Turmeric is well known as traditional Ayurvedic medicine of India because of it's magical medicinal powers. Now-a-days, Western scientists and herbalists are giving attention to the benefits of turmeric. A perennial shrub, turmeric is cultivated in India and Asia’s other tropical regions. Curcumin is the dynamic element in turmeric that has been utilized in India for more than 2500 years. Turmeric is believed as a body cleansing herb in India. Medically, it is utilized as an aid for digestive disturbances and as a treatment for fever, dysentery, infections, jaundice arthritis, and other liver problems.
Turmeric is also medically used to treat gallbladder and liver problems, stop bleeding, menstrual uneasiness and relieve chest overcrowding by the traditional Chinese doctors. Turmeric is utilized in most dishes in India and temperate use of Turmeric powder as part of normal diet is secure but dehydration and constipation, as well as liver or stomach distress may be caused by extended use of big dosages of Turmeric extract. So people, who are taking blood thinners, or under going cheomotherapy, should avoid the use of turmeric and consult their doctor before taking Turmeric.
Health Benefits of Turmeric:
Turmeric and curcumin contain powerful antioxidant properties so exerts neuroprotective activity and helps in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. It is useful in disinfecting cuts and burns because of its antiseptic and antibacterial property. It also works as an anti-inflammatory drug without side effects. It also helps in injury healing and in remodeling of damaged skin.
Alzheimer's Disease:
Alzheimer's disease may be developed by the swelling inside the brain. As shown in studies, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Turmeric reduces the histamine levels as well as deposits of beta-amyloid proteins in the brains and it may also motivate the adrenal glands to raise production of a hormone that decreases swelling. So consumption of Turmeric capsules every day may be an effective way to stop the beginning of Alzheimer's.
Cancer:
Turmeric is full of antioxidants, the illness-fighting stuffs which mop up the constant attack of free radicals. Turmeric can stimulate apoptosis; a procedure by which the self-destruction and removal of hurt (cancerous) cells is activated. Cells are damaged by unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) when they move in the body and if they left unchecked, they will be responsible for premature aging and sicknesses such as cancer. When high concentrations of antioxidants are needed, turmeric is suggested by Naturopaths. However, more researches are still necessary to find out Turmeric’s complete effects on cancer cells. As per the suggestions of existing studies, combination of turmeric powder or supplements and a balanced, nutritious diet may assist in stopping or even devastating cancer cells.
Arthritis:
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties so it is very effective as usual medicine for Arthritis pain. So people may get noteworthy relief from osteoarthritis pain with the use of 500mg to 1000mg Turmeric capsules three times per day.
Colds and Flu:
Human body gets help in fighting against colds, cough and flu with the turmeric's anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties. So as these symptoms appear, just mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk and drink it once per day; and also drink plenty of water during the day.
Asthma:
Turmeric can help in reducing the swelling connected with asthma by its anti-inflammatory property. An effective asthma home remedy is made by adding 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk.
Inflammation:
Curcumin, key ingredient of turmeric contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it is helpful in healing cuts, wounds, and other skin infections including boils. Warm Turmeric oil is useful in interior wounds, sprains, fractures, and herniated disks. Turmeric oil should be applied on a large cotton pad to cover the outer skin of the affected part of the body. Drinking the mixture of one teaspoon of turmeric powder and a warm glass of milk, previous to going to bed, is also helpful in preventing interior swelling and infections.
Diabetes:
As shown in recent studies, beginning of Type-2 Diabetes may be stopped by the use of turmeric as it helps in decreasing insulin resistance. So a diabetes preventive medicine is to take one teaspoon, curcumin extracts or capsules of turmeric powder twice a day with foods.
Weight Loss:
The flow of bile, a significant element in the breakdown of dietary fat, is raised by the help of Curcumin, present in Turmeric powder. So if one teaspoon of Turmeric powder is consumed with each meal along with a healthy diet and exercise program, then it may be an effective weight loss element.
Liver Health:
It is suggested in studies with animals that the liver is protected from the harmful effects of certain toxins, such as alcohol by turmeric. As the flow of bile activates with the help of turmeric, fats will be digested so turmeric is utilized as a digestive aid.
Anti-platelet activity:
Turmeric is very beneficial in anti-platelet activity. The ability of the blood to form clots is reduced by turmeric and by this ability; blood circulation may be improved and some defense against heart attacks and strokes are offered.
Side Effects of Turmeric:
Turmeric is believed a secure herb but prolonged use of it (higher than suggested doses) can cause some side effects. It is good to know the possible side effect of a product before using it. If it is moderately used then it is safe; as per current studies, use of 500mg capsules of Turmeric three times per day is safe.
Stomach or liver distress, and dehydration and constipation may be caused by use of high doses of Turmeric extract. So if people are suffered with gallstones or bile obstructions, then they need to avoid the consumption of turmeric. Turmeric is an anti-platelet so people, who are taking blood thinners (including Aspirin), should ask their doctor before taking it. Eating many turmeric capsules may raise the temperature of the body. It is possible that high turmeric intake directs to high oxalic acid in the urine that leads to kidney stones.
- High prolonged doses can cause gastric upset.
- People, who are suffered from stomach ulcers, can suffer from heartburn with high dose of turmeric.
- If turmeric is consumed in high quantity; it can cause nausea and diarrhea.
- Turmeric can be a uterine stimulant so pregnant women should use it carefully.
- It can slow blood clotting so might cause extra bleeding in people who underwent surgery, so take it after consulting a physician.