Turmeric is a spice primarily known as a coloring agent in many dishes such as curries and rice. The principal component of turmeric known as curcumin gives turmeric the bright yellow color. The vibrant yellow color of turmeric makes it easily recognizable. Getting this spice over clothes can be a nightmare because it is quite impossible to get it off of the clothes even after a hundred washes. It’s not new that people came to know about its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been widely used for centuries in various countries because of its medicinal effects. People are using it to treat different health conditions. Turmeric supplements are readily available now. You can consume it in the powder form or raw, in your tea, soups, or even smoothies.
What health benefits does turmeric provide?
Turmeric is widely known as a superfood that helps in fighting cancer, dealing with digestion issues, easing depression, and many more. Let’s see what health benefits we can have with turmeric.
- Anti-inflammatory:
One of the main reason of turmeric being so famous in medicinal effects is because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin gives this incredible anti-inflammation fighting power to turmeric. Chronic inflammation can lead to many severe, long-lasting diseases. Turmeric can be of great help in treating these chronic diseases. It can be better and effective than other anti-inflammation medicines.
- Reduces cancer risk:
Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells and is horrible in any condition. Multiple kinds of research indicate that the curcumin component of turmeric can help in killing cells, and reducing the growth of blood vessels in tumors. It can likewise stop cancer from further spread. Curcumin is known to be a beneficial herb in treating cancer. It is most effective in treating colorectal cancer (cancer of the digestive system). Scientists are still doing intensive researches on its cancer healing properties, and it sounds promising.
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases:
Unfortunately, heart diseases are the leading cause of death in the world today. Past researches show that turmeric can help to improve the endothelial function, membranes that are covering our heart from the inside. These membranes maintain blood pressure. Poor endothelial function means a greater risk of heart diseases. Thus curcumin is as effective in treating heart diseases as the medicines prescribed for heart dysfunction. Additionally, it can reverse the necessary process of heart disease. It plays a significant role in warding off the heart attack in people who have had heart surgeries before as well.
- Alzheimer’s disease:
Alzheimer’s diseases are becoming the primary cause of dementia all around the world. Still, there is no authentic and specific treatment available for treating this disease yet. So to prevent it from happening must be the priority. Alzheimer’s is the result of oxidative and inflammation damage. Studies have shown that because of curcumin’s anti-inflammatory and oxidative properties, it is a beneficial ingredient to help prevent Alzheimer’s from occurring in the first place. Amyloid plaques are the primary cause of this disease, and turmeric has unique properties to clear these plaques from the root.
- Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic pain and stiffness of joints. Researches have shown that taking 1000mg of curcumin every day can help to relieve the pain and inflammation, additionally as effective as the anti-inflammatory drugs. Turmeric has shown promising results in easing joint stiffness and pain. People have been using turmeric for treating their joints and bone problems. Still, further deep researches are essential to confirm these findings.
- Depression:
Depression has secure connections with brain-derived neurotrophic factors. When the BNDF level is low, a layer of depression starts surrounding us. Turmeric can help boost up the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors. Turmeric has shown promising results in treating depression. Moreover, it has proved to be as effective as an anti-depressant.
- Liver function:
Anti-oxidant capabilities of turmeric have been getting much attention lately. Turmeric anti-oxidant effect is known to be so strong that it can save your liver from toxins damage. It can be great news for people who consume high potency medicines for their diabetes or other health conditions that can harm their livers’ health.
- Infections:
Sipping some turmeric tea can help you get relief from flu or herpes. Curcumin helps fight against several viruses and weather conditions as well. The amount of curcumin present in turmeric is just 3%, so it might not be everything you want, but it still can be of great help.
- Premenstrual syndrome:
Studies have shown that turmeric works effectively in providing relief from menstrual cramps. It shows that curcumin helps in easing premenstrual syndrome symptoms in women.
What is the effective turmeric dosage?
The most common question that comes to everyone’s mind while talking about turmeric advantages. How much dosage of turmeric is enough for having these unique benefits? We might need more than the amount we sprinkle on curry. People nowadays are widely using turmeric supplementation, but little do they know that they need a little higher dosage to enjoy its benefits.
500 to 2000 mg of turmeric has shown positive results in researches. Osteoarthritis patients who want to get rid of their joint stiffness and inflammation must consider consuming almost 500 mg of turmeric two times a day and continue it for at least two to three months to see precise results. Turmeric also helps in controlling cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure. For this purpose, 700 mg of turmeric taken twice a day for at least three months is necessary. Continuing this sequence for three months can help to overcome blood pressure and cholesterol problems. On the other hand, people suffering from itchy skin should keep their turmeric dosage to 500 mg per day for two months.
Who should avoid using turmeric?
Even though turmeric has shown promising results in most of the researches and provided the best results regarding health, but there are still some people with some conditions who must avoid using turmeric for safety purposes.
- Pregnant and lactating women:
There are not enough researches that show that consuming turmeric is safe for breastfeeding and pregnant women.
- People with kidney stones:
Turmeric can form kidney stones by combining with the calcium because of its high oxalate intensity.
- Diabetic patients:
It can lower the blood sugar level to extreme lengths.
- Iron-deficient:
People already suffering from iron deficiency must avoid consuming turmeric as it can cause problems with iron absorption.
How can we use turmeric?
Turmeric is available in both root form and powder form. We can use it in whatever way we want to. Turmeric powder makes the right combination with many meals, soups, and dishes. Some people prefer using ground turmeric in their herbal teas. Various kinds of turmeric tea bags are also available in the market. Turmeric capsules are also available for people who want to consume it for treating some diseases or any kind of health condition.
How long it takes to show results?
Everyone willing to use turmeric is curious that how long does it take for turmeric to work? Patience is the key. Nothing works overnight. The same is the case with turmeric. It takes some time to show its magical power. Once the curcumin level starts rising in your system that is when you will see its benefits. Depending on the conditions for what you are consuming turmeric, it may take around 4 to 8 weeks to show its full benefits. Don’t leave halfway. Continue turmeric consumption for at least 5-6 weeks. The duration of results might form person to person, but it for sure will not disappoint.