Health benefits of turmeric
MANY scientists have described turmeric as the queen of spices, the most effective nutritional supplement in existence, outranking a combination of several medications to provide superlative medical benefits for the brain, body, and skin.
Anti-ageing practitioner Dr Sandra Knight describes the age-old spice’s benefits as matchless, especially in the fight against inflammation.
“Turmeric has been in use for thousands of years mostly as an Asian spice. The powder is made from the turmeric plant and is the main spice in curry. It is also used as a food colouring. The research on turmeric has been extensive; its effectiveness in curing everything from the common cold to cancer have been hotly debated. One thing that all agree on, however, is that turmeric is an extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent, and since inflammation is the basis of most diseases, it is likely to be useful in many.”
She pointed out that turmeric has proven effective in the treatment of or soothing a plethora of medical conditions including arthritis, dyspepsia, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, H pylori infection, stomach ulcers, gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, a skin condition called lichen planus, skin inflammation and fatigue.
In recent times, Dr Knight said that research has shown that turmeric has contributed to a delay in the onset of type 2 diabetes, moderates insulin levels, improves glucose control, and increases the beneficial effect of treatments. Similarly, turmeric has been cited as cancer-starver — slowing the development, growth and spread of cancers, particularly colorectal cancer.
These benefits, she said, are directly linked to turmeric’s many components, including antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its many healthy nutrients such as protein, dietary fibre, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium and zinc. However, she noted that one of its active compounds, curcumin, is packed with a whole host of the health benefits attributed to the spice.
Dr Knight said the cosmetic industry has its fair share of praises.
“The beauty industry has also found many of the components of turmeric to be effective in the treatment of a myriad of skin-related conditions including acne, eczema, ringworm and scarring. Many of these conditions are treated using an anti-inflammatory mask, that also reduces oil secretion by the sebaceous glands,” Dr Knight said.
She explained that turmeric’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties also fight against pimples and breakouts, and restore or enhance a flawless glow to the skin. She listed other beauty benefits to include treating cracked heels, removal of facial hair, reducing wrinkles, and it’s reputed to be a natural hair dye and scalp conditioner.
Dr Knight said that turmeric is normally taken twice daily for nine months as a course of medicine, and in its powdered form is added to food or warm beverages or in the form of nutritive oil. She said that even if taken for longer, it is not known to cause any harm. She advised persons who are considering the use of turmeric for medicinal purposes never to abandon their prescribed medication, but instead should use turmeric alongside it. Discussion with your health care professional, especially when taking other medication, is also encouraged.
