off conditions like Alzheimer’s.

(10) It Improves Long-Term Cognitive Function

Curcumin in turmeric can boost and improve brain health by increasing healthy levels of a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor which plays a key role in long-term cognitive function.

How Much Turmeric Should You Consume?

Tumeric powder contains about 3 percent curcumin, and extracts are about 95 percent curcumin.

Consuming ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon or about 2.5 to 5 grams of turmeric powder with food per day has been associated with important potential health benefits.