2016-02-18
Joybynature.com Team
Feb
18

Image Source: Guiltybytes

The use of turmeric in India goes back to the ancient Indian Vedic culture. Known as the “Indian Saffron” in Medieval England, it is an essential ingredient of almost all Indian dishes and contains almost no calories with 1 tablespoon turmeric powder contributing only 24 calories and zero cholesterol. Turmeric is a powerhouse of essential nutrients  like potassium, iron, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and also dietary fiber.

The main ingredient of turmeric is curcumin, which contributes to the therapeutic benefits of turmeric. Turmeric has powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is high in antioxidants and immune boosting properties and hence, finds use in various drugs and in pharmaceutics.

  • Aids Digestion

Turmeric, when added to food, helps in improving digestion and reducing gas and bloating. It stimulates the production of bile in the liver and encourages the gall bladder to secrete bile. This helps the body to easily digest fats. Those suffering from chronic digestive problems or congestion can benefit greatly from this wonderful herb.

  • Boosts Immunity

The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties in turmeric help to strengthen the body’s immune system. Turmeric contains lipopolysaccharide, which stimulates the body’s immune system. This helps the body to fight coughs and colds and flu effectively. In case you are suffering from cough and cold or flu, take a warm glass of milk with one teaspoon of turmeric mixed in it for relief.

  • Heals Wounds

The anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties of turmeric make it a wonderful medicine  to treat cuts or wounds and burns. It is a very effective disinfectant, and a little turmeric powder, sprinkled over the affected area, speeds up healing. Turmeric is also very good in repairing damaged skin and can be used to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin like psoriasis.

  • Relieves Arthritis

Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory properties which work wonders for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It also neutralizes the fee radicals which are harmful for the cells of the body. Regular consumption of turmeric helps to relieve mild joint pains and joint inflammation that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Prevents Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Diseases

Oxidized LDL – the bad cholesterol in the body, forms plaque on the walls of the blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis. Turmeric helps to reduce LDL and lowers cholesterol levels. In an injured blood vessel, it effectively reduces the risks of platelet build up along its walls, which might again lead to formation of blood clots which would block the artery. Turmeric helps to maintain the cholesterol levels in the body and reduces the risk of any cardiovascular disease.

  • Controls Diabetes

Turmeric can moderate insulin levels and hence, can be used to treat diabetes. Turmeric also helps to control glucose and promotes the effectiveness of the medicines that are used to treat diabetes. Turmeric also helps to reduce insulin resistance thereby preventing the starting of Type-2 diabetes though professional advice is recommended in such cases.

Loaded with antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-mutagenic properties, it is no wonder that turmeric is the yellow powder of health. Click here  to know more about the healing properties of turmeric.

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