Turmeric is a herbal plant which also belongs to the ginger family. Its appearance may even confuse someone and lead him to think that what he sees is a ginger plant. This is common and native to the Southern and Southeastern region of Asia particularly in India and some neighboring countries. Turmeric is usually used as a primary spice ingredient in the Indian cuisine and considered holy when used in their traditional and religious ceremonies and rituals.
The history of usage of turmeric as a medicinal plant dates back from thousands of years ago. It was first used as a dye. The dye is also believed as a center of energy when used by monks in their rituals.
This herbal plant is still used until now due to its therapeutic benefits. Turmeric is now commercially produced and distributed as tea by several companies. We listed some of the health benefits we can get from the turmeric plant.
1. Good for digestion
Turmeric has natural properties which can help us deal with our tummy problems. It can promote the production of bile in our gall bladder thus, making the digestive process better. Just like its relative, the ginger plant, turmeric also has the ability to stabilize the muscles of the digestive tract. Furthermore, it can prevent the production of protein-induced gas in your stomach.
2. Relieves the pain caused by arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition where the patient suffers from joint pains but there are different types of it. Is there anybody you know suffering from arthritic pain? You better suggest him or her to try turmeric. This wonderful herbal plant can give relief for those who have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Turmeric has curcumin which is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. This is responsible in easing the mild joint pains experienced by the patient.
3. Diabetes
Curcumin also helps in regulating the insulin level in our blood which is good for those who suffer from diabetes. It can also increase the effectiveness of the medications for diabetes that we intake.
4. Improves Brain Functions
Based on some studies, the curcumin in the turmeric can improve the brain's activity by repairing the stem cells and supporting the growth of neurons in the brain. By doing this, possibility to have degenerative diseases like the Alzheimer's disease.
5. Promotes healing
The powdered turmeric can be applied to a wound, burn or a cut. It would act as a disinfectant to prevent further infection. The turmeric has strong antiseptic and actibacterial properties and can also speed up the healing process of wounds. Moreover, consuming the spice as a tea or part of a food or meal will promote good digestion.
6. Detoxifies liver
Turmeric promotes the production of good enzymes in our liver that cleanses the blood by disintegrating and eliminating the toxins.
7. Strengthens our Immune System
Collectively, turmeric or curcumin (the name is used interchangeably in some countries) provides a wide range of health benefits. It is also instrumental in increasing our body's resistance to various diseases caused by external entities. The anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties of this wonder plant boost our immune system thus leading to a lesser possibility of us catching any illness.
8. "Heart-friendly"
Research studies conducted had shown the incredible effects of turmeric to our heart. It has been proven that this spice aids in regulating the blood pressure by improving the performance of major blood vessels around the vital organ. Moreover, patients with heart-related problems who have tried using turmeric for a period of time have agreed that they felt better after consuming it on a regular basis.
9. Potential Cure for Cancer
Cancer is indeed, a devastating disease. Some people only knew that they have cancer when it was already in a critical stage. One good thing is nature has provided us multiple wonders which are believed to fight off cancer, and turmeric is one of those!
Although intensive studies are still being done to prove this, researchers can attest that turmeric has properties which can prevent the growth of cancerous cells in our body.
10. Delays Aging
The natural therapeutic ability of turmeric's curcumin is linked to some health benefits. It can improve the function and performance of most of the vital organs just like the liver, heart, and the brain. Turmeric can also be used as a potent antiseptic and has antibacterial properties. The anti-inflammatory agents of curcumin give relief to those who suffer arthritis (who happens to be people aging from 30 and above). Therefore, it is considered as a supplement that can provide "longer" life.
NOTE: These health benefits enlisted here are yet to be proven. Also, exercise and proper diet will surely help us keep ourselves healthy.
Written by Kristine Ang, Lucis Philippines contributor.
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