You can feel free to call it the golden spice. The turmeric gains it’s name not only as a result of its yellow color, but also by the reason it has many health benefits. It is the most known culinary spice which spans cultures, and it is a major ingredient in Indian curries, and it turns American mustard yellow.

And despite its great use in cooking, this has amazed scientists for really long time in terms of its medical uses. This is a tropical plant which belongs to the family Zingiberaseae and is native to India and cultivated throughout the tropics around the world.

History

The legend says that when the baby Jesus was born, three wise men coming fro the East went to see him and brought him gifts. They had brought him gold, frankincense and myrrh and there are some records that many people believed that gold actually refers to the commonly used spice of the time – turmeric.

This has a unique role in Indian culture and spirituality too. It was used to worship Sun God, and the masses wore turmeric as a piece of forgiveness process.

It was as well used by Buddhists monks who travelled in different places all around the world, in order to dye their robes. There exists some evidence that the turmeric was used as a part of Chinese medicine around 1000 years ago and by the mid 20th century, it became popular in the western world as well.

Health benefits of the turmeric

It consists of a wide range of antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properites. It is enriched with many healthy nutrients, such as dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, niacin, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, potassium, protein, copper, calcium and zinc. Due to all of these nutrients, vitamins and minerals, the turmeric is often used in order to treat a large number of health problems including cancer.

Prevents cancer

“It is already confirmed that turmeric can help stop prostate cancer. It can also eliminate the growth and destroy prostate cancer cells. A number of researchers have found that thanks to the active components found in turmeric, it is one of the best protectors against radiation-induced tumors. It might as well prevent the growth of tumor and cancer cells, such as the T-cell leukemia, colon cancer and breast cancer.

Treats depression

There are some excellent news for those who are trying to fight the depression by using natural remedies. It has been proven that the curcumin, the antioxidant that makes turmeric so great spice can function as an antidepressant.

Relieves arthritis

In case you have problems with joint inflammation and joint pain or you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, you should start using turmeric on a daily basis. You will experience pain relief in very short period of time. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory properties that the turmeric has are very good for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Boosts the immunity

The lipopolysaccharide is found in turmeric, which has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects which will help strengthen the immune system, and a person who has a strong immune system is more resistant to coughs, flus and colds. For those people who only sometimes catch a cold or a flu, and you will feel much better if you just mix one teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of warm milk and you should drink it once daily. Immunity boost may result in avoiding many health diseases including cancer.

Smooths upset stomach

It has anti-inflammatory effects, and that is why it is very useful in keeping stomach acid under control, and also, it is used to sooth heartburn and general stomach upset as well.

Heals wounds

It has very strong antibacterial and antiseptic effects, so it can do wonders for your skin. In case you have a cut or a burn, please sprinkle some turmeric powder on it, and that will help the healing process. You can as well use the turmeric for repairing the damaged skin, treat psoriasis and some other inflammatory skin conditions. Maintains healthy heart

It is always helpful in protecting the most vital organ in the body. It breaks cholesterol which is responsible for clogging up the arteries and causing strokes or heart attacks.

Maintains the ideal weight

In case you are watching your weight or trying to lose some, you should definitely include the turmeric in your diet. Ingest only one teaspoon of turmeric powder just before every meal. There is one component found in the turmeric that helps increase the flow of bile which has a major role in the breakdown of dietary fat.

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease

It has been proven that the brain inflammation is the one responsible for cognitive disorders like the Alzheimer’s disease, and the turmeric is very good for the overall brain health by helping in the removal of plaque build-up in the brain, and it also improves the oxygen flow. It will slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

Protects the liver

This is a natural liver detoxifier. The liver plays the dominant role in detoxification of our body through the creation of enzymes and the turmeric is in charge for expanded production of these vital enzymes, and later, these enzymes break down and reduce the toxins in our bodies. It is proven that turmeric also speeds and improves blood circulation.