Turmeric

History
 Turmeric, (Curcuma longa), perennial herbaceous plant of
the ginger family (Zingiberaceae),
 It has been used from antiquity as a condiment, a textile dye, and
medically as an aromatic stimulant.
 In biblical times it was used as a perfume as well as a spice.
 In the Middle Ages it was called Indian saffron because of its
orange-yellow colour.
 It is the ingredient that colours and flavours prepared mustard and
is used in curry powder, relishes, pickles, spiced butters for
vegetables, in fish and egg dishes, and with poultry, rice, and pork.
 In parts of Asia turmeric water is applied as a cosmetic to lend a
golden glow to the complexion.
 Botanical Description
.

Turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant

that reaches up to 1 m (3 ft 3 in) tall.
Highly branched, yellow to orange,
cylindrical, aromatic rhizomes are found.
The leaves are alternate and arranged in
two rows. They are divided into leaf
sheath, petiole, and leaf blade. From the
leaf sheaths, a false stem is formed. The
petiole is 50 to 115 cm (20–45 in) long.
The simple leaf blades are usually 76 to
115 cm (30–45 in) long and rarely up to
230 cm (91 in). They have a width of
38 to 45 cm (15–18 in) and are oblong to
elliptic, narrowing at the tip.
Medicinal Properties of Turmeric
 Turmeric as an anti-oxidant
 Curcumins gives turmeric its anti-
oxidant nature.
 Studies have shown that curcuminoids
are very effective in scavenging free
radicals and neutralize them.
 Thus if our natural body mechanism is
not able to fight these free radicals,
turmeric can assist our body to do so
very effectively.
 Turmeric is also believed to have the
capability of preventing the
development of free radicals itself. Thus
it reduces the risk of damage by free
radicals drastically.
The mechanism through which turmeric
does this is by blocking oxidizing capabilities
of metals in the body (reduce iron complex
and inhibit peroxidation).
Regular intake of turmeric can help the
body fight back free radicals and save it from
diseases and cell damage.
It not only fights and reduces free radicals it
also helps free radical fighting or anti-oxidant
enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase,
etc.) present in our body to do so.
It increases the number and enhances the
activity of these antioxidant enzymes. Isn't it
amazing.
Say no to inflammation
 The anti-inflammatory power of turmeric
comes from one compound in particular
called curcumin. The list of benefits from
consuming curcumin is impressive.
 Studies have shown curcumin to have anti-
tumor and anti-oxidant activity in addition to
its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The
anti-inflammatory action of curcumin comes
from it's ability to inhibit the body's
production of pro-inflammatory signaling
compounds called eicosanoids.
 Using turmeric to slow the body's production
of eicosanoids brings their levels in the body
back to normal levels and as a result, chronic
systemic inflammation in the body decreases
significantly.
 Turmeric and Diabetes
 A 2013 review of studies suggests that
curcumin can decrease the level of glucose
in blood, as well as other diabetes-related
complications. Researchers also found that
curcumin may have a role in diabetes
prevention. More clinical trials with humans
are needed for a better understanding of
curcumin and turmeric’s effects.
 Other research suggests that turmeric
extract could help stabilize blood sugar
levels and make diabetes more manageable.
This extract can be found in over-the-
counter supplements. It may also provide
general health benefits, such as in aiding
digestion.
Turmeric for heart
 Turmeric can prevent clot formation and reduce plaque
buildup. A wide range of heart disorders is the result of
plaque buildup which causes blood clots to form in the
arteries of the brain or heart. Strokes and heart attacks are
usually the outcomes of the accumulation of blood clots in
the arteries. Turmeric is said to minimize the risk of blood
platelets forming clots. It does this by relaxing the blood
vessels and preventing a heart attack.
 Turmeric and skin
 Turmeric contains
antioxidants and anti-
inflammatory
components. These
characteristics can
provide glow and luster
to the skin. Turmeric can
also revive your skin by
bringing out its natural
glow.
 Turmeric can heal wound
The curcumin found in turmeric can help wounds heal by decreasing
inflammation and oxidation. It also lowers the response of your body to
cutaneous wounds. This results in your wounds healing more quickly. Studies
have found that turmeric can positively affect tissue and collagen as well.
References
 https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-
benefits/why-is-turmeric-a-great-antioxidant
 https://besynchro.com/blogs/blog/7765893-get-rid-of-
chronic-inflammation-and-pain-with-turmeric
 https://www.ua-magazine.com/turmeric-use-prevent-
heart-diseases/#.WvldgKSFP3g
 https://www.healthline.com/health/turmeric-for-skin
Stay healthy, Stay Happy