Turmaboost | Turmeric Curcumin: the new age medicine for overall wellbeing

Turmeric

Turmeric comes from the root of Curcuma longa, a flowering plant of the ginger family. Turmeric is referred to as Indian saffron because of its yellow colour. Erode, an Indian city is popularly known as “Turmeric city” or “yellow city” is the largest producer of turmeric, making India the largest producer of Turmeric in the world, accounting for 80% of world turmeric production and 60% of world exports.

Turmeric as a Traditional Medicine

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of medicine, accepted turmeric as the miracle spice. Indians have been using turmeric as a most powerful healer for over 2500 years now. In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is a well-documented treatment for varied respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, bronchial hyperactivity, and allergy), as well as for liver disorders, runny nose, anorexia, diabetic wounds, rheumatism, cough, and sinusitis. In ancient Chinese medicine, it is used to treat diseases associated with abdominal pain. From ancient times, as prescribed by Ayurveda, turmeric has been used to treat swelling and sprains. In both Ayurvedic and ancient Chinese medicine, turmeric is considered a bitter digestive and a carminative. Unani practitioners conjointly use turmeric to expel phlegm or kapha, as well as to open blood vessels in order to improve blood circulation. It can be incorporated into foods, reduce gas and bloating and to improve digestion. It is a cholagogue, stimulating bile production within the liver and inspiring excretion of bile via the gallbladder, to improve the body’s ability to digest fats. Sometimes, turmeric mixed with water or milk is taken to treat intestinal disorders as well as colds and sore throats.

Health benefits of turmeric in our daily life

It’s a natural antiseptic and antibacterial drug agent, helpful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
Curcumin has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the expansion of existing prostate cancer.
May prevent breast cancer from spreading to the lungs.
May prevent skin cancer and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
Helps in reducing the risk of childhood leukemia.
It is a natural liver detoxifier.
Might stop or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup within the brain.
May prevent metastases from occurring in various different forms of cancer.
It’s a potent natural anti-inflammatory which works additionally as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without any side effects.
1 May aid in metabolic process and facilitate in weight management.
1 Has long been used in Chinese drugs as a treatment for depression.
1 Because of it’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
1 Boosts the chemo drug paclitaxel’s effect and reduces its adverse effects.
1 Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
1 Studies are in progress in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
1 Stops the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
1 Helps in wound healing and in remodeling of damaged skin.
1 It helps in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Curcumin: The new Age Medicine

Curcumin, a yellow pigment found primarily in turmeric, is the main active element of turmeric. It makes up about 3-5% of turmeric. Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties. It provides numerous health benefits since they are powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, anti-fungal, antibacterial agents. There are various health benefits of Curcumin.

Curcumin improves brain function

Curcumin has the properties to improve a person’s general brain health and memory. Curcumin also helps in treating depression. A study found that curcumin was as effective as a well-known antidepressant in treating major depression. At the same time curcumin is safer, with less side effects. If you are experiencing mild depression it is definitely worth taking a curcumin supplement.

Curcumin reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes

Curcumin has two further benefits that can protect a person against heart disease and a stroke, besides reducing inflammation in blood vessels. It slows blood clotting and may reduce cholesterol levels. Research demonstrates that curcumin for 3 days before and 5 days after surgery lowered the risk of a heart attack after bypass surgery. Another potential heart health benefit of curcumin is that it could help to maintain normal cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that curcumin was effective in reducing the levels of the “bad” LDL cholesterol in blood as well as increasing levels of “good” HDL.

Curcumin and cancer prevention and treatment

On various cellular levels, curcumin could lower the risk of a number of cancers or slow down their progression. Research studies have shown the curcumin can:

Inhibit cancer growth before it starts
Destroy cancer cells and prevent them from spreading
Interrupt the expansion of extra blood vessels that feed the cancer cells.

Curcumin supports healthy skin

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin can reduce skin cell damage caused by pollution, sun exposure and other toxins. Curcumin has been used in India in pastes, plasters, and ointments for centuries to promote wound healing. Studies prove that curcumin can improve many skin conditions such as acne, itching, dermatitis and psoriasis – either taken orally or applied directly to the skin. Curcumin helps to keep your skin look young and healthy!