Things you Must Know: The Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is a plant native to Southern Asia and is within the ginger family. This plant, which grows 5 to 6 feet in height, is used primarily for its roots. This yellow culinary spice is the main ingredient in Indian curry.

Research has recently hailed turmeric for its medical marvels due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

There are numerous conditions in which turmeric is helpful with. From Alzheimer’s to cancer this spice has been hailed as a wonderful medical remedy since the ancient of days. 

Here is a list of 15 Benefits of Turmeric

1. Natural pain killer.
2. Speeds up wound healing.
3. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
4. Researchers at UCLA found that Curcumin blocks an enzyme that promotes the growth of head and neck cancer.
5. Turmeric can fight skin, colon, breast, and stomach cancers, according to early studies from the University of Maryland.
6. Improves digestion by stimulating the production of bile in the gallbladder.
7. Chinese medicine has used this spice for treatment of depression.
8. It’s a natural potent anti-inflammatory which can ease headaches, muscles, asthma, and joint pain.
9. A paste of turmeric helps with swelling of bruises and bumps, much like an ice pack.
10. Washing regularly with turmeric helps to slow the growth of hair on the face.
11. Turmeric can be used as a facial toner.
12. The spice can be used to fight skin rashes.
13. When mixed with warm milk alternative, turmeric is effective in fighting a sore throat.
14. Turmeric helps with triglycerides and therefore heart health.
15. Aids in supporting blood glucose levels.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Basic nutritional aspects of turmeric include a 26% daily value in manganese and 16% in iron. It's also an excellent source of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, and healthy amounts of vitamin C and magnesium.

While it's improbable that someone would ingest an entire ounce of turmeric in one sitting (although it would be completely safe), the nutritional aspects listed above can be seen more easily in this amount than in a teaspoon, which accounts for zero amount of anything. But one tablespoon, being a more reasonable serving, does communicate excellent phytonutrients. In fact, turmeric is effective even in very small quantities, such as one serving of a turmeric-spiced dish.

The health benefits of turmeric include an improved ability to digest fats, reducing gas and bloating, decreased congestion, and improved skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Turmeric has been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory in Chinese and Indian medicine for millennia. Curcumin, the primary pharmacological agent in this spice, contains proven effects in this area that are comparable to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents as well as some prescription medications. But curcumin doesn't produce the toxic effect that synthetic drugs sometimes do, such as ulcer formation, internal bleeding, and even a lowered white blood cell count.

More reported health benefits of turmeric include relief from joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reduced joint swelling, and greater range of motion when used regularly. It's another case of the spice alone having similar effects to that of a prescription medication, but with fewer symptomatic downsides.

Research also suggests that turmeric may be helpful in treating inflammatory bowel diseases, lowering cholesterol counts, protecting the heart, relieving indigestion, improving liver function, and even preventing Alzheimer's disease. Cancer prevention and inhibited cancer cell growth –specifically cancer of the breast, colon, prostate, and lung, and childhood leukemia – are also on the list of possible benefits.

 

Turmeric Nutrition Facts One ounce of turmeric (28 grams)
Amt. Per Serving
Calories	99
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fiber	6 g
Protein	2 g
Sugar	1 g

Studies Done on Turmeric

One study noted that curcumin, the major component of the spice turmeric, has several therapeutic effects, one being the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Curcumin was studied against triple-negative breast cancer, which scientists noted has a poor prognosis, after which researchers concluded that curcumin may be able to inhibit the proliferation of TNBC cells, possibly due to a change in the signaling pathway of the cancer's underlying molecular mechanism.1

Turmeric extracts were also tested and found to have skin-improving properties. In one study, extracts of turmeric were used on ultraviolet radiation-damaged skin for six weeks. Scientists reported improvements in skin hydration and sebum content, along with possibilities that similar creams could be used in future photoprotective formulations.

In another study, an ethanol extract of turmeric and curcumin ointment were found to produce significant pain relief in patients with external cancerous lesions.

For more information on Pain Management, Andrew and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information and as us about what we do at Osteoklinika and our Bio-Structural Integration treatment program. - Andrew Subieta