Turmeric is a plant used for hundreds of years and is characterized by its mustard color. It is used as a remedy in natural medicine for its anti-inflammatory, digestive, and antioxidant properties. In addition, this plant turns out to be a component of curry and is used in cooking as a spice and coloring. Turmeric has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine, the country from which it originates. As consumption has increased, so has the recognition of its benefits. If you want to know more about this fascinating plant, at FastlyHealwe, explain its uses and health properties.
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Digestive properties
Among the many health properties of turmeric, it is worth highlighting its benefit for the digestive system. Turmeric is good for digestion, stimulating gastric juice secretion. Consequently, it is an excellent remedy for those who suffer from heartburn and slow digestion, gastritis, or dyspepsia.
Another of the benefits of digestion attributed to it is its function to avoid gases as it is a carminative plant, which means that it helps to expel them. People who suffer from bloating and flatulence can also turn to turmeric. In addition, it contributes to the time of going to the bathroom by improving the regularity and consistency of the stool.
Protects the liver
Turmeric acts as a liver protector thanks to its hepatoprotective components and its antioxidant effect. Another action associated with this plant is its tonic effect on the gallbladder, helping to eliminate gallstones and facilitate liver drainage and gallbladder emptying. This is explained thanks to turmeric being also cholagogue and choleretic, which reduces the expulsion of the bile retained in the gallbladder. Other substances it contains for the proper functioning of the liver are borneol and turmerone, two bile protectants, and eugenol. In turn, these effects are beneficial to help digest fat and facilitate heavy digestion.
Its use is recommended for those who have cirrhosis, high cholesterol, and fatty liver, among others.
Turmeric anti-inflammatory property
Being a plant rich in curcuminoids, which inhibit some substances that can act against somebody’s systems, turmeric acts as an anti-inflammatory. It turns out to be very effective in treating arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome since it works by relieving symptoms. In addition, if we combine curcumin with other components with provocative actions such as bromelain, which is found in pineapple, and black pepper, its action is even more effective.
A natural antidepressant
As we explained at the beginning of the article, turmeric was used many years ago as traditional medicine. One of the uses attributed to this plant is a remedy for depression and other affective disorders. Turmeric has been shown to have certain compounds that stimulate the nervous system, immune system, and mood. In addition, this plant helps reduce stress and increases the production of serotonin, making it an excellent remedy for those times when we can be a little more upset. Its use as an antidepressant should be consumed as a powder.
Other Uses of Turmeric
Protecting our hearts is essential for good health. Therefore, taking turmeric can help us prevent heart disease. Its components allow fighting the so-called bad cholesterol and triglycerides.
As if that were not enough, another advantage for our body that turmeric gives us is its benefit to our immune system by increasing our defenses, protecting against viral infections. This can be an excellent remedy for when you tend to suffer from colds the most, such as in winter.
On the other hand, this plant can be used to treat respiratory problems such as bronchitis thanks to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bronchial effects.
Turmeric is an antimicrobial plant that can be used in cases where we have wounds since it has active ingredients that eliminate microbes.
How to take turmeric
Turmeric is available in many stores, as it is used as a condiment in cooking. It is recommended that it be bought packaged and not in bulk since another similar species can be purchased, but it does not have the same properties. The best way to consume turmeric is to add it to our diet. To enhance its effect, we can serve it together with a bit of black pepper.
If we want to cook turmeric in dishes such as purees, soups, rice, or stews, it is best to add a couple of small tablespoons of turmeric at the end of cooking. We should not add turmeric much before since otherwise, we will eliminate its active principles. The recommended amount of turmeric is 1.5 to 5 grams a day.
Turmeric contraindications
Despite the beneficial properties of turmeric, we must take into account some risk factors before consumption:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding. Its consumption in pregnant or lactating women is not recommended due to its emmenagogue effect that stimulates blood flow in the pelvis and uterus.
- Gallstones. Those people with gallstones or stones in the gallbladder should avoid its consumption.
- Gastroesophageal reflux diseases. Turmeric can be harmful to people who have stomach problems.
- Surgery. Its consumption is not recommended before surgical intervention since it can hinder coagulation.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.