Turmeric (aka haldi) has been a widely used spice in Indian cuisine for centuries. In Northern parts of India it is commonly called “haldi”, and in the south it is called “manjal”. It comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The spice powder sold in tiny jars in markets has a striking resemblance to ginger root when fresh. Turmeric is mildly aromatic with a slightly warm, bitter and peppery taste. Its brilliant yellow-orange hue is because of the presence of natural phenols “curcuminoids”. Curcumin, the predominant curcuminoid is a nature’s dye and is what gives turmeric its color and imparts a radiant golden color to curries. Turmeric stains can be hard to remove from fabrics so be wary while cooking!
So, what is turmeric good for? In Hindu culture, this golden spice has been linked to good luck and fertility making it an integral ingredient of customs and rituals. Turmeric has a long history of use in Ayurveda, the Indian system of holistic medicine. In fact, the colonists of India carried turmeric with them when they migrated to other countries. It’s now a common kitchen spice in many countries and has even made its way into the Western food supply.
Modern medicine is starting to uncover just how beneficial it can be. So, here are seven science-backed benefits of turmeric:
1. Turmeric is nature’s anti-inflammatory agent.
Recently, there has been increasing scientific interest in the potential health benefits of turmeric, including its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric root is rich in curcumin, a compound with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Curcumin has been shown to block the release of cytokines, the signaling molecules that can exacerbate inflammation by modulating the immune system. Inflammation is at the root of many chronic diseases, so by reducing inflammation, turmeric can help to prevent or relieve a wide variety of conditions such as ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and arthritis.
In one study done on patients with ulcerative colitis, those who administered 2 grams of curcumin a day in synergy with their prescription medication were able to prolong remission compared to those who took the medicine alone.
2. Turmeric is beneficial for skin health
If you are suffering from a skin condition, consider using turmeric to help treat it. This is likely due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. When levels of oxidants in the cells surpass the antioxidant defense system capacity, oxidative stress initiates. Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are key underlying causes for skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. Turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants, including curcumin, which has been proven to neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. In fact, these properties can help to soothe irritated skin and reduce redness and swelling.
Turmeric is extremely versatile in its applications and makes its way to most homemade face masks in Indian households. Here is a DIY face mask recipe that actress Priyanka Chopra swears by . While more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of turmeric for treating skin conditions, many people have found it to be a helpful and gentle treatment option.
3. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is boon for people with joint pains
Joint pain is a common problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. There are many potential causes of joint pain, but one of the most common is inflammation. Inflammation can damage the tissues around the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. Additionally, inflammation can cause the joints to become less mobile over time. This implies that inflammation is often an important part of treating joint pain.
According to a clinical study done in Thailand, curcumin extract was shown to be as effective as ibuprofen for treating joint pain and inflammation in patients with arthritis. So if you’re looking for a natural way to reduce inflammation, consider adding turmeric to your diet. If you’re looking for a natural way to address joint pain, turmeric may show benefits and is worth trying.
4. Turmeric may help with allergies.
If you sneeze, have watery eyes, and itch after coming into contact with pollen, dust and dander, then read on! Allergies are a common occurrence in today’s world. They can be caused by different things like pollen or foods. While many people use medicine from the store or a prescription to help control their allergies, there are also natural remedies that work well. One example is turmeric because it has anti-inflammatory power and shows benefits with allergies.
A pilot study done in patients with allergic rhinitis has shown promising evidence of curcumin slowing down nasal symptoms and congestion.
5. Turmeric has anti-cancer properties.
Cancer is a terrible disease that has affected far too many people. It is important to be as proactive as possible when it comes to cancer prevention as there is no cure for the disease. There is some scientific evidence that a diet that includes turmeric may also help to protect against cancer.
A number of clinical studies have been conducted to investigate the role of turmeric in cancer treatment. Some studies have shown that turmeric may help to slow the growth of cancer cells in certain glands or organs such as the prostate and colon. Researchers believe that turmeric’s powerful anti-inflammatory effects may be due to its ability to target and break down carcinogens in the body. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of turmeric in treating cancer. However, there is evidence that suggests that turmeric may be a useful addition to cancer treatment.
Interestingly, cancer rates in India are much lower as compared with most of the western countries. It’s possible that turmeric may work in combination with other spices such as black pepper, cinnamon, or ginger to form a potent anti-inflammatory brew in the kitchen.
6. Turmeric may act as a mood enhancer
Have you been feeling low lately or suffering from chronic depression? Try turmeric, it might change your life! Depression is a condition that is marked by a low mood and a lack of interest in activities. This can lead to a reduced ability to feel pleasure or work. Symptoms may also include feeling down about oneself, having difficulty sleeping, being tired all the time, and not being able to focus well. The cause of depression is not currently known, but it is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. Many people with long-standing depression lack optimum levels of certain “feel good” brain chemicals, such as serotonin.
There is an increasing body of research supporting the efficacy of curcumin as a treatment for depression. Turmeric has shown antidepressant properties in both animal studies and human trials. However, more research is needed on a larger human population to confirm the effectiveness of turmeric in mood disorders. Nonetheless, it is safe to include this earthy spice into your daily diet.
7. Turmeric may help with pain and wound healing
I always recall my mother applying turmeric poultice on minor finger cuts while working in the kitchen. I never questioned her during childhood but always wondered how turmeric could heal cuts? Later on, I learned that curcumin relieved pain owing to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Moreover, curcumin boots collagen production enabling faster healing of wounds. In fact, curcumin also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help to prevent infections at the site of a wound.
A review published in the Journal of Life Sciences summarizes studies that exhibit the beneficial role of curcumin on skin wound healing.
So, next time you are faced with minor kitchen accidents, reach out for your jar of sunshine spice.
Add Turmeric to Your Diet
If you’re not consuming turmeric regularly, you may want to increase your intake to reap the benefits of this spice.
Wondering how to incorporate this hearty spice to your daily diet? Here are some innovative ways to do it:
- Add it to your milk. Try any golden milk recipe and you won’t regret it
- Cook your food with turmeric. The possibilities are plenty from soups, stews, rice and lentils
- Take turmeric capsules
- Make tea and lattes with turmeric
- How about pickling fresh turmeric root?
Turmeric doesn’t have a strong flavor of its own, so you won’t notice it as much in foods that you mix it with.
Summing up
Turmeric is definitely a spice worth trying out, and the health benefits are numerous. This “chameleon” spice can support your heart, boost your immune system, and even help to prevent and treat cancer.
To get the most out of turmeric, consume it regularly as part of a healthy diet. Be sure to mix it into foods that you enjoy, and you may find that you enjoy the taste even more than you would normally.
