Turmeric a culinary herb belonging to the ginger family, is a typical ingredient of the South Asian diet. It is an important ingredient in all culinary dishes and lends a slightly bitter and peppery flavour to the dish. Its medicinal virtues have been long extolled by Ayurveda and Chinese medicine transcripts.
Modern researchers have now opened up to exploring the various health and beauty benefits that turmeric offers. Turmeric has many antifungal and anti-bacterial properties; you could apply it on cuts, burns and wounds for effective healing purposes.
The various benefits of including turmeric in daily diet are:
Effective Against Common Cold
As mentioned earlier, turmeric has several anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral benefits to offer. It is highly effective in curing common colds, cough and chest congestions. Hence, when symptoms arise, it is best to add a teaspoon of turmeric to a glass of warm water and drink it once a day. You can also add honey for a sweet taste.
Reduces Inflammations
The core ingredient in turmeric is Curcumin. This ingredient offers its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to turmeric. In case of external injuries, applying cotton pieces soaked in turmeric oil helps reduce inflammations. On the other hand, for internal injuries, drinking a warm glass of milk with a teaspoon of turmeric in it can help reduce inflammation and infections.
Aids In Effective Weight Loss
Curcumin in turmeric increases the flow of bile in the body. Bile plays a vital role in the breakdown of fats. Thus, a teaspoon of turmeric in your food preparations combined with proper and adequate exercise along with healthy diet routine can help one reduce weight.
Helps Control Diabetes
Several antioxidant agents in turmeric help reduce insulin resistance. This in turn helps controlling the blood sugar levels and thereby helps control the incidence of Type 2 Diabetes.
Delays Alzheimer’s Disease
One of the leading causes of Alzheimer’s disease is the inflammation inside the brain of an individual. Turmeric has proven anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. Regular consumption of Turmeric capsules as prescribed by the medical practitioner cannot completely prevent Alzheimer’s disease but can control the onset of the disease.
Provides Relief From Arthritis Pain
The unique anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties of Turmeric make it a favourite among doctors to prescribe Turmeric capsules along with other medications to cure Arthritis. Turmeric relieves the pain in the patients suffering from arthritis.
Destroys Cancer Cells
Acc. to studies, turmeric induces apoptosis- a process that involves self-killing of cells in the body. Thus, it kills the cancerous cells in various studies conducted so far. Regular intake of turmeric along with a proper and balanced diet can help prevent a disease like cancer.
However, it is important to mention to consumer turmeric with caution, as too much intake of turmeric could trigger stomach or liver distress. Turmeric capsules are also available, but consume them only when and as advised by an expert medical practitioner.
Therefore, now when you know the pros of making turmeric a part of your daily diet, why wait? Get it from the market and start using it from today onwards!