Benefits of Turmeric

Anti-inflammatory agents are used for the treatment of all types of inflammation. They are also one of the most used and most prescribed type of drugs in the world. A major drawback of these drugs is that they cause gastric irritation and should not be taken by patients suffering from peptic ulcers or acidity.

A powerful alternative to these anti-inflammatory is found in India in the form of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Turmeric has long been used in traditional Indian medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Double blind control trials conducted recently have proved that anti-inflammatory effect of Turmeric is as good as that of prevalent allopathic drugs. The active substance in Turmeric that promotes healing is called curcumin. The usage of the drug in hospitals should be encouraged as a paste or concoction made of Turmeric is relatively simple to make.

At the same time more stringent clinical trials should be carried out to detect any significant toxic side effects of curcumin. If the trials prove successful, then next logical step will be to create patented medicines based on Turmeric. This requires some meticulous research and development to be carried out and any organization which takes the lead in the synthesis of a Turmeric based medication will obviously have the advantage of being able to lay claim to a patent for its medication.

Turmeric is a dark yellow colored powder that is used extensively in Indian cooking. Turmeric comes from the curcuma plant and has been used for thousands of years in India. Turmeric has a strong color which transfers easily to surfaces that it comes into contact with. People who regularly handle turmeric powder may notice that their palms and fingers turn yellow in color. Turmeric was used, and continues to be used, as a natural dye in the Indian cloth industry. There are also numerous turmeric health benefits that make it one of the most powerful items in ancient medicine. These turmeric health benefits have been incorporated into ancient medicinal practices from India and China.

Turmeric is a powerful powder like substance that has many incredible features. Turmeric works brilliantly as an anti inflammatory substance. One of the most important turmeric health benefits is the fact that it is also a potent anti-septic. This is why turmeric is still used to treat cuts and burns. This ancient medicinal practice continues in many places across the world. The turmeric benefits related to its anti inflammatory properties make it very useful for patients suffering from a variety of different inflammatory conditions. These conditions may be as variable as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Turmeric basically has a calming effect on the system and works to fight inflammations in the body.

Over time, the turmeric arthritis benefits would mean that the individual will experience reduced pain in the joints as the inflammation will reduce. In many cases, this reduced inflammation has promoted blood circulation. This may further alleviate the swelling, even beyond the turmeric benefits that have been provided to the body. Being a natural product, there are very few side effects known with turmeric.

Turmeric is a potent anti oxidant as well. Anti oxidants are of great use for cancer sufferers and for people who wish to reduce their chances of developing cancer in the first place. Cancer is thought to be caused by the presence of free radicals in the system. Free radicals can cause damage to the body over a period of time. Any anti oxidant helps to nullify the effects of free radicals by neutralizing them. The regular consumption of anti oxidants in the diet is therefore essential for lasting good health.

Apart from these benefits, there are numerous turmeric health benefits that have not been listed. Turmeric has high concentrations of various vitamins and minerals. This means that the individual need only consume small quantities of turmeric to enjoy the turmeric health benefits.

In general, freshly ground turmeric is the healthiest form of turmeric. Turmeric supplements may be available and these can be consumed if and when the individual feels the need to add turmeric to his or her diet. Turmeric is an integral ingredient in Indian cuisine. Most Indian curries and recipes contain some amount of turmeric. Therefore, an individual who wishes to enjoy the turmeric health benefits may do so by consuming such tasty dishes as well.

Submitted on January 16, 2014