Turmeric Benefits

Curcumin which is an active compound in turmeric is responsible for many of turmeric benefits. Numerous studies and trials were conducted to determine the possibilities of turmeric or curcuma longa and curcuminoids in treating various illnesses. Clinical studies on animals showed that curcumin contains anti inflammatory, anti oxidant, anti arthritic, anti tumor, anti amyloid and anti ischemic properties.

It isn't surprising then to see that the US National Institutes of Health is keen on studying turmeric. A visit to its website shows 7 clinical trials on humans were already completed and another 12 tests have yet to be done.

Even before all these studies, turmeric rhizomes or the turmeric root stalk have been used by many cultures to treat burns, cuts, bruises and wounds. The Malay women of Malaysia used to eat the rhizome raw after childbirth as they believe the herb can speed up the healing of vagina tear. Other than for cuts, bruises and burns, Asians have been using turmeric to heal stomach upsets, diarrhea, discomforts and digestive disorders including irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.

Here are some other turmeric benefits that were concluded after studies were made. And even though some trials have yet to be concluded, many people are using turmeric as home remedies because it has shown to provide healing and medicinal effect.

Liver and Digestive Health

The liver is a vital organ. Its function includes detoxification, synthesizing proteins, metabolism and production of biochemical including bile to aid digestion, stimulates the protective mucus of the stomach and control stomach acidity. Bile is responsible for the breakdown of dietary fat and for gastrointestinal health. The benefits of turmeric include protecting the liver from toxic compounds so that the liver can function properly.

Supports the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal glands produce steroid hormones called corticosteroids. The functions of these hormones include immune and stress response. Turmeric can bring about the relaxing effect and mental alertness. The hormones also regulate inflammation, carbohydrate mechanism, protein catabolism and blood electrolyte levels. Turmeric supports the adrenal glands by assisting in the production of the hormones.

May Reduce Arthritis and Joint pains

Because of its anti inflammatory property, taking turmeric extract may help reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis and also other joint pains.

Beneficial for Skin

Another curcumin extract and turmeric benefits include the potential to reduce and control skin problems such as rosacea, psoriasis and acne.

May Reduce the Risk of Certain Cancer

As an antioxidant, turmeric benefits include fighting free radicals from destroying cells which can lead to cancer, wrinkles and premature aging. Eating turmeric or taking turmeric extract may reduce the risk of certain cancer such as cervical cancer.

May Treat Alzheimer's disease

The journal of biological chemistry published an article on its website on the results of clinical trials. It stated that curcumin found in turmeric has the potential to prevent and treat alzheimer's disease. Since curcumin has antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties, it is able to reduce amyloid accumulation, oxidative damage and inflammation that it associated with this disease. Amyloids are insoluble fibrous protein that contributes to neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer and Parkinson.

May Protect from Herpes Simplex Virus

Studies performed at Michigan State University and University of Cincinnati showed that curcumin may help protect from the infection or replication of herpes simplex type 1 and type 2 viruses. These viruses are responsible for cold sores or fever blisters and genital herpes.

Studies have also found that turmeric benefits include the ability to treat malaria. Curcumin may also prevent the reproduction of HIV virus.

Turmeric extract is available in powder form, sold as curcumin capsules and tablets, skin cream, soap, liquid extract, and turmeric tea. Even if you are skeptical and don't believe in turmeric benefits, it's no harm trying because turmeric is easy to grow, is cheap and isn't known to cause any adverse side effects.

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