It is a plant that has yellow flowers that meet in spikes and the root is very similar to ginger. It comes from the Zingiberaceae family and its origin is attributed to India, where its root has been used in infinite possible ways.
It is characterized by having a bitter taste and, in addition, giving off a pleasant aroma . From it comes its production of curry powder , by drying its own root and is used on many occasions in pastry and bakery as it helps to give color, flavor and aroma to the preparations.
These articles are also important go in and read them:
- Best Oils to Brighten Hair Easily
- Sunflower Seeds: Contraindications, Benefits, Properties and Allergies
- Almonds: Contraindications, Allergies, Benefits, Recipes and Varieties
Index
Do you know where its name really comes from?
It derives from “kurkum”, which means saffron in Persia and among the multiplicity of different names that it can receive we can mention some of them: toothpick, root saffron, yuquilla, domestic turmeric, amomum turmeric, Stissera, Arab or Indian saffron , Eastern salt, turmeric, cimarrón saffron, ginger, cholón or chuncho stick. Even in English you have other names such as: turmeric, Indian saffron, curcumin, curcumine, etc.
Where does turmeric originate from?
For 2,000 years it has been cultivated in India, China and the Middle East, hence its origin. But due to its infinite uses and benefits, many countries currently cultivate and produce it, however India continues to be the first exporter, followed by Chin, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.
If you liked the previous articles, you will like these more:
- Lettuce: Contraindications, Side Effects, Benefits, Properties and Easy Recipes
- Goji berries, an Asian mystery revealed
- All about the types of rice
- Chestnuts, Walnuts and Almonds
- BOE crecepelo: is it worth buying?
Turmeric in international cuisine
We already told you where this exquisite species comes from, now we will take a historical tour of its use:
- The Persians used it as a dye for the body, in one of their main traditions they worshiped the sun, which is why it was highly valued, so much so that acquiring it was expensive.
- Rice with turmeric is a dish that is not lacking in the Indonesian wedding celebration and also as an act of tradition, the bride and groom of this wedding painted their arms with this element to ensure happiness in the coming times.
- In the Peruvian jungle this species is cultivated and called longa or turmeric stick.
- Since memorable times, Hindus have used it to prepare such famous and well-known dishes as chicken curry or marinated shrimp.
Recommended daily dose
There are different ways to consume it according to your preference or the goal you want to achieve. We propose several options:
Recommended Daily Allowance in powder
As it can be dissolved in oil, we recommend you combine it with a tablespoon of coconut oil or cod liver, however if you want to obtain a more pleasant flavor and better benefits, you can opt for coconut oil.
- For adults: the dose cannot exceed 1.5 grams per day, the only exception is that you are using it for therapeutic purposes and if so, you can increase the dose from 2 to 3 grams.
- For children under three years: not recommended.
- For older children: it can start with 0.5 g per day until reaching a maximum of 4 g.
- Older people: the recommended dose is exactly the same as for older children, that is, a maximum of 1.4 g.
Recommended Daily Amount in Capsules / Pills
You can save a little money and prepare them yourself, obtaining the same benefits as purchasing pharmaceutical pills. You should only get gel capsules that are empty (or do it yourself) and little by little, by hand, place the turmeric powder inside.
If you have an upset stomach, the suggestion is to take 500 mg, 4 times a day. If you want to treat osteoarthritis or arthritis you can also take 500 mg of its extract, but 2 times a day.
We have selected these fabulous items for you:
- Vitamin K: Contraindications, Benefits, Symptoms due to deficiency in addition to adequate dose
- Green Tea for the Skin: Contraindications, Benefits and Homemade Recipes
Recommended Daily Amount at meals
A very simple way to enjoy this spice that is widely used in the kitchen for any dish or preparation. Although its use may be rare in Latin America, it is always recommended to use this ingredient occasionally.
Properties and benefits of turmeric
Although one of its usual uses is related to gastronomy and cooking due to its flavor, color and tone that it gives to prepared dishes, it also has functions in natural medicine.
On the one hand, they have a number of positive nutrients for health and the body, among those vitamins C, E and K , proteins, sodium, dietary fiber , calcium, magnesium , iron and zinc. This is why it has earned the name of “the queen of spices.”
On the other hand, it has direct health benefits and we can list the following:
Benefits of weight loss diets
There are a number of ways that a person can gain significant weight. On the one hand, it may be due to the fact that the size of the fat cells (adipocytes) grow excessively and, on the other, it is a great exaggerated reproduction of these fat cells, so the amount in number is much higher than what they should normally present. . Therefore, to achieve a positive weight loss it is important to be able to slow down one of these two processes that take place in the body.
The curcumin present in turmeric, prevents perform cell division in adipocytes decreasing the amount of blood is distributed in these cells. For this reason, fat cells do not increase in size, due to the absence of nutrients from fresh blood.
On the other hand, it allows the stabilization of sugar levels and insulin resistance, preventing all excess fat from accumulating in the body . So you must bear in mind that if you are overweight it is possible that later you may suffer from diabetes.
The digestive juice that is present in the stomach is called bile and this has the task of dissolving fat. And the consumption of turmeric accelerates the production of this element, therefore it helps in a guaranteed way to reduce weight.
There are several ways to consume it, preferably directly, to achieve this goal:
- As a spice : you can mix it with a spice preparation and see how its color turns orange. It is also valid to prepare it as a tea, but if you feel that these options do not work, you can buy any type of supplement that contains it in pharmacies.
- Drinks: a good option is to prepare a cabbage and cabbage juice, put a little powder on it and that’s it.
- Soups: add a touch of turmeric to your favorite soup or cream and you will enjoy its incredible benefits.
- Miscellaneous: preparing a sauce, or sprinkling on fish, meat and vegetables.
In this way it works by preventing more fat from being produced, also helping the liver to detoxify.
More information about curcumin and its benefits
Turmeric used as an anti-inflammatory
Among other of its fantastic benefits, it has the property of reducing inflammation of certain affected areas of the body, let’s see what they are:
- Sore throat : prevents it from becoming inflamed, since the throat is covered with this element and gets rid of bacteria or the various causes of that discomfort. This is because it is composed of three important components to achieve this: curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bis-demethoxycurcumin, which all together are called curcuminoids. Its way of acting is by providing relief from burning, pain and swelling of the throat. Its use is very simple, boil water and place in half a cup when it is warm, add half a spoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric.
For more information, see our articles on:
- Cucumber: Properties, Side Effects, Benefits and Uses
- Cinnamon: Side Effects, Benefits, Home Remedies and Tea Recipes
Also prepare turmeric tea by mixing it with lemon juice and honey in hot water.
- For coughs: drinking a glass of hot milk, black pepper (coarse) and a spoon of turmeric both in the morning and at night will also relieve pain in the throat as well as treat colds and the annoying cough .
- Additionally, curcumin as it presents these anti-inflammatory properties can act against arthritis, sciatica, injuries, swelling, muscle sprains or to clean wounds. You just have to make a paste based on warm water / milk, sesame oil and turmeric powder to apply it to the affected area.
Main benefits for the skin and blemishes.
This species is widely used for aesthetic purposes, to firm the skin and exfoliate it , mixing it with cinnamon, sugar and olive or grape seed oil. In this way, with all the ingredients already mixed, you can reaffirm, produce collagen, hydrate and eliminate those dead cells from your skin, all at the same time. Moisten your face, apply the mixture, rub, rinse and that’s it. Radiant skin!
It is proven that the turmeric root acts against acne, scabies, heals wounds and can lighten the skin due to certain spots that appear on the face that can be caused by age, hormones or exaggerated exposure to UV rays. For this you can apply a facial mask that clears up these unwanted spots and prepare it as follows: add a teaspoon of lemon juice to one of turmeric powder, mix and place on the affected area for 15 minutes, then remove and wash.
It is recommended that you do this routine before taking a shower, do not expose yourself to the sun after application and if you have sensitive skin you can add a splash of water or milk to the mixture.
Is it good for rheumatoid arthritis? Why?
As we mentioned before, among its benefits is the reduction of inflammation, pain or stiffness of the joints, improving the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis thanks to the action of its curcuminoids and quercetin.
It is very common in India to use this traditional medicine to alleviate these pains, but today Western doctors and scientists recognize the benefits and properties it has to treat these conditions.
Even various medical studies have proven that the use of its root has more effective results than any drug prescribed by a specialist and its application implies a positive improvement in those who suffer from arthritis.
You can consume it by preparing turmeric tea and through its variations adding vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, coconut or almond milk.
Can people with diabetes eat turmeric?
And it is! Indeed, it is positive for diabetic people, since its consumption strengthens the immune system , important because those who suffer from diabetes have a high possibility of suffering from other conditions such as heart disease, kidney failure or that the liver does not work properly. In this way it works by fighting different viruses or infections that may appear.
On the other hand, this herb allows triglycerides and cholesterol to be leveled , preventing fat from accumulating and helping with digestion. All these characteristics control the weight of the person and this in turn allows to prevent or control diabetes. In addition, it regulates insulin levels and if this happens it means that your pancreas will remain healthy and functioning properly.
Contraindications and side effects of turmeric
Although there are many functions of its consumption in a natural way, it is important to take into account some situations that you must be alert to before consuming it:
- If you are under treatment for hyperglycemia or blood thinning medications.
- If you are going to have surgery , it is advisable to stop consuming time before this practice.
- If the passage of bile does not work well or you have stones , consumption could have more negative effects such as the production of colic.
- If you suffer from bleeding problems.
- Its consumption in large quantities can cause diarrhea, ulcers, inflammation and even intestinal bleeding.
- You must be very careful when you are in physical contact with this spice as it could cause irritability, allergy or redness if your skin is very sensitive.
- If you have kidney disease.
- You should not consume it if you are pregnant , nursing or children under three years of age.
As we always recommend, before making any decision that affects your health, you should consult your doctor so that he will be the one to tell you if there may be problems in the future.
Is turmeric a natural antibiotic? Why?
Antibiotics are widely used and known within current medicine, since it has been shown that they eliminate a large number of agents that could cause infections and various diseases in the future. However, there are warnings that its excessive consumption produces negative consequences to the body such as skin allergies, intestinal discomfort, etc.
That is why many old and traditional remedies in many cases replace the consumption of these drugs, obtaining expected positive results because although their effects are as strong as drugs, they do not cause those unwanted side effects.
An example of these substitutes in the mixture of turmeric and honey , which has an infinite number of nutrients that eliminate certain ailments. Both ingredients are 100% natural and together they fight bacteria, stop oxidative damage, act against viral infections such as colds and flu and can be applied to heal wounds and burns as it helps to heal.
Preparing it at home is very simple and you will need to mix 100 gr of organic honey and 1 tablespoon of powdered turmeric in a glass jar, let it rest overnight and consume according to the intensity level of your symptoms.
Types of turmeric
There are several types, among which stand out for their wide use both in traditional herbalism and in the culinary field we can mention:
Turmeric comosa
WHAT IS IT?
It comes from Asia and belongs to the ginger family. It is called “miracle herb” and we will explain why.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
It is a really special plant and used by women to obtain multiple benefits to their body. Improving your mood and increasing your well-being.
Consuming its root extract gives the uterus a greater weight, improving its glycogen content . It works effectively as a substitute in Hormone Replacement Therapy due to its estrogenic properties. It also improves the symptoms that produce menopause, the so-called premenstrual syndrome, menstruation and how it improves after delivery.
If you are curious, check out our articles on:
- Manganese: Contraindications, Side Effects, Benefits and Sources
- Saw Palmetto or Saw Palmetto: Contraindications and Benefits for hair loss and prostate hyperplasia
- Brewer’s Yeast: 10 Benefits, Side Effects, and Possible Uses
Another incredible benefit is that it allows the muscles of the vagina to tighten and in turn prevents its elasticity from being lost. And believe it or not, it is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics.
Turmeric zedoaria
WHAT IS IT?
Plant that belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and originates from Asia.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Equally widely used to combat various conditions and intervenes in the improvement of digestion by absorbing nutrients from the digestive system, it also normalizes menstruation and its cycle in women. And it has a peculiar use in some countries, being applied against scorpion bites (some species) or snake bites .
Beloved turmeric
WHAT IS IT?
It is also called mango ginger, from the Zingiberaceae family and is closely related to turmeric and in India it is widely used to prepare pickles.
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES
Inside its root you find its essential oil and pungent principles. Both act as an expectorant and to treat digestive discomforts such as colic, stomach pain, loss of appetite , bad breath, indigestion, constipation, among others, thus strengthening the stomach thanks to its properties.
Additionally, it also improves symptoms of coughs, bronchitis and respiratory diseases. As well as it can be applied for sprains or bruises.
What uses does it have against cancer?
According to some studies, turmeric prevents malignant cells in the body from mutating and multiplying , which is why it is confirmed that India, for example, has a lower rate of people who may suffer from colon cancer.
If the person suffers from this disease, this herb has a high power to stop metastasis (spread of cancer to various organs of the body) and its consumption does not harm the immune system unlike strong and invasive treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy that result sometimes toxic and with unpleasant side effects. And thanks to its anti-inflammatory property it protects the body against this disease .
Its form of consumption to prevent this disease is quite varied, hence the advantage of consuming this herb, which allows you to vary so as not to get bored. For hot dishes it is recommended to add it at the end of the preparation and you can add it to soups, rice, purees. You can also mix turmeric and ginger and ingest it.
To dress pasta, salads or in tea. It is truly recommended that you consume it daily at least 5 gr (1/2 teaspoon) or in an easy preparation such as turmeric milk, for which you will need 2 cups of oat milk or organic milk of your choice, 2 dates, ½ tablespoon of turmeric, ground ginger and ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of ground black pepper. Heat the milk and mix all the ingredients, beat for a few minutes and consume both warm and cold according to your taste.
Did you know that it is considered a hepatoprotective?
Of course, because curcumin (and other substances) give protection to the liver and has its benefits acting as a bile tonic, thus treating gallbladder stones, deflating and draining the liver. In addition, it allows and helps in the secretion of bile salts, bilirubin and cholesterol.
Are turmeric and curry the same?
They are considered to be family because they come from the same plant as ginger and are highly used in Indian cuisine, however they are not the same . The curry is obtained by mixing many species such as pepper, cumin, chili powder, nutmeg and a high content of turmeric etc. It also gives dishes that yellow hue, but not as intense.
The benefits of curry can vary from improving brain risk, cleaning the blood, curing colds, raising platelet levels, reducing inflammation in certain parts of the body, notably helping to increase memory, working against overweight and intestinal diseases.
A notable difference between these two precious herbs is that turmeric has a high level of iron , an essential element in red cells to deliver oxygen to all tissues of the body.
Which is better turmeric or ginger?
The fundamental difference is the origin of each one. Well we told you on several occasions that the first comes from India, but ginger comes from Japanese culture and is used equally for both gastronomy and medicine.
Its properties for the human body are basically similar (not to say that they are all the same), but certain special properties that ginger can provide you can be mentioned if you consume it in a rich tea, powder or fresh grass as it acts as a stimulant, helps in digestion, works as an anti-inflammatory, is ideal for gastric acid, joints and rheumatism.
More information about Ginger: Contraindications, side effects and slimming and anti-inflammatory properties
Are turmeric and saffron the same?
No, but this renowned seasoning is also called Indian saffron.
Medicinal recipes with turmeric
Certain preparations bring great benefits to your body and the way you prepare it will depend on your creativity and personal tastes, that is why we discuss the following options:
Turmeric with ginger
We leave you a different and warm option so that you can start enjoying its properties in an infusion of ginger with turmeric that you can prepare by grating the ginger and letting it boil for a few minutes, serving in a cup and adding turmeric powder, honey to taste and Lemon juice to consume a maximum of three times a day or when you have any abnormal ailment or discomfort.
It will be used for the heart, the joints, as an anti-inflammatory, as an analgesic and even to lose weight. You can also make variations of this remedy by substituting cayenne pepper, lemon juice, or black pepper for honey.
If you want more information about the different types of Tea: Properties, Benefits and Side Effects
Turmeric, cinnamon and honey
This powerful mixture can be the right supplement to improve certain brain functions as long as you do regular physical exercise and eat a healthy diet.
A drink based on these three ingredients is able to help with diseases such as Alzheimer’s , against those vascular problems that do not allow the blood to circulate properly and carry oxygen to the brain. All of this is possible thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant characteristics.
They also have an incredible power to stimulate the brain to get you to be in an energetic, positive and active state because it stimulates serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that become motivators and all this without negative effects on your body.
You can prepare a drink with a cup of water, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and organic honey and ½ of turmeric. Heat the water and when it boils add the cinnamon along with the turmeric. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink the water obtained by adding the natural honey, preferably in your breakfast or after lunch.
Check out our articles on:
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.