Turmeric is an age old herb with a long history of medicinal use of almost 4,000 years. Because of its brilliant yellow color, turmeric is commonly known as “Indian saffron”. Even before the medicinal properties of turmeric were known, it was used as a culinary spice and had religious significance.
Let’s discuss 7 important facts that make turmeric a special herb
Turmeric contains various bioactive compounds with powerful medical properties
Do you know that more than 100 compounds have been isolated from turmeric? The most important component of this root is a vital oil, containing turmerone and coloring agents called curcuminoids. Most of the curcuminoids, especially curcumin, are natural antioxidants.
It has a high nutritional value
Turmeric is a nutritious root; 100 g of turmeric contains 390 kcal, 10 g total fat, 0.2 g calcium, 3 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 8 g protein, 69.9 g total carbohydrates, and 21 g dietary fiber.
It is a powerful antioxidant
Turmeric benefits are many, and its antioxidant effect is one of them. Oxidative damage plays an important role in aging and various health conditions. Free radicals and highly reactive molecules are the main culprits behind oxidative damage. They interact with important substance like proteins or fatty acids and alter cell membranes. This reaction results in the formation of harmful compounds that are cytotoxic (harmful for cells) and mutagenic (cause mutations in genetic material). Antioxidants neutralize these free radicals and prevent the body from damage. Antioxidants in turmeric help boost the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.
Turmeric is an effective anti-inflammatory
Inflammation is a positive mechanism that helps the body to fight infection and aids healing of the damaged tissues. Though inflammation is beneficial, long-term inflammation damages the body’s own tissue. Inflammation is the root cause of major chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disorder. Curcumin shows a strong anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the molecule (NF-kB) that is responsible for triggering genes associated with inflammation. Long-story cut short, curcumin prevents inflammation at a molecular level.
It lowers the risk of brain diseases
Brain cells or neurons are capable of multiplying and increasing in number in certain areas of the brain. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is one of the key elements for the increase in neurons. Many brain disorders are linked to a reduced level of BDNF for example Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Curcumin present in turmeric is seen to increase levels of BDNF. Thus, turmeric can be effective in delaying or reversing many brain-related disorders
It helps prevent heart disorders
Heart disorders are a leading cause of death. Curcumin improves the functioning of the lining of the blood vessels (endothelium). Endothelial dysfunction causes various problems including high blood pressure and blood clots. These are seen to be a trigger for heart disorders. As curcumin improves endothelial function, it prevents heart disorders. Moreover, curcumin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, which are a precursor to heart diseases.
It plays a preventive role against stomach ulcers
Benefits of turmeric for stomach ulcers are remarkable. Curcumin has gastroprotective and antiulcerogenic properties. Its antioxidative property plays a key role in preventing stomach ulcers. H. pylori is a bacterium responsible for stomach ulcers. Curcumin is seen to be effective in eradicating this bacterium, thus preventing peptic ulcers. Moreover, the consumption of turmeric is seen to increase the secretion of mucin (a glycosylated protein) that acts as a gastroprotectant against irritants.
Listing the health benefits of turmeric can create a long list. Some turmeric benefits are due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, and antiulcerogenic properties. This herb can be used for treating, preventing, or managing several health conditions without causing any side-effects.
