Proven Health Benefits of Tumeric: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warning

Turmeric is a natural remedy against inflammation, joint pain and poor mood. These are just some of its benefits. But what exactly is this spice; how is it good to take and is there a risk of side effects?

The answers to these questions will be taken into consideration in the article.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a widespread herbaceous plant of the ginger family. It has a highly developed rhizome and in fact it is the distinctive, bright-orange root that has brought it this popularity. In various forms it is used in medicine, culinary and even in the fitness industry - as a medicine, a spice or a food supplement. There is definitely a varied application.
Nutritional composition of turmeric

In addition, turmeric is rich in vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including vitamins A, C, E, K, also pyrodoxine, calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and others.

As a spice, turmeric is most often found to be dusty. You can find her on the spice stand in every shop. Used as a coloring agent in various dishes and beverages. But most often it is used as a simple spice.

The taste of turmeric is strong and intrusive, slightly bitter and slightly peppery, like ginger. This makes it appealing to many lovers of spicy flavor. Used for marinades, for flavoring meat and pulses, even as a beverage - in the form of tea. And usually a pinch is enough.
Curcuma as medicine (curcumin)

Outside the kitchen, the bright orange root has a number of health-friendly properties. Or at least so (many people think this is another succession of herbs).

But when talking about turmeric in medicine, it's more about a particular ingredient of the plant - a compound called curcumin.

Curcumin
It is the curcumin that is attributed to the beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to purify free radicals and is an effective option for detox.

There are a lot of studies exploring the effect of turmeric on various diseases, and in some cases the results are quite promising.

Curcumin as an anti-inflammatory agent - the anti-inflammatory processes in the body are one of our most powerful weapons against diseases. Curcumin has proven to promote the beneficial flow of anti-inflammatory processes, thereby enhancing our immune system and making us more secure.

Turmeric as an anti-depression agent - there are several different scientific studies that demonstrate the positive effect of curcumin on depression. As a result, there is an additional decrease in depressive symptoms in patients already taking other antidepressants.
 

Turmeric as a medicine for osteoarthritis

Some studies have shown that taking a turmeric extract alone or in combination with other herbal ingredients can reduce pain and improve the condition in people with osteoarthritis of the knee. Some places even compare it to ibuprofen. But how faithful are these statements will leave to doctors to judge.

Turmeric as a cholesterol regulator

Is thought to lower triglyceride levels in the blood and help regulate bad cholesterol in the body. But while there is promising evidence, to date the collected scientific information on the topic is rather inadequate.

But curcumin accounts for only 5-7% of the root composition, so the intake of turmeric in the form of spice is not enough to draw on these benefits. Therefore, medicaments containing specially synthesized extracts with a high content of curcumin are used in medicine.

In addition, turmeric is an effective remedy against many other ailments. Some of these include Alzheimer's disease, pre-diabetic condition, various inflammatory processes related to the immune system, sore throat syndrome (swollen stomach), acne, headache, etc.

Unfortunately, in these cases, it is often said "by heart", as there is not enough scientific evidence gathered that will surely confirm the beneficial properties of turmeric on these diseases. And to say it honestly, it will hardly be our first choice for medicine if it comes to that.

Are there side effects of taking turmeric?
In medicine, turmeric (or curcumin) is administered either orally (orally) or in the form of some ointment. Fortunately, in general, it is considered safe as long as it is accepted according to the instructions given.
Still, though rare, some people complain of stomach irritation, diarrhea and dizziness.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid curcumin in any of the following cases:
-In diabetes (because curcumin has the ability to lower blood sugar).
-In reproductive problems (because it is believed that curcumin lowers -testosterone levels when taken orally by men).

-In pregnancy and breastfeeding, doctors recommend avoiding taking turmeric in the form of a medicine or food supplement, but its ingestion in food is considered harmless.

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