The many wonders of turmeric

MOST of us are familiar with turmeric because of its popularity in many of our locally adopted Indian and Asian-inspired cuisine. However, in recent years, the long-celebrated seasoning staple, which has for centuries been used in traditional Asian medicine, has gained increasing popularity in western countries. The reason, anti-ageing specialist Dr Sandra Knight says, is because of the litany of perceived health benefits.

“Turmeric has been used for thousands of years. It was mostly used as an Asian spice and is the main spice in curry, and is also used as a food colouring. Research on the health benefits of turmeric has been extensive; its effectiveness in curing from a common cold to cancer [for example] has been hotly debated,” Dr Knight told All Woman.

And while she says there have not been conclusive findings to support the far-reaching benefits of the spice, which is a cousin to ginger, Dr Knight said there is one thing that all health practitioners can agree on, and it is that turmeric is an extremely potent anti-inflammatory agent.

“While there is a need for more scientific research to confirm the proposed benefits, what we have seen through the use of turmeric in foods, as well as for health reasons, is how effective it is at treating inflammation — and since inflammation is the basis of most diseases, it is likely to be useful. Some of the patients who have noted positive results include those with intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, H pylori infection, stomach ulcers, gall bladder disorders, high cholesterol, a skin condition called lichen planus, skin inflammation and fatigue,” Dr Knight underscored.

In recent times, the anti-ageing specialist said research has also suggested that the compounds in turmeric may also be effective in the treatment of other conditions including diabetes, colorectal cancer, depression, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.

“While turmeric is a good plant, the usefulness of the spice comes from its active compound, curcumin. This is what has been extracted and is used in various medications, including oral and topical medications. When being consumed in its natural form, the turmeric powder, which is golden in colour, is usually added to food or a warm beverage,” Dr Knight said.

In some instances, the person may choose to take the turmeric powder with a nutritive oil. Typically, this is taken twice per day for nine months, because this is when most people report that they see the most significant changes in their health condition. Taken for longer periods, Dr Knight said is not known to cause any harm and would only continue to stave off inflammatory diseases, or at least their symptoms.

Turmeric has also scored high points in the beauty industry. Curcumin is used in a variety of skin preparations and cosmetic products because of its anti-inflammatory and antoxidant properties, as well as because of its anti-ageing proclivties. Some common skin conditions that turmeric is believed to improve include acne, eczema, ringworm, and bruising, swelling and skin irritations. It has other cosmetic benefits such as helping to restore a natural glow to the skin, slowing the ageing process, and reducing the growth of body hair.

Dr Knight said that turmeric-based balms are among the safest options used to treat skin irritations and other wounds because it is almost guaranteed that while other ointments and balms may cause irritation and reddening of the skin, it will not.

Have you managed to transform your body through weight gain or weight loss? Want to share your story with us? E-mail clarkep@ jamaicaobserver.com