Turmeric is useful or harmful. Bloggers and specialists in Asian and Indian cuisine in particular actively recommend turmeric as a means of improving health and appearance. But this yellow spice can be harmful if you are also subjected to traditional treatment.
Turmeric is prepared from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. After removing the hard shell from the root, the filling is milled in a yellow-orange powder with a slightly sharp, warm taste and aroma reminiscent of orange and ginger. The biological composition of turmeric includes iron, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium.
Turmeric is used in India as a part of spice curry, and in Ayverda – as one of the drugs. It is used not only in non-traditional medicine but also in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the root is almost indispensable as paint, cosmetology, and food. The active substance curcumin, gives the powder a bright color.
Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, biliary agent and healing agent. It is able to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, increase the resistance of the organism during the days of infections, during chemotherapy. Curcumin may also activate the intestinal flora, improve digestion, reduce cholesterol, and appetite for pastries.
Some physicians, especially in Asia, use curcumin to treat ulcerative colitis, oral problems, soothe gynecological inflammation, and reduce arthritis pain in the joints. Studies have shown the effect of curcumin on the stomach. Daily use of 2-3 g for two months in 75% of patients with gastric ulcer. But the harmless and useful spice has its flaw!
It is harmful if you are in the process of treating biliary obstruction. Turmeric is an excellent biliary agent, but if you start applying it during exacerbation, you will surely get a negative result. Signs of the detrimental effect of curcumin may be nausea and diarrhea.
During pregnancy it is not contraindicated, but you should definitely consult your doctor. Turmeric may increase the activity of the uterus during the first trimester of pregnancy. When taking turmeric drugs taken as food supplements or food seasonings, their effect is greatly enhanced. It has been shown that when pepper is added to turmeric, its digestibility and effect are increased by 2,000%.
The effect on diabetic medicines that reduce blood sugar has already been identified. This can lead to dizziness, fainting and coma in people with diabetes. In addition, turmeric discharges the blood. Therefore, it is not compatible with anticoagulants, which are used for example in varicose veins or heart attacks.
This combination actually increases the effect of medication and increases the risk of bleeding. If you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel or warfarin, carefully monitor your food and cosmetics – there must be no turmeric.
If you use gastric acid lowering drugs – famotidine, omeprazole, ranitidine, tartaric and cimetidine, the combination with turmeric may cause swelling, nausea and stomach pain. Since curcumin reduces the desire for sweets, it may cause a risk of low blood sugar in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
What is turmeric good for?
Turmeric contains a key component known as curcumin, a type of polyphenol that boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities.
As per Brown’s analysis, curcumin is recognized for a range of biological effects, many of which remain the subject of ongoing research. Turmeric, like other vegetables and fruits that display vivid colors, is abundant in phytonutrients. These compounds have a role in defending organisms against various forms of oxidative stress caused by external factors such as environmental pollutants and ultraviolet rays from the sun, helping to preserve cellular integrity. Regular consumption of vegetables and fruits, turmeric included, is often linked to reducing the risks associated with various health conditions, notably certain cancers and heart-related ailments.
Brown further notes the potential benefits of turmeric for individuals dealing with inflammatory ailments. The inclusion of turmeric in the diet could support the management of medical issues that involve inflammation, examples of which include joint-related diseases like arthritis, digestive inflammations like colitis, and various allergic reactions and infections.
Science Behind Turmeric
Turmeric, along with its active compound curcumin, has received attention in the scientific community for its potential health benefits. According to Brown, individuals with osteoarthritis might experience alleviation in joint discomfort when incorporating turmeric in their daily diets. The impact of turmeric on mental health concerns, such as mood fluctuations, depression, and cognitive decline associated with dementia, has been under investigation. However, these areas of research involve relatively small-scale studies, and substantial research is necessary to confirm its efficacy.
Beyond these health issues, scientific investigations have indicated that turmeric may also be advantageous for:
- Reducing bodily inflammation
- Addressing conditions that affect the eyes and lead to deterioration over time
- Managing symptoms and complications associated with metabolic syndrome
- Assisting in the treatment of various types of arthritis
- Lowering high levels of lipids like cholesterol in the bloodstream
- Mitigating feelings of anxiety
- Easing muscle soreness that can occur following physical activity
- Promoting renal health
This, in turn, causes a number of side effects, such as blurred vision, increased sweating, decreased attention and memory – most of the cognitive functions of the brain.