Turmeric is called a golden spice with multiple medicinal properties and health benefits. For ages, it has been used for various purposes by learned people. It is believed it has antiseptic properties that can heal wounds. Even today, when toddlers or adults get hurt, people apply turmeric paste to ensure the infection does not spread and the wound heals quickly.
My mother often offers my sister and me a glass of turmeric milk saying that it will help to heal our bodies whenever we are sick or have been wounded. To understand more of its benefits, we spoke to Ramya B, executive nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Chennai.
Turmeric Benefits Pregnant Women
“Turmeric is a root-based spice widely available all over the world. It has curcumin which is a highly potent antioxidant,” she said. The expert added that many studies suggested consuming turmeric during pregnancy can reduce the chances of fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. It is also associated with improving insulin resistance among patients with gestational diabetes.
Bursting myths around its consumption during pregnancy, she added that if taken in moderation, it can immensely benefit the expecting mother and her unborn child. Turmeric milk is a healthy option for pregnant women.
Turmeric Benefits Brain Health
Speaking about a 2016 study published in the National Library of Medicine by Dr Dharmendra K Khatri and Dr Archana R Juvekar, the nutritionist said that curcumin increases dopamine availability in the brain. This is associated with Parkinson’s disease, which is one of the most common degenerative disorders. Regular consumption of turmeric can have a positive impact on people who are likely to develop the disease in future.
Turmeric Benefits Digestive System, Alleviates Constipation
The nutritionist said that the common symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) include discomfort, abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, constipation, and bloating. Curcumin in turmeric powder can help to reduce the intensity of pain among IBS patients.
Turmeric Has Anti-Cancer Effect
The expert said that various researchers have concluded that turmeric powder has anti-cancerous properties. Many studies have been conducted among animals and the types of cancers they have suffered from, curcumin was found to be helpful in cases of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer.
It was also found to flush out toxins from the body and have a positive effect on enzymes in the liver. Quoting a study, the nutritionist said that curcumin supplements are associated with reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Turmeric Regulates Cholesterol Levels
Curcumin in turmeric possesses an anti-hypercholesterolemic effect, which helps maintain the lipid profile. It reduces the bad cholesterol in the body. It does not help with improving the amount of good cholesterol.
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Turmeric Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Turmeric can help to fight inflammation in the body. “For instance, in a study supplementation of 500mg curcumin with 5mg piperine (pepper) showed positive results in reducing inflammation in osteoarthritis,” she added.
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Turmeric Benefits Respiratory System
In Ayurveda, turmeric is a helpful spice for a home remedy to witness positive results against nasal congestion and sore throat. “It has bronchodilation properties that help in improving infection of cold and congestion. Homemade decoction of turmeric can be used to relieve throat infections,” the nutritionist said.
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