Properties of turmeric, also known as “turmeric” in English or “açafrán de la India” in Spanish, is a spice derived from the root of the plant Curcuma longa. It is a spice widely used in Indian cuisine and many other Asian countries, and has also become popular around the world due to its medicinal properties.
Turmeric is known for its deep yellow color and slightly bitter, earthy taste. It contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese medicine to treat a variety of diseases and ailments, from digestive problems to arthritis and heart disease.
Curcumin has been shown to have beneficial effects on brain health, improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It has also been shown to have antitumor properties and may be useful in the prevention and treatment of cancer.
In addition to its use in cooking and medicine, turmeric has been used as a natural colorant in the food industry and in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products.
Popular Uses of Turmeric
Turmeric is used in cooking around the world to give flavor and color to food. It is a common spice in Indian cuisine, where it is used to make curry and other sauces. It can also be added to soups, rice, vegetables, meats and fish. In addition, it is used in beverages such as turmeric tea, which has become very popular in recent years due to its health benefits.
In traditional medicine, turmeric has been used to treat a wide variety of ailments, including digestive problems, inflammation, pain, infections, and skin problems. It has also been used to improve blood circulation, lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
At present, turmeric has become a popular dietary supplement due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been shown to help reduce inflammation and pain in diseases such as arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Its use in the treatment of diseases such as depression, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer has also been investigated.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, turmeric is used in the food industry as a natural colorant. It is also used in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products due to its skin properties.
Forms of presentation of turmeric
Turmeric comes in several forms, some of which include:
Powder: The most common form of turmeric is powder. It is made by grinding the dried root of the plant into a fine powder. Turmeric powder is used in cooking to give flavor and color to food.
Fresh root: The fresh root of the plant can also be used in cooking and has a more intense flavor than turmeric powder. It can be grated or thinly sliced and used in curries, soups, and other dishes.
Capsules: Turmeric can also be found in the form of capsules or tablets, which are used as a dietary supplement for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Liquid extract: Turmeric liquid extract can be used as a supplement and also in the manufacture of cosmetics and personal care products.
Essential oil: Turmeric essential oil is used in aromatherapy and in the manufacture of personal care products due to its skin properties.
In general, the most common form of turmeric used in cooking and medicine is powder, while capsules and other supplements are used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.
Turmeric Dosage
The dosage of turmeric depends on how it is used and how it is consumed. Here are some general recommendations for different uses:
Use in cooking: The amount of turmeric used in cooking is usually variable, depending on personal taste and the dish being prepared. As a rule, you can add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder per serving of food.
Use as a supplement: The recommended dosage of turmeric as a supplement varies depending on the source. In general, a daily dose of 500 to 2000 mg of standardized turmeric extract containing between 95% and 98% curcumin is recommended. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements, as they may interact with other medications.
Topical use: When using turmeric in personal care products or to apply directly to the skin, the manufacturer’s recommendation should be followed. In general, it is recommended to dilute turmeric essential oil in a carrier oil before applying it to the skin.
It is important to note that turmeric can have side effects in some people, especially when taken in large amounts. Therefore, it is advisable to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming turmeric as a supplement or in large amounts in the diet.
Adverse Effects of Turmeric
Although turmeric is generally safe and well tolerated, some people may experience adverse effects. Listed below are some of the possible side effects:
Gastrointestinal problems: Some people may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea after consuming turmeric in large amounts.
Allergies: Turmeric can cause allergies in some people, especially those who are allergic to ginger or plants in the ginger family.
Drug interactions: Turmeric may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, and diabetes medications. Therefore, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements or consuming large amounts of the spice in the diet.
Skin irritation: Turmeric essential oil can cause skin irritation in some people.
Liver problems: Rarely, consuming large amounts of turmeric can cause liver problems, such as jaundice or liver damage.
Overall, turmeric is safe and well tolerated in moderate doses. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking turmeric supplements or consuming large amounts in your diet, especially if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions.
Research studies on the properties of turmeric
Turmeric has been the subject of numerous research studies due to its potential health benefits. Below are some of the most relevant findings:
Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, including
curcumin, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in in vitro and animal studies.
Antioxidant properties: Turmeric is rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Curcumin has been shown to have antioxidant properties in in vitro and animal studies.
Effects on brain function: Some studies suggest that curcumin may improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Reduced risk of heart disease: Curcumin may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation.
Possible anticancer effect: Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that curcumin may have anticancer effects, although more human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
It is important to note that many of these studies have been conducted in animals or test tubes, and more human studies are needed to determine the health effects of turmeric. In addition, turmeric should not be used as a medical treatment for diseases without the supervision of a trained healthcare professional.
