Is turmeric just a spice? (Turmeric & Curcumin) Let's find out exactly what it is!

Turmeric is an indispensable ingredient in our kitchen. As you probably know, turmeric is much more than just a beautiful yellow color and aroma for soups and stews. Our grandmothers and mothers have been making turmeric milk for colds and coughs since childhood. They rub a little turmeric on wounds. So what exactly are the benefits of this little piece of turmeric? Let's talk about it in detail and simply today.

What is turmeric? What is curcumin?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the roots of a plant native to Asia. It belongs to the ginger family, to be precise. For thousands of years, turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for a variety of conditions, including skin conditions, allergies, and joint pain.

Now let's see what this superpower of turmeric is. It's called Curcumin . Simply put, it's the active ingredient in turmeric that gives it its characteristic yellow color and many of its health benefits. It belongs to a group of phytochemicals called polyphenols . These act as powerful antioxidants .

What are the benefits of turmeric and curcumin for our body?

Research has found that turmeric, especially the compound curcumin, helps our health in various ways.

Reduces inflammation and swelling (swelling) in the body

Inflammation is the inflammation that occurs in our body, such as swelling, redness, and redness. Although this is sometimes a natural defense response of the body, if it persists for a long time, it can cause many problems such as joint pain and intestinal diseases. Curcumin has a good ability to control these inflammatory conditions. Some studies have shown that curcumin, taken in high doses, is able to reduce inflammation as well as the painkiller ibuprofen.

Reduces the risk of chronic diseases

Due to its antioxidant properties, which we discussed earlier, Curcumin can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Harmful free radicals that accumulate in our bodies due to things like environmental pollution and smoking can damage cells and cause various diseases over time.

Help with pain management

Research shows that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can also help relieve symptoms of chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis.

Relief for mental health

While it is not a substitute for medication or treatment for conditions like depression and anxiety, there has been some positive clinical evidence that curcumin may help relieve symptoms. Turmeric is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help support healthy brain function.

For healthy skin

Turmeric also has antimicrobial properties. When applied to the skin, research suggests that it may help with conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and even help control skin aging.

For brain function

Early studies also show that curcumin may improve memory and overall brain health. It is also believed to be linked to a reduced risk of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

How do you use turmeric? How much?

Here's the important thing. No matter how much turmeric you add to your food, our bodies can't absorb the curcumin it contains. Most of it is easily excreted from the body. So to get the most out of turmeric, how you use it is important.

• With pepper: The compound piperine in black pepper can increase the amount of curcumin the body absorbs by about 2000%! That's why our ancestors used turmeric and pepper together for many medicinal purposes.
• With healthy fats: Turmeric is fat soluble. This means it dissolves in something like oil, not water. Combining it with a healthy fat like coconut milk, coconut oil, or avocado oil makes it easier for the body to absorb curcumin.
• Slightly heated: Heating over low heat for less than 15 minutes makes curcumin easier to absorb.

Typically, a teaspoon of turmeric powder that we add to our food contains about 200 milligrams of curcumin. However, this amount can vary depending on the quality of the turmeric. Some people take supplements containing curcumin in the form of pills. However, before doing so, you should definitely talk to your doctor and seek advice.

Side effects and who should be careful when using turmeric

Turmeric is generally safe for most people when used in amounts commonly added to food. However, taking it as a supplement in high doses or for long periods of time may cause side effects in some people.

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Stomach ulcers

Also, people who are allergic to turmeric may experience skin rashes and hives.

Those who need to be especially careful

If you have any of the following health conditions, be sure to consult your doctor before taking turmeric as a supplement.

If you are taking regular medication for another condition (e.g., aspirin, diabetes medication, cholesterol medication, blood pressure medication), it is very important to inform your doctor before using a turmeric supplement.