Turmeric | The Indian Superfood |

Turmeric is a spice that is used in Indian cooking and Ayurvedic medicine. It has been known for its various benefits for over 3,000 years. 

It has been used to treat colds and flu-like symptoms, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, arthritis pains, and digestive problems like indigestion or stomach aches or gas. 

In some countries, it can be found in commercial wound dressings to help wounds heal faster or relieve pain from burns.

Turmeric powder - Nutrition facts, Benefits and Side effect

Turmeric Powder

One Tablespoon (tbsp) of turmeric powder Nutrition Facts:
  • Protein               0.91 g
  • Calories             29 kcal
  • Fat                      0.31 g
  • Carbohydrates  6.31 g
  • Fiber                   2.1 g
  • Sugar                  0.3 g
  • Manganese        26% of daily need
  • Iron                     16% of daily need
  •  Potassium         5% of daily need
  • Vitamin C           3% of daily need
Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has an incredible result, curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful biological properties. It has been considered the ayurvedic medicine mostly used by the traditional Indian system for the treatment and recovery of muscles.  
  • Anti-inflammatory

Supplementing with turmeric is not only a great way to obtain the anti-inflammatory benefits of the plant. It can also help promote healthy life by enhancing your ability to gain lean muscle mass. 

The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, has been shown to protect muscles from atrophy while helping them grow by stimulating protein synthesis and fatty acid utilization.

  • Improves Heart Health 
Turmeric is the ultimate kitchen spice for those who want to improve their heart health. The most active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin and a study revealed that this has therapeutic value for heart disease patients.

Curcumin protects against coronary artery disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol which can cause it to clot. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory which can help reduce atherosclerosis plaque formation in the arteries.

  • Prevent from cancer

Ever since researchers have found ways to inhibit cancer cell growth in the laboratory by applying curcumin, a yellow pigment from turmeric root, people have been trying to figure out if eating curcumin or taking supplements will help prevent cancer. 

It's too early to say with certainty that this is true. However, it is clear that there are many good reasons to consume turmeric and the active ingredient in it - curcumin

  • Pain Reliever and recovery body.

This spice can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. It may also prevent or relieve Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement in capsule form. 

Eating it as a food is difficult due to its strong taste. You should only use turmeric for short periods if you are pregnant because it may lead to miscarriage or premature birth. Do not use turmeric with blood thinners because it has properties that can make your blood too thin.

  • It improves liver function.
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the root of a perennial plant in the ginger family. It has been used for centuries in India for its healing properties and as an additive to food dishes. 

The two main substances in turmeric are Curcuminoids (the main curcumin substance) and sesquiterpenes. Curcuminoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, and neuroprotective properties.


The Side Effects of Turmeric

Turmeric the superfood of India easily does not have serious side effects. Their side effect is more common at higher doses. Here are some following effects. 

Turmeric can cause diarrhea because it is a laxative. It also can stimulate the gallbladder, which then causes some bile to be released into the intestines. The bile has bacteria in it which further increases the chance of an upset stomach or diarrhea. 

If you are suffering from either then consult with your doctor before continuing to take turmeric or any other herbal supplements.

  • Excessive turmeric thins your blood.

Recently more research has found that excessive turmeric may thin your blood. This can be especially dangerous for those who have clotting disorders. 

Researchers have also found that it may help build lean muscles. There is some evidence to show it can also help you live a healthy life by reducing inflammation and free radicals in the body.

  • It can cause digestion problems.

One side effect of excessive turmeric powder is digestion problems. Some people find that taking the spice doesn't create digestive issues. Others experience cramping or flatulence in doses as low as one teaspoon a day. 

If you are experiencing these symptoms or any other discomfort from taking turmeric, try reducing your intake to see if the symptoms go away, or take some time off from using it altogether.

Q&A

Q.  Can turmeric cause liver damage?

Ans.  Turmeric's effect on other organs varies by the person's dietary habits and medical history. The liver is a prime target for toxicity because it metabolizes some of the chemicals in turmeric. 

Due to this risk of liver damage from high consumption of turmeric, consumption in doses higher than those needed for normal consumption is not recommended.

Q.  Does turmeric clean your liver?

Ans.  Yes, Most people claim that turmeric powder helps their liver by reducing the chances of getting a disease or developing a condition in the future.

Q.  Is turmeric good for the heart?

Ans.  While the health benefits of turmeric powder have not been thoroughly researched in humans, studies in animals indicate that turmeric may be good for the heart. Consuming more than two teaspoons a day can lead to diarrhea.

Q.  Where can you buy it?

Ans.  You can purchase turmeric at your local grocery store in the spice aisle or at ethnic markets.

Q.  How much turmeric should you consume?

Ans.  Experts recommend about 1 teaspoon of turmeric per day. Consuming more than that is not necessarily beneficial to your health, and may even lead to diarrhea. 

Make sure you’re drinking enough water when you consume this spice. It is possible to get too much of a good thing when it comes to turmeric.

Q.  Who should not use turmeric?

Ans.  You should not use turmeric if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. If you have gallstones or bile blockage, do not take turmeric with any other oil-soluble medication (i.e. Tylenol). These medications can cause the bile to flow back up into the stomach where it will form stones. 

You also need to avoid taking turmeric with blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. These medications slow blood clotting which can lead to excessive bleeding when combined with turmeric's anti-platelet effects.