Haldi or Curcuma longa or known as Haldi in India is an ancient root spice which belongs to the ginger family. The root is native to South East Asia and traditionally use for Indian and Chinese medicine. For centuries, turmeric has been widely used for food dye for the vibrant yellow such as curry instead of valued for wonderful healing properties. There are three important phytochemicals found in turmeric. Curcuminoids stand as one out of three important phytochemicals which present turmeric with wide-ranging and impressive health benefits. Next is diferuloylmethane which responsible for turmeric vibrant yellow and the last is desmethoxycurcumin. Turmeric has broad benefits from overall health to skin treatments. Below are some health benefits of turmeric.
Wounds healer
According to a study in 2014 found out that turmeric has the benefit to accelerate the process of wound healing as it is able to soothe the irritation. Topical application of turmeric is shown to support the body’s healing abilities and also accelerate the process. Turmeric is proven to support the collagen synthesis rates, increase tissue strength, wound contraction, and also cell proliferation. For healing wound, you can just sprinkle some turmeric powder on the wound area. The antiseptic properties fights of the infection and the antioxidants speed up the healing process.
Improve memory and brain health
The brain is the fundamental aspects of everything that you think, dream, or act. It is all literary on your head. Turmeric is linked to improving the oxygen supply of the brain in which support the brain to better function and process. The root actually has healing properties for the brain as well as improves memory. In addition, turmeric also increases the brain-derived neurotrophic factor or BDNF which is a kind of growth hormone in the brain. This means that turmeric may be effective for reversing or delaying age-related brain disease or brain diseases such as Alzheimer and dementia. In addition, it is also possible that turmeric has the power to improve the memory.
Control diabetes
Turmeric is proven to have an amazing benefit in reduce insulin resistance as well as control glucose level in the blood. This helps you to prevent the occurrence of type-2 diabetes. Turmeric serves as antioxidant and antidiabetic in diabetes for type-1 diabetes; it also improves the body metabolic function. Further, turmeric is also beneficial to reduce the plaque buildup in the arteries for patients with diabetes type-2. Even though it is beneficial for treating diabetes, but you cannot just taking turmeric if already taking diabetes medication. This is because turmeric is so powerful at reducing the blood sugar level and if it is combined with diabetes medication; it could lead to hypoglycemia.
Wonderful Skin Treatments
Besides health benefits of turmeric, the root also serves as an effective skin treatment. It is powerful to treat fine wrinkles, under eyes dark circles and puffiness, acne treatment, and reduce facial hair. For fine wrinkles treatment, you can combine turmeric with yogurt, avocado, or rice flour and make a paste. Apply to the face and leave for about 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. For skin treatment, turmeric has wide functions including improves skin elasticity and lightens stretch marks. Add turmeric to your weekly treatment and feel the magic after regular use.
Lower cholesterol levels
The magical health benefits of turmeric still continue as it is powerful to reduce cholesterol level. According to research, regular consumption of turmeric simple for spice on foods is effective to reduce cholesterol level. The endhotal dysfunction is the major cause of health disease in which endothelium fails to regulate blood. Some studies show that turmeric is effective in improving the endhotal function. Also, turmeric is believed to have the same effects as blood cholesterol lowering drug, Atorvastatin and it has the same effectiveness as exercise.
Immune booster
Turmeric contains lipopolysaccharide which is a substance that stimulates the immune system. Combines with antifungal and antibacterial properties on turmeric, the root is very effective in boosting the immune system. It helps the body fights some infections such as colds, coughs, and flu. In addition, turmeric also has the antioxidant to neutral free radical damages. It blocks the free radicals damages and then stimulates the body to immune to ward off the damages.
Help with PMS
Perhaps there are not many people know that turmeric can help soothe the menstrual pain. Turmeric has the anti-inflammatory substances which also found in medicine such as ibuprofen and aspirin. This makes turmeric is a great natural source to aid menstrual pain. You can mix a glass of water, a teaspoon of turmeric, and honey. Drink the potion three days prior menstrual days and three days during the menstrual cycle. Turmeric helps to reduce the stomach cramp during the menstrual cycle as well as makes your body remain fresh and energize. In addition, turmeric also promotes balance mood, especially during the menstrual cycle.
Treat rheumatoid arthritis
Since turmeric naturally contains anti-inflammatory properties, it is very effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. A Recent study reveals that inflammatory cytokine which involved in rheumatoid arthritis process is significantly reduced from regular consumption of turmeric. Thanks to the high anti-inflammatory properties, people with rheumatoid arthritis definitely should take turmeric as a supplement.
Hair Treatments
As great as a skin treatment, turmeric is also effective to treat dandruff and moderate hair loss problem. Mix turmeric and coconut oil and apply the mixture to the scalp and hair. Turmeric helps improve the blood circulation in the scalp and the antifungal properties keep dandruff at bay. For hair loss treatment, combine plain yogurt, turmeric, and honey and massage the mixture into the scalp. The active ingredient which is the antioxidants properties is effective to treat hair loss.
Even though the health benefits of turmeric is tremendous, but you still need to be cautious especially when taking other medications. Seek medical advice before taking turmeric supplement to make sure there is no potential effect. Turmeric can be consumed fresh, powder, oil, and also in supplement form. Plus, turmeric is very easy to get; you can just find the powder or fresh root in most markets.