The turmeric is a plant whose species is called Curcuma Longa.It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is endemic to India, where it has been used as a spice since ancient times. In ancient times, the Indians used it to add a touch of flavor to their food, but it also has some interesting medicinal properties.
In this article you will learn what turmeric is and what it is for, what its properties and health benefits are, how to take it, since you can buy it in capsules, pills, etc. We will also reveal some of its similarities with other spices such as curry or ginger, we will talk about its composition and many more benefits.
What are the properties of turmeric?
To find out the medicinal properties and benefits of turmeric, you have to know its composition.
- Curcumoids. A family of molecules including demethoxycurcumin or curcumin. The latter represents approximately 3% of turmeric.
- Turmerona, a very volatile oil.
- Proteins
- Sugars
- Zinziberene and eugenol.
- Turmenona and borneol.
In the digestive system
- It favors digestion. Turmeric and other hot spices of Indian origin are known for their ability to improve the digestive process. It also promotes the secretion of mucus in the stomach. It is one of the reasons why the ancient populations used them in their kitchen.
- For the natural treatment of the intestine. If you suffer from diarrhea, turmeric reduces the number of bowel movements per day. Before starting any treatment, remember that you should ask your doctor for permission, since you do not know if there are any specific contraindications in your case that may lead to side effects. Typically, he will prescribe you to take capsules for several days.
- Reduces intestinal gas. Its carminative property promotes the elimination of gases from the intestine, reducing flatulence or stomach pain as a result of an accumulation of gases. This is possible thanks to some of its compounds such as zinziberene.
- Some scientific research assures that people with a tendency to bloat or acid dyspepsia, could incorporate turmeric from time to time to combat the annoying symptoms of these conditions.
For heartburn
Other studies confirm that turmeric improves digestion due to its tonic property. Again, zingiberene has an antiulcer action. This active principle favors the production of gastrin and various pancreatic juices. In addition, it helps regulate the pH in the stomach.
If you suffer from hypochlorhydria gastritis, dyspepsia or your digestion is too slow, you may want to take turmeric capsules in a treatment directed by your GP or specialist.
Benefits for the liver
Turmeric has hepatoprotective properties, that is, it acts by protecting the liver and that is why it has been used for so long in Asia, Mexico and Chile. It appears to be able to stimulate glutathione production. curcuminoids and curcumin are the main responsible for this property. Turmenone and borneol have benefits in protecting bile.
Anti-inflammatory action and properties
Curcuminoids are responsible for the anti – inflammatory property of turmeric in our body. This group of molecules participate in the inhibition of certain prostaglandins that are involved in inflammation.
Finally, do not think that it is miraculous to cure cancer.
What is it for?
The main use of turmeric is in food coloring. Its presence in curry stands out as one of its main components. When curcumin is added to this spice, it gives it that characteristic yellowish color to its roots that the curry plant does not possess.
- To treat arthritis.
- Against depression. It is a natural treatment that has worked a lot in eastern regions for centuries. Its stimulating effect improves the mood in several patients.
- To control inflammatory processes.
- For the skin.
What is turmeric?
It is known by other names such as gengibrillo (especially in Puerto Rico), cimarrón saffron, palillo cholón, or yuquilla (that’s how it is called in Cuba).
What is the plant like?
Curcuma longa is part of herbaceous, evergreen plants, and can exceed one meter in height. The rhizomes, with a characteristic orange color, are arranged in branches, and are endowed with a pleasant aroma. The leaves are made up of three parts: the blade, the sheath and the petiole.
The stem of turmeric develops from the pod, while the leaf blades reach widths of almost half a meter. The apex is narrow and the leaf has an elliptical and oblong shape. For their part, the flowers have three fused white sepals, and are hermaphroditic. The calyces are irregular, with teeth of different sizes. The petals are yellow, and of all the stamens present in the flower, only the one inside is fertile, the rest are staminodes. Finally, the fruit looks like a capsule.
There are different species like C. zedoaria, C. comosa, C. xanthorrhiza, C. alismatifolia. It is not the same as ginger.