Turmeric contains powerful bioactive compounds with potent medicinal benefits and uses. (1)

For that and many reasons, the majority of nutritionists assert the claim of turmeric being one of the most effective supplements in existence. 

With over 6,000 peer-reviewed studies, such a claim can only be backed up with facts.

In order to fully understand the organic appeal of turmeric, we searched through the 6,000 peer-reviewed studies and found fascinating details of turmeric that you might find useful. (2)

Turmeric powder that your most familiar with comes from an actual plant. The process of making turmeric is what we will also cover in this topic.

History of Turmeric

 

Some of you might know it as Curcuma, but both Curcuma and Turmeric come from the Curcuma Longa plant. 

With historical roots in India and East Asia, Curcuma (Turmeric) has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory herb.

History tells us that turmeric has been cultivated and harvested for the past 5,000 years.

Arab traders were among the first to bring this powerful herb into Europe. Around the 14th century, the popularity of Turmeric spread into western culture.

 

So why all the studies?

When compared to its pharmaceutical rivals, turmeric equals and passes that of prescriptions or over the counter medications.

Further studies have also been conducted to reveal the benefits of using turmeric instead of certain medications.

Turmeric is a plant and one of the main spices to curry. The root of the plant is where medicinal factors are found.

 

 

 

Benefits of Turmeric

 

 

Turmeric studies have proven to find that it’s very powerful in anti-inflammatory activity.

What makes turmeric powerful and potent is the yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, which is referred to as Curcumin.

When tested in comparison to prescription grade medication, Turmeric has been shown to be more potent than Hydrocortisone, Phenylbutazone, and Motrin.

The potency of turmeric can be seen through what researchers have found. Curcumin appears to modulate around 700 of your genes, positively regulate over 160 different physiological pathways, and create orderly cell membranes.

Because of this potency, Turmeric is known to benefit your health and prevent numerous diseases.

One of the amazing aspects of Curcumin is its ability to pass through blood-brain barriers, being a powerful agent in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer and Parkinson’s.

Turmeric is also a very powerful antioxidant and promotes overall brain health and function.

Recent research has also discovered another compound in turmeric called Aromatic Turmeric, which helps natural stem cells grow, an important role in brain repair and regeneration.

What’s the key to turmeric health benefits?

 

When analyzing 6,000 peer-reviewed data, Curcumin and Turmeric stood out to the scientist as being very powerful compounds. Turmeric and Curcumin had profound effects on healing the entire body.

The health benefits are wide and ranging from practical applications to topical applications.

The Health benefits of turmeric can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

It is up to you to discover how to use turmeric in your diet, but regardless you should take advantage.

 

 

 

 

Turmeric for Cancer Uses and Benefits

 

One of the many benefits of turmeric is its anti-cancer components. When it comes to herbs and cancer, Curcumin has evidence-based literature that supports its claims of having an effect on a list of cancers.

Turmeric’s ability to have access to multiple pathways plays a big role in why it’s powerful against cancers.

As stated above, Turmeric can enter a cell and have over 100 different molecular pathways.

This approach also gives no toxicity so Turmeric only affects cancer cells and not healthy cells. Selective targeting and molecular pathway independence make turmeric a powerful herb.

Turmeric can be used for the prevention and continuity of good health. Planning out what you want to use turmeric for can be one of the best ways to start using turmeric. 

 

Below is a list of issues turmeric can impact in some form, providing benefits and uses in a variety of ways. 

 

 

Turmeric for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In clinical studies, Curcumin has been found to be a very powerful antioxidant that naturalizes free radicals, chemicals that can cause havoc when left unregulated. In Rheumatoid Arthritis these free radicals are one of the main reasons for painful joint inflammation.

The powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in turmeric combine to give relief to patients suffering from arthritis.

 

Turmeric for Heartburn

Stomach acid traveling from the stomach to the esophagus can cause what is known as acid reflux.

Turmeric acts by stimulating the digestive tract thus preventing acid to build up. It can be taken before meals or after depending on your preference.

 

Turmeric for Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a respiratory illness that is caused by the inflammation of the lungs. In Acute Bronchitis the lungs are affected by a viral infection that starts as a cold but then spreads into the sinuses and lungs.

Whether it’s from colds, bacterial infections, pollution, cigarette smoke, Bronchitis can be prevented and cured by Turmeric’s Anti-inflammatory components.

With powerful carminative effects, an antibacterial, and antiviral property, Turmeric alleviates Bronchitis and Acute Bronchitis.

Bronchitis is cured because Turmeric contains anti-purulent. Purulent is when an accumulation of pus causes inflammation. It can also treat common coughs or dyspnea.

 

 

 

 

Turmeric for Stomach Pain

Whether you’re dealing with mild stomach pain, sharp pain, abdominal pain, and even stomach cramps, Turmeric regulates and inhibits inflammation that will alleviate your pains.

Always check with your doctor because frequent stomach pain can be a sign of other serious illnesses.

 

Turmeric for Cancer prevention

 

The powerful antioxidant components of Turmeric can protect your colon and digestive tract from free radicals that can damage cells.

When we breathe in oxygen were also breathing in free radicals, a process known as oxidation. Free radicals act by having unpaired electrons, which results in them being very unstable.

These free radicals search for a stable bond, which can result in damaging a chain reaction. The only way a free radical becomes stable is by making another molecule unstable, causing this to continue on and on for all other free radicals.

Within your colon, the frequent replication of cells can cause free radicals to attack causing cancerous cells.

Curcumin has powerful antioxidant compounds that have been proven to move independently through cell membranes destroying other mutated cancerous cells, stopping the spread of cancer throughout the body.

Curcumin acts to neutralize free radicals.

Turmeric is also known for enhancing liver function, causing a better synthesis of proteins that regulate the system.

Turmeric has also been found to inhibit cancer cell growth in breast, lung, prostate, and colon cancer.

Epidemiological studies are frequently conducted, and the University of Texas suggests turmeric in lowering the rates of cancer.

 

Turmeric for Alzheimer’s

There are numerous evidence-based studies that find Turmeric having major benefits to the brain.

When it comes to neurodegenerative disease, Turmeric has been shown to be effective in protecting and improving conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Studies conducted on mice, found Turmeric to slow and inhibit Alzheimer’s, theorizing that it interrupts the production of IL-2 a protein that destroys myelin, the protective sheet that covers the majority of nerves in the body.

Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant protects brains against oxidative injury. Oxidation is thought to be one of the major reasons for aging and neurodegenerative disorders.

With Alzheimer’s, the problem starts with amyloid-B accumulation in brain cells. This accumulation of brain cells causes inflammation and the forming of plaques that can disrupt brain function.

Since Turmeric can cross membranes and has over 100 pathways Turmeric crosses over these blood barriers, and helps prevent the oxidation of the brain thus preventing Alzheimer’s.

 

 

 

 

 

Turmeric for Pain Management

 

Research published in the European Journal of Pharmacology discovered that Curcumin naturally activated the opioid system.

The research was conducted on lab rats but serves to show how Curcumin can naturally affect the body’s pain-relieving system.

This research further highlights the topical effect Curcumin can have on pain management for burn victims in the ICU.

 

Turmeric for Jaundice

Jaundice is caused when the level of bilirubin in the blood exceeds 2.5-3 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). Visible signs of jaundice are the yellowish discoloration of the skin and the white of the eyes.

Jaundice in Adults is caused when various medical conditions affect the metabolism from normal excretion of bilirubin.

Turmeric acts to help and regulate the liver through its Curcumin properties. The yellowish pigment can further add to the re-stabilizing of the excretion of bilirubin.

 

Turmeric for Fever Cold and Flu

A fever can be caused by a wide variety of illnesses and results in higher than normal body temperature. Fevers are very common and can occur in anyone at any age, making it a common issue we all face.

With powerful antioxidants Turmeric acts by fighting free radicals that damage your immune system, helping you fight off a fever.

Considered a natural antibiotic, Curcumin also acts to increase protein levels helping to fight to boost your immune system and fight bacterial infections.

Common colds and flu are caused by viruses that can result in symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, congestion, and cough.

Turmeric fights off common colds and flu by fighting to reduce viral replication by up to 90%. Flu and colds affect the respiratory system so using Turmeric only adds more benefits.

Turmeric also pacts a compound known as Zedoary Turmeric, which has antiviral benefits.

Making Turmeric a safe and effective antiviral agent.

 

Turmeric for Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a different number of reasons. For that, we urge those who have consistent headaches to seek a healthcare professional that can look to see if there are other more grave illnesses that might be causing the headache.

Headaches, migraines, and sinus headaches can be painful and annoying. Turmeric is well known to be a natural pain reliever. It acts by stimulating the opiate system, resulting in the release of pain-relieving chemicals.

Turmeric is also a natural anti-inflammatory that suggests using rather than usual anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin.

Turmeric for Diarrhea

 

A virus that infects the gut causing your stool to be loose causes diarrhea. Diarrhea can typically last for a few days.

The majority of us deal with diarrhea a few times a year. It may also be followed by constipation for people who have irritable bowel syndrome.

Curcumin positively regulates and controls the digestive tract. Its powerful antioxidant compounds help to regulate free radicals within your digestive system.

Turmeric also uses its anti-inflammatory compounds to help stop the loosening of your stool.

 

 

 

 

Turmeric for Ringworms

 

Ringworm (tinea) is caused by a fungal infection on the skin. It’s very common, especially among children.

Although the name suggests a worm to be involved, it should be clear that a fungus causes Ringworm.

Turmeric uses powerful antibacterial and antifungal components to help remove the infection. Not only will Turmeric cure Ringworm it destroys the fungus internally and externally.

 

Turmeric for Infected Wounds and Cuts

Any injury to the skin can be considered a wound. Because of open wounds, a high risk of infection can occur.

Turmeric heals wounds and cuts, prevents infections, and also reduces pain. Due to the powerful anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, Turmeric fastens and heals the wound.

Also, the natural pain-relieving properties are always a plus to cuts and infected wounds.

 

Turmeric for Menstrual Issues

 

Turmeric has been proven to show estrogenic activity. Female sex hormones are essential in the regulation of the menstrual cycle, Curcumin acts as a phytoestrogen, mimicking the activity of the sex hormone.

Turmeric can also help regulate menstrual bleeding. Excessive menstrual is very common in certain women, and Curcumin acts to control the bleeding. Turmeric also has antispasmodic actions that can control menstrual cramps.

Also being a pain reliever, Turmeric can help decrease the intensity and pain of periods. With back pain and body aches being the most common symptoms of periods, Turmeric can actually be a better alternative than over the counter painkillers.

The use of pharmaceutical painkillers has been linked to gastrointestinal pain, gastritis, kidney failure, and stomach bleeding.

Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that function in similar ways as painkillers without the side effects.

Even more amazing is that Turmeric inhibits the growth of endometrial cells, affecting the modulating secretion of estrogen. Within endometrium Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant compounds aid against the oxidative stress-mediated infertility.

How much Turmeric should you take?

 

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center Turmeric has permissible levels of dosage depending on the kind of Turmeric you use.

When it comes to Cut Root Turmeric the average daily usage is between 1.5-3g per day
When it comes to Dried powdered Turmeric, the average daily usage is between 1-3g per day
When it comes to Fluid extract, the average daily usage is between 30-90 drops
When it comes to Standardized powder, the average daily usage is between 400-600 mg three times daily
When it comes to Tincture, the average daily usage it between 15-30 drops four times daily

 

 

Purity in Turmeric

While although Turmeric is available in the spice section of the grocery store, it’s very important to find great turmeric that gives the clinical results you are looking for. You should make sure to look for a high-quality Turmeric extract that contains at least 90% or more of Curcuminoids.

The higher the quality of Turmeric the better the results you will get. The majority of Turmeric found in local spice shops and groceries don’t contain 100 percent organic ingredients.

Another great and effective way of absorbing the needed Turmeric is to boil the Curcumin powder. Make sure to add the powder of Curcumin to “boiling” water. It must be boiling before you add the powder. After 10 minutes and letting it cool, you can drink the Curcumin.

Make sure to drink as soon as possible, due to the fact that the mixture will be more potent, than if you were to wait a few hours.

Turmeric in Coffee

 

Now that you know more about turmeric, why should you bother having it in your coffee? The answer is simple: it’s incredibly healthy, and it tastes good.

It’s great that a lot of people pay close attention to their health and are mindful of their bodies’ intake. That’s why it’s great that these two superfoods can be consumed together. Aside from turmeric is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its spice notes pairs well with coffee.

Even if turmeric is used to spice up a lot of Indian dishes, you shouldn’t worry about your coffee tasting bitter or too strong, since its flavor notes are quite mild. It can be compared to cinnamon or cardamom—earthy and smooth—which gives baristas a lot of room to experiment. Some baristas like to add orange peel for more acidity to counter the bitterness or play with milk and try coconut milk instead of whole milk for a different mouthfeel and flavor profile.

 

What are the side effects of turmeric?

In high doses of turmeric have been observed to cause:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Increased risk of bleeding
Increased liver function tests
Hyperactive gallbladder contractions
Hypotension (lowered blood pressure)
Uterine contractions in pregnant women
Increased menstrual flow

These side effects can range depending on each person. Make sure to consult your physician and speak with them about your diet.