Since ancient times, sages and Vedic practitioners have been researching the medicinal benefits of turmeric. Many foreign nations had developed trading channels between South Asia and the rest of the world, and traders would often purchase large quantities of turmeric powder in the ancient days. This was because turmeric was less expensive in South Asian nations and was thus simpler to exchange or barter for other items in those countries. But it is a chemical ingredient known as curcumin that provides turmeric with its unique edge.
Curcumin has been discovered to offer a wide range of pharmacological and health advantages. Current scientific studies have already shown the majority of these advantages, and we’ve even had success treating people with it in the past. According to current estimates, India is the world’s top turmeric supplier, with total exports worth an estimated 236 million dollars in 2018.
The following are some of the health benefits of using turmeric:
Aids in the Fight Against Depression:
Curcumin, which has antidepressant qualities, treats people suffering from clinical depression. Curcumin stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and restores normal brain functioning to a certain extent. Curcumin also boosts dopamine and serotonin levels in the body and the synaptic connections, which helps improve the patient’s overall brain health.
Inflammation is reduced:
Curcumin is administered to chronic patients at dosages comparable to contemporary medications to combat inflammation at the same level. The chemical component curcumin, which is contained in turmeric powder, can reduce inflammation at the molecular level.
Antioxidant properties include the following:
Curcumin has a strong affinity for free radicals produced by the oxygen in the environment. Turmeric’s ability to inhibit the antioxidant qualities of cells has enabled it to be utilised to combat these characteristics. Since free radicals may impact and cause harm to cells in the body, it also helps improve the cardiovascular health of patients.
Improves the function of the brain:
As previously stated, increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine, and serotonin have enhanced the cognitive functioning of the nervous system. It has been shown that BDNF may assist slow the ageing of brain cells and maintain healthy brain function in the long term. Curcumin is used to treat patients with worsening brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease because of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory qualities. Curcumin also helps prevent protein build-up in the brain, which may be harmful to the body.
Arthritis Treatment
As a result of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, turmeric is often employed in the medical treatment of individuals who have arthritis.
Heart Diseases
Researchers have discovered that turmeric compounds help strengthen the epithelial heart cells, boosting their ability to endure pressure and strain. Curcumin also positively affects the heart cells and helps maintain the cardiovascular system in balance.
Cancer Treatment
As a cancer therapy, curcumin is employed because of its ability to suppress the formation of new cells—this aids in preventing cancer cells from spreading in a cancer patient’s body.
Treatment for the skin:
It has been shown that including turmeric powder in one’s regular diet will enhance one’s general skin health and appearance. Turmeric has been associated with young skin and preventing pimple development for a long time. Many turmeric-based ointments include anti-oil secretion and skin-rejuvenating characteristics beneficial to the skin.
The ability to perform better on the liver
Turmeric molecules have detoxification qualities that prevent the enzymes that cause toxicity in the liver and affect their functioning. It is used to purify the blood and lower blood sugar levels in the human body.
Improvements in Digestive Function:
The use of turmeric powder and its inclusion in one’s regular diet is highly recommended by physicians since it has been shown to minimise stomach ulcers and irritation of the intestinal tracts. It aids in the digestion and transit of food through the intestines by making them more fluid.
Because of the many health advantages of turmeric, it is highly recommended by many health organisations and nutritionists as a nutritious addition to meals. Given that turmeric has no adverse effects and is presently being used as an alternative form of therapy for various health conditions, its use has risen in several fields of health and medicine, including dentistry and pharmaceuticals.