This article is reviewed by an expert
Turmeric, also known as the golden spice, has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine and cooking. It is a rhizome of Curcuma longa, a flavourful and yellow-orange spice. [1]
Its plant is 3 feet in height, and has lance-shaped leaves, and spikes of yellow flowers that grow in a fleshy rhizome or in an underground stem. [1]
The orange pulp inside the rhizome is the source of turmeric medicinal powder. [2]
The active constituents of turmeric are the flavonoid curcumin and various volatile oils including tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberone. However, curcumin is the most active constituent which comprises 0.3-5.4% of raw turmeric. [2]
Curcumin has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, as it is non-toxic and has a variety of therapeutic properties including antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic activity, and anticarcinogenic activity. [2]
Scientific research has shown that turmeric has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. It also has the potential to reduce the risk of various malignant diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic illness including rheumatoid arthritis. [3]
Turmeric has gained global popularity in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. In this blog, we will explore the top 10 science-backed turmeric benefits and its use in Ayurveda.
1. Skin benefits
Curcumin shows resistance to oxidative damage due to its strong antioxidant properties. [2] Modern medicine has several turmeric benefits for skin. Dietary supplements for the skin typically contain a mixture of curcuminoids that remedy various skin conditions.
2. Anti-inflammatory benefits
Curcumin possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, however, it can result in a range of illnesses if it becomes chronic.
Research has demonstrated that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly effective at mitigating the likelihood of colon, skin, oral, and intestinal cancers. [3]
Studies have shown that oral administration of curcumin was found to be effective in instances of acute inflammation. [2]
3. Hepatoprotective benefits
One of the major turmeric benefits is that it protects the liver. Turmeric’s hepatoprotective effect is mainly a result of its antioxidant properties and ability to decrease the formation of proinflammatory cytokines. [2]
It protects the liver from a number of toxic compounds such as carbon tetrachloride, galactosamine, acetaminophen (paracetamol), and Aspergillus aflatoxin. [2]
4. Cardiovascular benefits
One of the most important turmeric uses is its protective effects on the cardiovascular system. Turmeric helps in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreasing the susceptibility of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to lipid peroxidation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation. [2]
Modern medicine proves medicurcumin supplementation is a promising nutraceutical-based treatment for improving nitric oxide-mediated vascular endothelial function and oxidative stress. [4]
5. Gastrointestinal benefits
The health benefits of turmeric are used orally as a stomachic and blood purifier, to treat gall bladder disorders, bloating, menstrual problems, disorders of the urinary tract, etc. [5] Curcumin also has a significant role in curing gastric ulcers.
6. Antimicrobial benefits
Turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi. [2]
7. Dental applications of turmeric
Turmeric can be used to offer relief from dental problems. Massaging aching teeth with roasted, ground turmeric eliminates pain and swelling. [2]
8. Anticancer properties
Curcumin has been found to possess anticancer activities because of its effect on a variety of biological pathways involved in mutagenesis, oncogene expression, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, tumorigenesis, and metastasis. It enhances the effect of chemotherapy and acts as an enhancer of radiotherapy. [2]
9. Boosts immunity
Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as an immunity booster. Curcumin cooperates with various cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells, B, T, and natural killer cells to modify the body’s defense capacity. [6] This helps protect the body against infections and illnesses.
10. Weight management benefits
Turmeric has been found to have weight-loss benefits. Curcumin has been found to increase the production of brown fat, which is a type of fat that burns calories and helps with weight loss.
It shows multiple mechanisms of action and can affect cellular biochemical and physiological regulation. In pharmacies, there are more and more preparations containing curcumin recommended for the prevention of obesity. [2]
11. Arthritic benefits
Curcumin’s anti-inflammatory properties are being leveraged to treat arthritis. Dietary supplements containing turmeric rhizome and turmeric extracts are also being used in the Western world for inflammation-based arthritis treatment and prevention. [8]
12. Mood enhancing benefits
Studies show that using turmeric helps treat depression. It is also found that curcumin may help treat mood disorders and dementia too. [7]
Turmeric used in many regions of our country is also cultural. Commercially, turmeric is used in cosmetic products, curry powders, snacks, biscuits, bakery items, and more.
Consumption of turmeric
Turmeric can be consumed in various forms, including raw turmeric, turmeric powder, turmeric milk, and turmeric water.
Raw turmeric benefits can be leveraged in cooking, while turmeric powder benefits are seen most with smoothies, curries, and other dishes.
Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, is a popular Ayurvedic remedy for various ailments. Turmeric water benefits are similar to those of turmeric milk benefits – both are equally used in treating various flu-related symptoms.
To acquire turmeric milk benefits, heat a cup of milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and a teaspoon of honey. Drink this before bedtime for better sleep and immunity,
FAQs
1. Constituents of turmeric?
The active constituents of turmeric are the flavonoid curcumin and various volatile oils including tumerone, atlantone, and zingiberone. However, curcumin is the most active constituent which comprises 0.3-5.4% of raw turmeric.
2. What are some of the turmeric benefits?
Scientific research has shown that turmeric has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. It also has the potential to reduce the risk of various malignant diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic illnesses including rheumatoid arthritis.
3. How can turmeric be consumed?
Turmeric can be consumed in various forms, including raw turmeric, turmeric powder, turmeric milk, and turmeric water.
4. What are the weight management benefits of turmeric?
Turmeric has been found to have weight-loss benefits. It shows multiple mechanisms of action and can affect cellular biochemical and physiological regulation. In pharmacies, there are more and more preparations containing curcumin recommended for the prevention of obesity.
5. Is turmeric antimicrobial?
Yes, turmeric has antimicrobial properties. Turmeric extract and the essential oil of Curcuma longa inhibit the growth of a variety of bacteria, parasites, and pathogenic fungi.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is from a scientific perspective and has some basic input on Ayurvedic uses of turmeric. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice or treatment. It is therefore recommended to take a professional practitioner’s advice before initiating any treatment.
References
- A Touch of Turmeric: Examining an Ayurvedic Treasure
- Role of curcumin in systemic and oral health: An overview
- Turmeric – An overview
- Curcumin and Weight Loss: Does It Work?
- Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa L.)
- The Impact of Curcumin on Immune Response: An Immunomodulatory Strategy to Treat Sepsis
- Clinical Use of Curcumin in Depression: A Meta-Analysis
- Turmeric Extracts Containing Curcuminoids Prevent Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis#
