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বাংলাTurmeric is a bright yellow spice that is made from the root of the turmeric plant (botanical name: Curcuma longa). It is a rhizome and belongs to the ginger family. Turmeric is widely used in Indian cuisine and gives curry its brilliant color and earthy flavor. It is also used in traditional medicine (both traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine).
What Are the Health Benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric has many health benefits, ranging from pain relief and improved digestive health to cancer treatment due to their antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Research in molecular nutrition and complementary and integrative health suggests that turmeric root contains a compound called curcumin that has medicinal properties and protective effects. The top 3 positive health effects are described below.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
One of the key health benefits of turmeric is its ability to lower inflammatory substances such as histamines and prostaglandins in the body. Research suggests turmeric is most effective against acute inflammatory conditions but also helps reduce chronic inflammation.
Antioxidant Properties
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, protects against damage from free radicals. Studies suggest turmeric may have antioxidant properties comparable to vitamins C and E.
Antiplatelet Properties
Curcumin prevents platelets from clumping together, thus lowering the risk of blood clots and improving circulation.
What Are The Benefits of Turmeric Powder and Supplements?
Some of the health conditions that may benefit from eating turmeric and curcumin in food or taking them in supplement form include:
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Active rheumatoid arthritis and knee osteoarthritis: Peer-reviewed studies have shown turmeric can help reduce inflammation, joint pain, and stiffness due to potent anti-inflammatory properties.
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Inflammatory conditions of the digestive system: Turmeric has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may help with inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive disorders. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials shows reduced inflammatory markers in chronic inflammatory conditions.
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Cardiovascular disease: curcumin can delay cellular aging and protect against oxidative stress, reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and acute myocardial infarction or heart attack.
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Blood vessel stiffness: research has shown supplementation with curcumin extract has beneficial effects on vascular endothelial function and stiffness in blood vessels.
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Major depressive disorder: small studies have shown that 4-8 weeks of treatment with curcumin supplementation is more effective than placebo in improving mood-related symptoms in people with major depressive disorder.
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Skin disorders: curcumin can suppress inflammatory molecules that cause chronic diseases such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
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Cognitive impairment: studies have found curcumin enhances neurogenesis, increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and has a neuroprotective effect, and may, therefore, be useful in patients with common brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
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Cancer (curcuminoids interfere with signaling pathways in cancerous cells and may be used to treat cancer and prevent the spread of cancer cells). Potential health benefits of turmeric include treatment of prostate cancer.
If you are interested in using turmeric supplements, talk to your doctor to ensure they are safe for you and prevent any harmful drug interactions. Also, while turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, the above health benefits have not been proven and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).