Turmeric (zarchava, gurgum) is a representative of the same plant family to which cardamom and ginger belong. By the way, the roots of ginger and turmeric are very similar in appearance. But if the first in the section is light, then the flesh of the second has a bright orange color. Hence the other names of the plant - yellow ginger or yellow root.
Because of its beautiful bright yellow color, turmeric is also called a golden spice or Indian saffron in many countries. It is available both in the form of a fresh root, and in the form of a powder, extract or oil.
Over the centuries, it has been actively used in cooking, herbal medicine, and even in light industry - as a natural dye for fabrics. Nowadays, yellow ginger as a natural dye is used to tint cheeses and butter. But first of all, it is appreciated due to its unique taste and healing properties. But, despite the great benefits, with excessive consumption of turmeric can cause significant harm to health, it is therefore important to find out how to drink it correctly in a particular case.
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General beneficial properties of turmeric
Despite the fact that zavchava has been used in cooking for centuries, it continues to surprise researchers with a range of useful properties. Over the past 25 years, scientists have conducted about 3,000 studies confirming its medicinal ability. For example, it is known that it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it helps with a variety of diseases: from irritable bowel syndrome to diabetic nephropathy. Traditional healers and herbalists use turmeric to treat:
- stomach ulcers;
- diabetes
- bacterial and viral infections;
- inflammation
- uveitis;
- atherosclerosis;
- eczema
- psoriasis;
- dermatitis;
- endometriosis;
- tendonitis;
- arthritis;
- bursitis;
- carpal tunnel syndrome;
- cataracts;
- cirrhosis of the liver;
- gallstones;
- halitosis;
- periodontal disease;
- heart disease.
This spice helps:
- lower cholesterol;
- normalize blood pressure and blood circulation;
- cleanse the body of toxins;
- improve joint function;
- strengthen immunity;
- restore intestinal microflora.
You may be interested in:In addition, it turned out that in products such as carrots and pumpkins, beta-carotene is better preserved if yellow ginger is added to them during cooking. And if this spice is used during frying meat, it is possible to prevent the formation of heterocyclic amines in it - potentially dangerous protein substances for health.
The chemical composition and benefits of the components
The root of the ham contains more than 100 chemical compounds that give the spice medicinal properties. It:
- vitamins (almost the entire group B, C, E, K);
- minerals (iron, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, zinc);
- cellulose;
- natural oils;
- fatty acids (Omega-3, Omega-6, linoleic, linolenic);
- phytochemical components.
Plant components have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and protective properties:
- Phenols from the group of curcuminoids are useful in the fight against microbes, bacteria, viruses. They contribute to the digestive process, strengthen immunity, improve metabolism, purify the blood, regulate sugar levels and activate brain activity.
- The substance from the group of polyphenols curcumin gives the root a characteristic orange-yellow color and gives it the main healing properties. Curcumin prevents cancer and the formation of gallstones, lowers cholesterol, and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
- Quercetin. It is a plant pigment with pronounced antioxidant properties. Therefore, the use of yellow root helps the body resist free radicals and serves as a good prevention of cancer.
- Essential oils such as tumeron, artumeron and zingibern. The first, for example, is useful for the proper functioning of the stomach, relieves toxicosis and the effects of poisoning, and protects against infections and worms.
What are the benefits for women
In the composition of spices there are substances that have a beneficial effect on the female body. It is often considered as a natural remedy for the prevention of breast cancer. In addition, this seasoning is useful for women during the PMS period. The special biochemical composition of turmeric helps to even out the hormonal background, which helps prevent mood swings during PMS.
In addition, the composition of the ham contains substances that are beneficial for the skin, hair and nails, and a drink made from warm milk and Indian saffron is the most famous breast enlargement product.
For the elderly
Given that the main factors in the aging of the body are oxidative and inflammatory processes, the yellow root is one of the most useful anti-aging nutritional supplements.
You may be interested in:Seasoned curcumin protects against cardiological and oncological diseases, and also improves memory and cognitive abilities, in particular in the elderly. This substance stimulates the production of docosahexaenoic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are indispensable for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. Recent studies have shown that turmeric improves the condition of people with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Curcumin also affects the production of serotonin and dopamine - transmitters responsible for a person’s good mood. Thus, we can say that Indian saffron prevents senile depression.
Turmeric also helps to dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, normalize cholesterol and improve blood circulation. For elderly people, this spice is useful for the prevention of heart attacks and strokes. It also slows the development of multiple sclerosis and supports the functionality of the joints.
The benefits of turmeric oil
Not only spice powder is made from root of ham, but also oil, which is not inferior to a fresh plant with its useful properties.The oil obtained by distillation has a bright orange-yellow color, a pleasant fresh aroma and a slightly bitter aftertaste. This product contains useful ingredients such as turmeric, turmeric, sesquiterpene alcohol, zingibern, borneol, and a small amount of camphor. Turmeric oil is actively used in perfumes to create a spicy oriental smell. In aromatherapy, it is known as a powerful antibacterial agent.
The main contraindications and harm to turmeric for the body
As a rule, the spice is well tolerated and is a fairly safe supplement. However, in some cases it is necessary to use it with increased caution:
- during pregnancy;
- in the presence of diseases of the gallbladder;
- in case of blood coagulation disorders (zarchava slows blood clots);
- shortly before and after surgery (may cause bleeding);
- in the presence of diabetes mellitus (uncontrolled use of spices is fraught with hypoglycemia);
- with gastritis with high acidity and acute gastric ulcer;
- with hepatitis;
- in case of spice allergy.
Although there are no official recommendations regarding the daily norm, you should not abuse it. Against the background of an overdose of curcumin, unpleasant side effects can occur.
Turmeric is contraindicated in pregnant women for several reasons. Firstly, it stimulates uterine activity, which can lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Secondly, zachchava dilutes blood, which is dangerous for pregnant women to bleed. Spicy root is also prohibited for people taking blood thinners.
The abuse of seasoning worsens the absorption of iron, and this is a direct path to anemia. Men should understand that consuming turmeric in large quantities can lead to lower testosterone levels and sperm motility, which in turn affects fertility.
Caution should be taken to spice people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It enhances the production of stomach acid, which is undesirable for ulcers or reflux, and also causes diarrhea. This food supplement contains quite a few oxalates, which contribute to the formation of kidney stones. In some people, Indian saffron causes headaches and nausea, rarely a skin rash.
How to drink turmeric
Experts assure: if you use 1 tablespoon of spice daily, you can protect yourself from cancer. But even much smaller amounts (from 1/2 teaspoon per day) can already be beneficial for the body.
As an anesthetic
In 2014, researchers studied the effect of ham on people with knee osteoarthritis. It turned out that approximately 1,500 mg of curcumin have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties comparable to 800 mg of ibuprofen. That is, this spice can relieve pain in arthritis and other diseases caused by inflammatory processes. Turmeric also helps relieve pain caused by spasm (migraine, abdominal pain).
For weight loss
Even in ancient times, people noticed that turmeric helps to lose weight. Modern studies have confirmed the benefits of spices for obese people. The regular use of dishes with this seasoning helps to speed up the metabolism, and hence the process of losing weight. In addition, it helps to remove excess fluids that cause edema from the body. It also improves bowel function and very effectively pacifies hunger.
To speed up the process of losing weight, you should include turmeric in your daily diet.It is easiest to use it in the form of a drink: dilute half a teaspoon of spice in 50 mg of hot water, then pour this mixture into a glass of kefir. Such a cocktail is useful to drink twice a day (between meals).
With diabetes
Turmeric is one of the most beneficial supplements for people with diabetes. Seasoning reduces the level of glucose in the blood, helps to treat and prevent most of the complications that can develop against the background of this disease. For example, it helps prevent obesity, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, strengthens blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure and cholesterol.
In addition, zucchava helps control appetite and cravings for foods prohibited for diabetics (very fatty and sugary foods). In diabetes, it is useful to drink 1 tsp. spices daily, but control blood sugar levels.
To improve digestion and strengthen immunity
Probably everyone knows that the immune system is responsible for protecting our body from viruses, bacteria and other pathogens. However, few people realize that in many respects the strength of immunity depends on the performance of the digestive system. The easiest way to strengthen the immune system and improve the digestive system is to add 1-2 tsp to your daily diet. grumbling.
Researchers have discovered the benefits of turmeric for people with chronic digestive diseases. It is able to alleviate the condition with Crohn's disease and intestinal inflammation.
Topical application
To experience the benefits of turmeric, it is not necessary to consume it inside. In some cases, it heals even with external use.
From burns
Curcumin helps to heal wounds, including those caused by burns. This substance prevents inflammation, making damaged areas heal more easily and without complications. In addition, turmeric activates the production of collagen, thanks to which the damaged area of the body is more quickly absorbed by new skin.
A mixture of turmeric with homemade aloe juice is used to treat burns. From the components should be a creamy mass, which is applied to the skin every three hours. The mixture can not be stored, every time you need to cook a new one.
With problem skin
Zarchava contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components. This makes it good for the skin. Masks from this spice improve the complexion, help restore the skin's natural radiance and radiance, and eliminate fine wrinkles. For example, you can make a mask of Greek yogurt, honey and yellow ginger. This mixture is kept on the face for 15 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water.
The same product prevents the formation of scars, soothes the skin and tightens pores. This supplement is equally useful for people with psoriasis, eczema, alopecia, lichen planus. And in India they treat scabies with it.
You may be interested in:For joints
As a rule, the cause of joint pain is an inflammatory process, and the chemicals in turmeric stop it. Clinical studies conducted by American experts in 2014 confirmed that this seasoning accelerates the treatment of inflamed joints. Moreover, this natural medicine can be used both orally and externally.
To get rid of joint pain, folk healers advise to add a little water to turmeric powder and apply the resulting slurry to the sore spot. They say that the positive effect will not take long.
For hair
In most cases, the cause of hair loss is a nutrient deficiency. Nowadays, there are many drugs based on aggressive chemical components and synthetic additives that accelerate hair growth and prevent hair loss. But as it turned out, turmeric can cope with this task no worse.
For this purpose, the spice can be consumed with food or used externally. In any case, zarchava supplies the body, and hair follicles including, with essential nutrients.
For teeth
As a rule, diseases of the teeth and gums appear due to the fault of bacteria. You can get rid of pathogenic microorganisms with the help of turmeric. For the treatment and prevention of dental diseases, traditional medicine recommends using a paste of coconut oil and turmeric, taken in equal proportions, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. This mixture is useful to apply twice a day to the gums in case of inflammation or for its prevention.
Common questions
Real turmeric powder should be orange in color without third-party aromas. If the smell of spices is very complex with different notes, then most likely you have a mixture of seasonings - curry. Turmeric powder should be stored in a tightly closed container in a dark, cool place.
Turmeric is not just a delicious seasoning, but also an amazing medicine. But in order to prevent side effects, it should be used carefully and in adequate quantities.
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