A major ingredient of Asian cuisine, turmeric has been used both as food and medicine for a long time. Did you know that the yellow color in American mustard comes from an extract of turmeric? Due to its vibrant orange-yellow shade, turmeric is extensively used as flavoring and coloring agent.
The yellow of turmeric comes from a compound called as curcumin. It is found in a number of plants. However, turmeric has been known to be one of the richest sources of curcumin. Curcumin is the chief active compound found in the rhizome of turmeric.
Turmeric has a whole has a lot of remedial benefits. It is widely used in Indian and Chinese medicine. It has external as well as internal applications. External application of turmeric has been known to cure simple cuts, wounds, skin abrasions and burns. Turmeric also helps in dealing with acne problems and other skin-related diseases. Applying turmeric externally helps in relieving joint pains. Joint problems such as arthritis and tendinitis are caused by the inflammation of joints. Turmeric has anti-inflammation properties. External application of turmeric has been known to give relieve from joint pains.
Turmeric can also be taken internally. Make it a part of your diet. Add it to a pot of stew or soup. If you are fond of curries, you can add a teaspoon of turmeric to make the curry healthy and colorful. However, pregnant women have been often advised to reduce the intake of turmeric. The antioxidant property of turmeric helps in keeping your skin healthy. Also, it helps to fight against heart problems. Turmeric is often used as a cure for irritant bowel problems. It has also been used as a remedy for colitis.
Turmeric as well curcumin have been found to be a good therapeutic treatment than a preventive treatment. Curcumin has been found to delay liver damage. This is especially helpful if a person is suspected of Hepatitis C infection. This viral infection often leads to liver damage over a prolong period. This often leads to cirrhosis, a stage when the liver completely deteriorates. Curcumin might help in delaying the process of damage.
The curcumin content of turmeric has been known to be a good preventive measure against Alzheimer’s. Many studies suggest that turmeric has cancer-fighting abilities. Curcumin which is available in supplement form is generally used to deal with specific ailments. However, turmeric as a part of the diet is quite useful as a preventive measure against many health problems.