Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is one of the most well-researched and commonly used spices in the world. From being one used to make tasty curries every day in every Indian kitchen to upping your beauty game, there would hardly be any bodily function that isn’t supported by this golden spice. This might even be the most potent supplement available in natural form.
As per Ayurveda, Haldi or Haridra can balance all the three doshas in your body. But if taken in excess, it can aggravate pitta and Vata dosha. It can also be used to remove ‘ama’ (slags) from the body that purifies and detoxifies your blood and tissues of toxins.
Turmeric, in its fresh form of roots and as a dried spice has been in use since thousands of years in Asia. Today, many western studies have shown the presence of an active compound called curcumin that is responsible for giving most of these beneficial properties of turmeric.
The key ingredient of turmeric, curcumin, provides it with an incredibly long list of healing properties like anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic – definitely, a pretty long list.
Benefits of Turmeric
- Provides Relief from Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, topical and oral usage of turmeric can prove beneficial in providing relief from arthritic pain. Anyone who is suffering from mild pain can consume this herb and see it do wonders to that joint pain. To find out more ways to get rid of joint pain naturally, read this article.
- Boosts Immunity
Turmeric’s antioxidant properties help in removing extra free radicals from the body and promoting the production of disease-fighting T-cells in your body. Consumption of turmeric milk can provide quick and easy relief from seasonal cold and flu.
Read Also: Immunity Boosting Kadha Recipe
- Improves Brain-Related Functions
The capability of your neurons to make new connections is boosted by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth hormone. The lack or lower levels of BDNF are known to be associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Depression. Interestingly, curcumin is known to boost the levels of BDNF thus supporting the process where neurons can easily form new connections, improvises brain function and may also help in managing or reversing brain diseases or age-related brain functions. If you want to become smarter and focused, make sure to include turmeric in your daily diet.
- Heals Wounds
Turmeric is known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. Turmeric paste can easily be used over a wound to not only sanitize it but also expedite its healing. If you have a little cut, burn or a bruise, go ahead and apply Haldi paste or sprinkle raw Haldi powder to get relief.
Detoxifies Liver and Aids Digestion
Turmeric is known for its tremendous capacity for anti-oxidants. Consumption of turmeric helps in the detoxification of the liver and promotes the production of enzymes required to promote digestion. It is also known to reduce gas and bloating.
- Lower the risk of heart diseases
It is well known that heart diseases are the number one killers in the world. The factors contributing to heart diseases are complicated. Endolithiel dysfunction is one of the major contributors to the same. The dysfunction occurs when your endolithium, which is the lining of your blood vessel, is unable to regulate blood circulation, blood pressure and blood clotting. Curcumin is known to improve the endolithiel function and can also help in reversing the steps that lead towards its dysfunction of any kind.
- Fights Diabetes
The anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric prove beneficial in delaying the onset of type-2 diabetes. It helps in improving the production and usage of insulin in the body and also boosts the effects of medication treating diabetes. Find out more about natural ways to manage diabetes.
- Improves Skin
Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, turmeric makes for one of the quickest home remedies for acne or detoxifying skin. You might have observed that every Indian bride is layered with loads of Haldi paste before their big day. You can also get rid of acne and get glowing skin by applying Haldi paste once or twice a week.
The Takeaway
Loaded with the active compound called curcumin, turmeric is a magical herb that should be used and consumed daily to derive its benefits. You can buy it as a spice and add it to your diet easily.