Turmeric – Nutrition, Benefits, And Ways to Use the Golden Spice

Nutrition Value of Turmeric

Following is a short summary of the vegetable’s nutritional value (100g):

Turmeric Vitamin breakdown of 100g Serving :

Turmeric has over over 300 naturally occurring components. These are a handful of vitamins found with the root.

 Turmeric Mineral breakdown of 100g Serving:

Check out the loads of minerals in naturally occurring in turmeric.

Fun Fact 1: Turmeric, because of its bright yellow pigments, is widely used as a fabric dye. On the other hand, you can also use it as a cupcake frosting!

11 Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has seen widespread use over the past millennium, with demand projected to reach 1.7 million metric tons in the US by 2027 because of the wide range of health benefits turmeric offers.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties; one of the most prevalent reasons behind its popularity. When compared to other compounds and fruits such as watermelon, apple, etc., turmeric has been known to have the most potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties.

Anti-Oxidant

Turmeric has been known to have anti-oxidants that help the body reduce the number of free radicals in it. This process effectively cleans out the lungs and blood vessels, all while reducing the stress on your liver and kidneys.

Natural Pain-Killer

A study conducted in Mahidol University in Bangkok supported this claim, indicating its potency rivaled that of ibuprofen. When given an 800mg capsule each day, its effect was more evident in people suffering from arthritis in their knees.

Anti-Carcinogenic

Among the more researched benefits of turmeric are its anti-carcinogenic properties.

A study conducted by Cytokine Research Laboratory in the University of Texas showed that regular use of turmeric shields the pancreas and prostate against cancer and multiple myeloma, a condition where unwanted cells do not die and form a tumor.

Aids Digestion

Reducing Inflammation

Golden milk has been known to aid people in digestion, be it from mild indigestion or dyspepsia. Turmeric, a prime ingredient in golden milk helps reduce stomach inflammation.

Fiber Content

The fiber content of turmeric reinforces the intestines to push undigested food out faster.

Production of Bile

Turmeric stimulates the liver to produce more bile (up to 62% more), effectively improving your stomach’s capability of breaking down fat.

Soothing Ulcers

A study conducted by the Center for Gastroenterology in Hamamatsu South Hospital suggests that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can help individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis by soothing ulcers.

Aids Skin Health

From enhancing one’s beauty to simply healing cuts and bruises, turmeric has been used widely in Indian households thanks to its anti-bacterial properties. The benefits of turmeric are no less potent when applied to skin as when taken orally.

Its anti-bacterial function kills off germs residing in the pores of your skin, while the anti-inflammatory function helps the skin cool down, significantly reducing the chances of acne.

Reduced Cholesterol

Turmeric, when broken down, assists the digestive tract to break down lipids, thus reducing their impact on arteries. Not only that, when digested, curcumin has been known to clear arteries of lipids, thus reducing high cholesterol levels.

A study conducted in the Chung Shan Medical University Hospital showed that within 12 weeks, a significant decrease in cholesterol level was seen in people who had a 630mg curcumin tablet each day, thrice. This is known as turmeric’s lipophilic function.

Fun Fact 2: Turmeric has been used for nearly 4000 years as a culinary spice. It also used to have religious significance in the Indian continent. 

Improved brain function

One of the lesser-known benefits of turmeric is its ability to improve brain function. Curry has been known to assist in Alzheimer’s disease prevention.

A study conducted by the National University of Singapore suggested that for adults aged from 60-92 year old, cognitive function was much better in those who regularly consumed curry. One of the most important ingredients in curry is turmeric.

How to Use Turmeric to Gain Health Benefits

Golden Milk

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1-inch skinless ginger
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar[h2]
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Blend all the ingredients together untilthoroughly combined
2. Add black pepper and salt as per taste
3. Pour over salad and enjoy!

Turmeric in a Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana OR 3/4 cup frozen mango chunks OR3/4 cup frozen strawberries
• 1/2 to 1 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt, black pepper, and sweetener as per taste

Directions

1. Place your fruit, milk, vanilla extract, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper (to taste) in a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Add your sweetener (to taste) and more milk to thin as per your liking.

Turmeric Soup

Ingredients

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (or one teaspoon of plainsugar)
• Water
• Lemon (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix turmeric and honey (or sugar) into a mug
2. Pour in hot water and mix
3. Squeeze lemon on top (to taste)

Fun Fact 4: In 1280, Marco Polo described turmeric as exhibiting qualities similar to that of saffron.

 Side Effects of Turmeric

Despite the numerous health benefits of turmeric, excessive usage might have certain side-effects. Although there are no serious side-effects associated with this vegetable, people can experience the following in case of overuse:

1. Dizziness
2. Nausea
3. Upset stomach
4. Diarrhea

The most severe case ever reported was that of a man who took over 1,500 mg twice daily, and experienced an abnormal heart rhythm.

Small amounts of turmeric can also settle the stomach of pregnant women with no side-effect to the baby.

If you’re wondering whether or not to add turmeric to your daily diet plan, you should definitely do so. The benefits of turmeric far outweigh the side-effects, and if taken properly, can be the perfect addition to your healthy diet plan.