Turmeric, Curcuma Longa L

Turmeric, which you consider to belong to spices and herbs too, is widely used in cooking as a spice, has beneficial properties for the human body with the main beneficial factor being curcumin.

The content of turmeric in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, potassium, manganese and zinc, is important for the healthy functioning of the body, while it is considered one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants. The content of turmeric in vitamin C helps the body to strengthen the immune system, while fighting free radicals. It also provides the body with vitamin B6, choline (shield for the liver), niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2).

Since ancient times, turmeric has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda as a painkiller, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It has uses both internally and externally for ulcers, injuries, and even the treatment of arthritic pain. Prevents and treats ulcers of the digestive system, while it can control inflammation. It can be used for digestive disorders, prevention and treatment of colon cancer, relief of symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Turmeric is also a very strong anti-cancer as it reduces and prevents the proliferation of tumors, while destroying the cancer cells that grow in the body.

Eating turmeric has been shown to prevent or at least significantly delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. On a spiritual level, it is thought to help in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder and maintain the healthy function and structure of neurons.

Beneficial especially in relation to the cardiovascular system, turmeric protects the heart, helping to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, protects against anemia due to the high content of iron, while it does not contain any cholesterol. Protects against the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease as it promotes faster blood circulation in the body and organs and cleanses the blood through deep detoxification.

A close relative of turmeric is the wild turmeric with the Latin name curcuma zedoaria with similar properties.

Consumption of turmeric is generally safe without causing significant side effects. It is safe during pregnancy when consumed in quantities used in cooking. It should not be consumed after surgery, as it slows down blood clotting, when treated for hormonal disorders, as it contains phytoestrogens and acts as a hormone regulator, and if you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Read more about the nutritional value of turmeric and the cosmetic uses of turmeric!