Health Benefits of Turmeric | Turmeric Benefits

Benefits of Turmeric or Curcumin for Anti-inflammatory, Cancer Fight, Antioxidant and Arthritis Relief

Also known as Indian Gold, turmeric is well-known for its numerous healing properties and is widely used in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

A member of the ginger family, the healing properties of turmeric originate in the stalk. Among the compounds found in turmeric are the polyphenols, curcuminoids, which give the spice its bright yellow color. The most studied of these is curcumin, the substance that gives the spice its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

From last many years, a lot of researches have been done to find out more about the pharmacological properties and biological activities of curcumin and turmeric. The polyphenol is well known for its anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties may be due to inhibition of eicosanoid biosynthesis. It also may be effective in treating malaria and in the prevention of cervical cancer. It may also be useful in the treatment of the HIV virus. A Michigan State University study showed low concentrations of curcumin interfered with the Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) replication. 

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Benefits of Turmeric Arthritis to Cancer, Diabetes, and Obesity 

Is curcumin an anti-inflammatory?

Turmeric is Used in India to relieve arthritis, studies have shown it is as effective as the anti-inflammatory and phenylbutazone. Turmeric or curcumin is also used for muscle pain, joint inflammation, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Another study by Columbia University Medical Center found turmeric beneficial in preventing early-onset diabetes and obesity as inflammation is involved in both. It has also been linked with halting Alzheimer’s.

A number of studies also suggest curcumin has anti-tumor effects. A study reported in the medical journal Oncogene found curcumin inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells while another study by the University of Alabama showed it also inhibited hormones thought to trigger prostate cancer. 

Powerful Antioxidant (Turmeric Antioxidant) 

Curcumin also has an effect on cholesterol levels and there are strong antioxidant properties in turmeric. Curcumin inhibits lipid peroxidation. Animal studies have shown the spice protects against powerful oxidizing chemicals used to induce cataracts in rats. The rat's given curcumin were protected against damage by the chemicals and their eyes also improved.

Turmeric is also good for the liver and can be used for a range of liver ailments, including hepatitis, where it is frequently used to lower elevated liver enzymes. Another US study found that cauliflower makes turmeric even more effective. 

Ayurveda and Oriental Medicine (turmeric Ayurveda ) 

According to traditional Ayurvedic herbal medicine: ‘turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. Turmeric is very effective for cleansing the chakras and purifying the channels of the subtle body’.

In Oriental medicine, turmeric is used for asthma, candida, eczema, and jaundice. It is also used as a post-trauma remedy both internally and topically to reduce inflammation from bruises, swelling, and wounds. It helps wound healing by acting as an anticoagulant and has anti-fungal properties. Other skin uses are for acne, boils as it purifies the blood and gives a healthy skin color and texture.