Health Benefits of Turmeric, Uses And Its Side Effects

Curcumin, the main component in turmeric, has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, studies have found that it is so powerful that it is capable of matching the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Curcumin targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level. It blocks NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. Turmeric can thus help combat inflammation.

Curcumin present in turmeric has been found to be very effective in interfering with cancer development in the body. It can also help boost the effects of chemotherapy.

It has been noted that this cancer prevention ability of turmeric becomes even stronger when used in combination with freshly ground black pepper.

Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties have been instrumental in treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric also contains anti-oxidants which destroy the free radicals in the body that damage the cells and lead to arthritis. People suffering from arthritis are advised to take turmeric on a daily basis.

Turmeric, if consumed raw when suffering from digestive problems, can be very effective in successfully treating them. The major components of the spice stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, instantly making the digestive system more efficient. Turmeric powder has also been known to alleviate symptoms of gas and bloating.

Turmeric is often used in the treatment of patients who have pre-diabetes to prevent or delay the onset of Type-2 diabetes. This is mainly due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds present in curcumin. Turmeric milk helps keep insulin levels in check and also boosts the effects of the medications used for treating diabetes.

Lipopolysaccharide is a substance present in turmeric which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties which help stimulate the human immune system. Not only does it improve the functioning of the immune system, but it is also very helpful in treating colds and coughs. Drink turmeric milk or tea to your boost immunity power.

Turmeric is capable of increasing the production of certain vital enzymes which detoxify the blood in the liver by breaking down and reducing the toxins. By improving blood circulation too, turmeric is instrumental in promoting good liver health.

Turmeric helps accelerate the body’s metabolism rate, thus helping the body burn a greater amount if calories, leading to weight loss. Turmeric powder is also useful in reducing fat mass, which is important in diet-induced weight loss. Additionally, since the curcumin in turmeric lowers bad cholesterol levels, turmeric can act as the ideal weight-loss supplement.

Turmeric keeps skin healthy in more ways than one. It helps reduce oil secretion by the sebaceous glands, thus inhibiting the growth of pimple-causing bacteria. Long-term usage of turmeric on the skin can also clear scars caused by acne.

The antioxidants present in curcumin has been known to fight signs of aging such as wrinkles and pigmentation by curbing the growth of free radicals.

Turmeric has excellent antibacterial and antiseptic properties. This makes it extremely useful when used for the purpose of quick and efficient wound healing. Studies have found that turmeric is capable of healing wounds completely within a very short period of time.