Health Benefits of Turmeric:

Health Benefits of Turmeric:

“O ye who believe! Eat of the good things wherewith We have provided you, and render thanks to Allah if it is (indeed) He whom ye worship” (Qur’an 2:172)

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a very common herb. Often referred to as the “Queen of Spices,” its main characteristics are a pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden color. People across the globe use this herb in their cooking.

According to the Journal of the American Chemical Society, turmeric contains a wide range of antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. Due to all these factors, turmeric is often used to treat a wide variety of health problems.

Nutritional Value of Turmeric:

Turmeric is a spice made from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. Its mustard yellow color comes from the orange flesh of the plant, and it has a bold, spicy flavor that tastes like a combination of orange, ginger and peppers.

Magnesium:

Turmeric is rich magnesium, which is necessary for more than 300 biochemical functions. These include supporting your immune system, keeping your bones strong and maintaining your heart’s rhythm. Sprinkle turmeric on magnesium-rich foods, including black beans, broccoli, spinach and tofu, to ensure that you consume enough of this important mineral. Add turmeric to roasted peanuts, almonds or pumpkin seeds for a healthy, magnesium-rich snack.

Iron:

Just one teaspoon of turmeric provides 16 percent of the daily requirement for iron in men and women. Without iron, your body’s red blood cells will deplete, causing weakness and extreme fatigue. Combine turmeric with other spices that are rich in iron, including coriander, celery seed and garlic powder. Sprinkle your combined seasoning on lean red meats, clams, leafy green vegetables and other iron-rich foods if you are anemic or to sustain your body’s iron levels.

Fatty Acids:

Turmeric contains more than 32 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids and 114 milligrams of omega-6 fatty acids per teaspoon. These fatty acids enhance brain function, reduce inflammation, keep arteries clear and improve your body’s response to insulin. Add a few teaspoons of turmeric to your salmon, mackerel, turkey or pork dishes to increase your intake of these nutrients. Turmeric also combines well with lentils, peas and other legumes that are rich in fatty acids.

Turmeric Supplements:

Because consuming turmeric has many medicinal benefits, including the ability to treat bowel diseases, arthritis and liver problems, many choose to take it in capsule form. Turmeric spices provide a nutritional balance that supplements cannot duplicate, and most supplements contain synthetic ingredients, which can make taking large doses harmful. Consult a medical practitioner before consuming turmeric as a supplement; he may recommend a dosage amount and a particular brand. Most turmeric supplements direct users to take between 400 to 500 milligrams three times daily; however, your doctor may suggest a different dosage depending on your specific health needs.

1. Prevents Cancer:

Turmeric can help prevent prostate cancer, stop the growth of existing prostate cancer and even destroy cancer cells. Multiple researchers have found that the active components in turmeric makes it one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It also has a preventive effect against tumor cells such as T-cell leukemia, colon carcinomas and breast carcinomas.

2.Relieves Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.

3. Controls Diabetes

Turmeric can be used in the treatment of diabetes by helping to moderate insulin levels. It also improves glucose control and increases the effect of medications used to treat diabetes. Another significant benefit is turmeric’s effectiveness in helping reduce insulin resistance, which may prevent the onset of Type-2 diabetes. However, when combined with strong medications, turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is best to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric capsules.

4. Reduces Cholesterol Level

Research has proven that simply using turmeric as a food seasoning can reduce serum cholesterol levels. It is a known fact that high cholesterol can lead to other serious health problems. Maintaining a proper cholesterol level can prevent many cardiovascular diseases.

5. Immunity Booster

Turmeric contains a substance known as lipopolysaccharide, which helps stimulate the body’s immune system. Its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents also help strengthen the immune system. A strong immune system lessens the chance of suffering from colds, flu and coughs. If you do get a cold, a cough or the flu, you can feel better sooner by mixing one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drinking it once daily.

6. Heals Wound

Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent and can be used as an effective disinfectant. If you have a cut or burn, you can sprinkle turmeric powder on the affected area to speed up the healing process. Turmeric also helps repair damaged skin and may be used to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

7. Weight Management

Turmeric powder can be very helpful in maintaining an ideal body weight. A component present in turmeric helps increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Those who wish to lose weight or treat obesity and other associated diseases can benefit from having one teaspoon of turmeric powder with every meal.

8. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease

Brain inflammation is suspected to be one of the leading causes of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric supports overall brain health by aiding in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can also prevent or slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

9. Improves Digestion

Many key components in turmeric stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, which then improvesdigestion and reduces symptoms of bloating and gas. Also, turmeric is helpful in treating most forms of inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis. However it is important to bear in mind that people suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease should not take turmeric as a dietary supplement as it may worsen the condition. It is best to consume turmeric in raw form when suffering from a digestive problem.

10. Prevents Liver Disease

Turmeric is a kind of natural liver detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood through the production of enzymes and turmeric increases production of these vital enzymes. These vital enzymes break down and reduce toxins in the body. Turmeric also is believed to invigorate and improve blood circulation. All of these factors support good liver health.

Given the numerous health benefits of turmeric, adding this powerful herb to your diet is one of the best things you can do to improve the quality of your life. You can add turmeric in powder form to curries, stir fried dishes, smoothies, warm milk and even to spicy salad dressings. Turmeric can be taken in pill form also. However, turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

Side Effects of Turmeric

Turmeric is safe and without side effects when used optimally. People with turmeric sensitivity can have mild stomach upset or diarrhea.

• Use turmeric with caution if you are pregnant.

• Turmeric can make gall bladder problems and GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder) worse.

• Turmeric can slow blood clotting and might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery.

“Say: "Travel in the land and see how (Allah) originated creation, and then Allah will bring forth (resurrect) the creation of the Hereafter (i.e. resurrection after death). Verily, Allah is Able to do all things.".’” (29: 20)