We are used to finding turmeric on the spice shelf in the supermarket, but the truth is that its place should also be on the medicine shelf. Turmeric will not only add a wonderful flavor to your dishes, but thanks to its unique properties, it will also help you treat a variety of medical problems such as coughs, respiratory problems, inflammation treatment, speeding up wound healing, concentrating, and more...
The turmeric plant
Turmeric is a spice extracted from the root of the plant Curcuma Longa which belongs to the ginger family. Its origin is in Southeast Asia, where it is used both as a spice and as a medicinal plant. Turmeric is known for its pungent taste and yellow color (some call turmeric "the golden root"). Its pigment is so strong that in India it is used to lighten skin spots. There it is also considered a sacred spice and is an integral part of spiritual rituals. Already thousands of years ago, the Indians and the Chinese used turmeric to cure various diseases, and recently it has become popular in the Western world as well thanks to its proven medical properties.
The virtues of Curcumin
Curcumin gets its yellow color from the active components it contains. These components are called curcuminoids, the best known of which is curcumin. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory, therefore it helps to treat various diseases and inflammations such as inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, liver diseases, coughs, respiratory problems and arthritis, and more. In addition, it has an effect on brain activity and has been found to be effective in helping Alzheimer's and depression.
The health benefits of Turmeric/ Curcumin
Studies show that turmeric is one of the most effective nutritional supplements in the world, and this is not surprising considering the long list of medicinal properties of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric:
Curcumin as Inflammation treatment
From many studies conducted it appears that Curcumin acts to inhibit inflammatory processes. Curcumin inhibits the synthesis of factors that mediate inflammation such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and enzymes that cause inflammation, and thanks to this, it is widely used in cases of inflammation of the digestive system, for the treatment and reduction of pain from arthritis and more.
Curcumin as Antioxidant
Curcumin is an antioxidant component. Antioxidants are substances that protect the body from free radicals and thereby prevent diseases and protect against cancer. Turmeric is strong enough to fight Peroxyl - a free radical that damages cells and can cause great health damage.
Curcumin as a blood pressure aid
Studies have found that the curcumin component in turmeric has an effect on the Adiponectin level in the blood. Adiponectin is a hormone secreted by fat cells and is responsible for regulating blood glucose levels. When there is a too-low level of adiponectin, there is a risk of developing hypertension. Using turmeric helps increase the level of adiponectin in the blood and thus lowers blood pressure.
Curcumin as a natural detoxifier
Curcumin has the ability to neutralize toxins from the liver and increase the production of liver enzymes, whose role is to reduce the number of toxins in our bodies. Thanks to this, it is usually combined in cases of fatty liver, hepatitis, and more.
Curcumin as an aid to gingivitis
As mentioned, the curcumin component is anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, and because of this, it helps fight many inflammations in our body such as gingivitis. To increase the effect of curcumin on inflammation, it is highly recommended to take a dietary supplement containing curcumin, such as Bio Protective Curcumin. It is a natural formula based on curcumin that helps to remove the protective layer of bacteria, thus preventing their spread in the body and the development of inflammation.
Preservation of cognitive ability in adults
Curcumin, which contains antioxidants, helps protect our brain function. A study compared elderly people who used to eat curry seasoned with turmeric to those who did not consume turmeric and examined the cognitive ability of the subjects, such as memory, language, and concentration. The study found that people who consumed turmeric had a better cognitive functions.
Curcumin is good for the heart
Turmeric is good for the heart and for the blood system, curcumin reduces the adhesion of blood platelets and thus reduces the risk of blood clots, the development of arteriosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Turmeric also lowers cholesterol and reduces blood lipid levels.
Curcumin is effective in strengthening the immune system
Turmeric contains a component called lipopolysaccharide, which helps a strong immune system response. A strong immune system reduces our chances of getting viral diseases such as colds, sinusitis, coughs, and flu.
Calming and improving concentration
A study published in 2020 in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" found that turmeric has a calming effect and the ability to improve alertness and concentration. The study tested a group of people who consumed turmeric for 12 weeks alongside people who did not consume turmeric. The results of the study proved that the subjects who consumed turmeric were calmer and with a better ability to concentrate thanks to turmeric.
Turmeric/ Curcumin - Fresh or spice?
If you are interested in strengthening your body, treating inflammation, strengthening your immune system, treating your heart, cleansing your body of toxins, and preserving your cognitive ability, without cooking or baking, then we recommend the improved nutritional supplement - bio-curcumin.
At the same time, if you have decided to add turmeric to your daily menu, (With your food, or while cooking), and now you are debating whether to purchase fresh turmeric or as a spice. Turmeric spice is actually ground turmeric, and the problem is that when the turmeric is ground it is exposed to oxygen. When this happens, some of the antioxidants in turmeric that have great benefits can be lost. In addition, when you buy a spice, you don't really know when the turmeric was ground and whether it has already lost its active components, it is impossible to know how long it has been in the supermarket's warehouses and whether the spice contains 100% turmeric or is mixed with other spices. Therefore, if you have decided to add turmeric to your dishes, our recommendation is to consume fresh turmeric.