In recent months, turmeric (by the way, did you know the correct pronunciation of turmeric?) Has become the number one product for anyone interested in healthy living and healthy nutrition. It is added to foods, drinks, cosmetics. This spice surely surpasses ginger and lemon in popularity. And, for example, Natalya Osmann always keeps turmeric in her purse - it helps to maintain health and energy during numerous flights.
The BeautyHack editors deal with experts - nutritionist, Ayurvedic doctor and cosmetologist - what is the power of turmeric. And is it really worth keeping it with you at all times? (Spoiler alert: definitely yes, but not for everyone)
Actually, the main thing you need to know to deal with this superfood: turmeric is a plant, and its main active ingredient is curcumin. Often they say "curcumin" to mean "turmeric", so it's always about the powder, and not about some isolated substance.
There is turmeric root, but it is difficult to buy it. The powder of this plant is more accessible, but it is not inferior to the strength of the effect of the freshly ground root. There are also supplements with turmeric - but you cannot drink them without first passing tests. Turmeric is added to cosmetics too.
How each of these variations affects the body, we will figure it out.
Natural antibiotic, anti-cancer agent and other properties
Natalia Zubareva
physician specializing in endocrinological health and hormonal nutrition
- Turmeric, in my opinion, is the most miraculous plant on earth. This is such a useful and saving root that it is not in vain, probably, recently researchers in different countries have taken it so seriously. Today there are thousands of studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of curcumin in a variety of health conditions. And they were all registered in the Pubmed database held by the US National Library of Medicine. There are five highly bioavailable forms of curcumin today.
One of the most important and well-known properties of curcumin is anti - inflammatory. And due to the high content of antioxidants, this substance strengthens the immune system five times, and sometimes even more: better than the usual vitamin C! This is a really effective remedy for the prevention and treatment of colds, especially in the season of viruses and colds.
Curcumin can also fight microbes in the mouth. There are many curcumin gels and liquids recommended for conditions such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). They have been proven to be as effective as chlorhexidine.
Curcumin is also prescribed for body maintenance. It reduces cravings for sweets and fats.
Contains antioxidants
They "kill" free radicals, help to remove toxins, strengthen the immune system
Participates in fat metabolism
Promotes weight loss
Contains curcumin
Blocks cancer cells, prevents breast cancer
Suppresses the growth of bacteria
Works as a natural antibiotic
Affects brain function
Improves cognitive function, increases performance
Contains turmerone
Heals wounds on the skin, has an antibacterial effect
In addition, the substance lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and normalizes the blood composition.
It is also a powerful natural antibiotic that regulates bowel function. Research has shown that this ingredient is able to lower markers of inflammation such as interleukin and C-reactive protein (CRP). This means that curcumin can help treat acute and chronic diseases such as bacterial, viral, fungal, rheumatic, and others. In Germany, it is used to treat problems related to the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in Chinese and Indian medicine.
There are studies confirming that the substance is an anti-cancer agent.
Curcumin is able to slow down the growth of cancer by 58%.
The greatest efficiency was found in the fight against tumors of the mammary, prostate and pancreas.
Curcumin also affects brain function: it reduces stress by neutralizing the action of one of the most damaging free radicals - peroxynitrite. As a result, cognitive functions are improved, and performance is increased.
Turmeric for prevention: where and how much to add
As a spice, turmeric is combined with most foods. Most often, its powder is added to rice and potatoes. It can also add spice (and also usefulness) to your breakfast: add turmeric, for example, to oatmeal, omelet, pancakes, toast, bread. For any dish, just half a teaspoon of this seasoning is enough.
Turmeric drinks are also popular. For example, Natalia Osmann adds it to milk or water. “If I'm not feeling very well, I just stir literally a teaspoon of turmeric with milk or water and drink it. To get used to the taste, you can stir half a spoonful,”Natalya told us (read her interview here). The blogger also noted that sometimes ginger and honey are added to milk or water with turmeric.
Sati Casanova often makes turmeric tea. In a two-liter thermos, she mixes one teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of grated ginger, 5-7 pieces of cloves, a handful of rose hips and berries of currant or lingonberry. She pours all the ingredients with boiling water, insists and then drinks the drink during the day. “This tea is useful not only for the immune system, but also for cleansing the body, it can be drunk with detox, as it also helps to remove excess fluid and relieve swelling. The only thing: the drink has a slightly sour taste, so it may not be liked by sweet lovers. In this case, you can add a little brown sugar or honey,”the singer advised the readers of BeautyHack.
Ayurvedic turmeric treatment and contraindications
Mohammedali Palasseri
Doctor of Ayurveda, Ph.D. in Cardiology, Chief Physician of the Ayurveda and Yoga Center "Kerala"
- Turmeric is actively used in Ayurveda. With its help, you can improve the digestion process, cleanse the blood, eliminate joint pain, neutralize toxins and significantly improve skin condition.
It is recommended to use turmeric oil and plant root and extract. The root is a source of iron, iodine, vitamins B and C, phosphorus.
Turmeric extract has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, so gargling with a mixture of a pinch of turmeric and salt in half a glass of water helps with inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) and inflammation of the pharynx (pharyngitis).
With bronchitis, you should breathe burnt turmeric. But you need to do these inhalations very carefully: use half a teaspoon of the powder.
For mild (first) degree burns, it is effective to use a paste of aloe and turmeric juice.
However, with all the beneficial properties of turmeric, it should not be used for gastritis and irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as with increased Pitta dosha. It is usually characterized by symptoms such as pale yellowish skin color, frequent hunger, and irritability and temper. You can accurately calculate your dosha (or body type according to Ayurveda) on the Internet, by answering a few questions about yourself.
Is turmeric in creams safe?
Ksenia Zubenko
cosmetologist at the TORI Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine
- Turmeric, or rather its main substance curcumin, is often used in cosmetology. The main properties of this ingredient are antitumor and antibacterial activity. Especially often, cosmetics with turmeric are prescribed for regular skin photodamage, causing inflammation, damage to the DNA of skin cells. Curcumin can also be found in beauty products aimed at fighting acne and enlarged pores.
In India, girls make homemade masks using turmeric: they add olive oil, honey, ginger or papaya to it. But in our conditions, such mixes can cause allergies or individual intolerance, therefore, before repeating a recipe for a face from the Internet, it is better to take tests and consult a specialist.
Fortunately, many beauty brands now (especially those that specialize in natural ingredients) are producing turmeric products for all skin types. And often they solve several problems at once, including moisturizing the skin and having an anti-aging effect.
