Turmeric - the most studied spice on the planet

#The history of turmeric

Turmeric has been used in Asia for centuries. From India it spread to South-East Asia along with Hinduism and Buddhism, as the yellow dye was used to colour the robes of monks and priests. In ancient times it was used as a perfume as well as a spice. 

Turmeric was also found in Tahiti and Hawaii before any European contact. There is linguistic and circumstantial evidence of the spread and use of the spice by the Austronesian peoples in Oceania and Madagascar. In particular, the populations of Polynesia and Micronesia never came into contact with India, yet they widely use the spice both as food and as a dye.

Turmeric also became very popular in the West, where it was recorded as a dye plant by the Assyrians in the 6th century BC. In medieval Europe it was called "Indian saffron".

The roots of the plant have been used since ancient times as a spice, a textile dye and, in medicine, as an aromatic stimulant.

#Botanical characteristics of "Curcuma longa L."

"Curcuma longa L." - turmeric is a perennial herbaceous plant, a member of the botanical group Curcuma, from the ginger family "Zingiberaceae" - plants with tuberous rhizomes, or underground stems. 

The plants reach about 1 metre in height and bear long, simple leaves with long petioles (leaf stalks). The leaves emerge from the branched rhizomes that lie just below the surface of the soil. They are divided, lance-shaped and narrower at both ends. 

The small yellow-orange flowers sit in the axils of the waxy bracts, which are usually pale green or purple-tinged. The flowers arise from these leaves and are pale yellow, growing in groups of three to five.

The older rhizomes are slightly scaly and brown, while the young rhizomes are pale yellow to brownish-orange. 

#Distribution of turmeric

The greatest diversity of Curcuma species by number alone is in India, with around 40 to 45 species. Thailand has a comparable 30 to 40 species. Other countries in tropical Asia also have numerous wild species. 

They grow in a warm, humid climate and thrive only at temperatures above 29.8 °C. India, Sri Lanka, the East Indies, Fiji and Queensland (Australia) have the most favourable climate for growing turmeric.

The plant is widely grown both as a kitchen spice and for medicinal purposes. 

Many people grow this beautiful plant at home in pots or in their gardens, most often the species "Curcuma petolata" and "Curcuma roscoeana", without knowing that it is a flower whose rhizomes they use every day as a spice.

#Composition of "Curcuma longa L."

The root contains bitter volatile oils (turmerone, atlantone and zingiberene), which have pharmacological activity, a brown colouring, sugars, proteins and resins, 

starch, calcium chloride, wood fibre and a yellowish colouring known as curcumin.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the acceptable daily intake of curcuminoids as a food additive in the range 0–3 mg/kg. 

Curcuminoids and turmeric products have been classified as safe by the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the active ingredients of the root have neuroprotective, anti-tumour, anti-acidogenic and excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Curcuminoids therefore have therapeutic potential in the treatment of many chronic diseases that involve an element of inflammation, including colon cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases.

The main active ingredients of the yellow root include three curcuminoids: curcumin (diferuloylmethane, the main ingredient responsible for turmeric's yellow colour), demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

#Turmeric - a bright yellow Eastern spice

Grown mainly for its extremely beneficial roots, the spice boasts a very ancient history of use in cooking, fabric dyeing, cosmetics and traditional medicine. This is especially true in countries such as China and India.

#Culinary use

"Curcuma longa L." is one of the key ingredients in many Asian dishes, giving food a slightly bitter taste. It is used mostly in savoury dishes, but also in some sweet ones, such as "sfouf" cake.

In India the leaves of the spice plant are used to make special sweet dishes, patoleo, by layering rice flour and a mixture of coconut and the leaves, which are then closed and steamed in a special vessel (chondrõ).

It is also used in many products such as canned drinks, baked goods, dairy products, ice cream, yoghurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn, breakfast cereals, sauces and gelatine. 

It is sometimes used as a substitute for saffron. Adding turmeric to oils such as olive oil or sesame oil extends their shelf life thanks to its antioxidant properties. In addition, some orange and lemon drinks are now coloured with the yellow plant, which is considered safer than artificial colourings derived from coal tar.

The herb is a main ingredient of curry powder.

It has numerous uses in East Asian recipes, such as a pickle that contains large pieces of it.

#Turmeric - an impressive list of health benefits

Turmeric (also known as Curcuma longa) is a bright yellow Eastern spice that has been used across the whole of Asia for many centuries, and in the last few decades it has been adopted by the West, both for its ability to satisfy people's appetite for curry and above all for its impressive list of health benefits. And there really are many of them.

The herb and its powerful active ingredient - curcumin have a number of health benefits. 

Antioxidants have the potential to prevent cardiovascular disease, vision problems and Alzheimer's disease. 

And the anti-inflammatory effects can greatly help people with arthritis. The plant is also known to be able to reduce the risk or spread of cancer.

#Here are more advantages of using TURMERIC:

#Turmeric - a natural anti-inflammatory

Without doubt, although unpleasant, inflammation is a necessary process in the human body, as it fights dangerous elements and repairs the damage caused by all kinds of troublesome bacteria and viruses, as well as injuries. But that is only one side of the matter, as long-term inflammation is associated with many chronic problems such as heart complications and cancer. That is why it needs to be carefully controlled. 

Curcumin has proven, strong anti-inflammatory properties that block the action of inflammatory molecules in the body. Studies show its excellent effects in people suffering from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, among many others.

#Turmeric - an incredibly strong antioxidant

The active ingredient in the plant has been shown to be an enemy of so-called free radicals - chemically active molecules that cause a lot of damage to the body's cells. Free radical damage, together with inflammation, is a key driver of cardiovascular disease, so this ingredient may certainly have a hand in managing it.

The antioxidants in this beneficial root may also reduce the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.

#"Curcuma longa L." has anti-cancer effects

Numerous studies in laboratory animals have examined the influence of these extremely beneficial roots on cancer and found that they may have a solid effect on the formation and growth of cancer cells. Research suggests that the plant may even reduce the spread of the dangerous cells and may contribute to killing them.

The herb and its active ingredient may also counteract the effects of some carcinogens, such as certain additives used in processed foods.

#Turmeric helps fight skin problems

According to specialists, the spice helps reduce the symptoms of skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.

#Food for the brain - turmeric

There is growing evidence that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and help protect against Alzheimer's disease. 

The root works to reduce inflammation as well as the build-up of protein plaques in the brain that are characteristic of people with this type of dementia.

Another study of 60 patients showed that the medicinal spice was as effective as an antidepressant in treating depression, raising levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (reduced levels of this chemical are linked to depression).

#Turmeric may help with type 2 diabetes

As we have already said, the bright yellow spice may help fight inflammation in the body and keep blood glucose levels stable. That is why it may be a useful tool for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes. One study followed 240 adults with prediabetes and found that taking a supplement of the most studied spice on the planet for 9 months reduced the likelihood of developing diabetes. Research on the subject is still ongoing.

#Turmeric helps with viral infections

Next time it is cold outside, you may want to make yourself a tea from aromatic and colourful turmeric, because of its countless researched health benefits. Remember that it can help you fight off various viruses, including herpes and flu.

#Turmeric helps with premenstrual syndrome

A recent study that followed women over three consecutive menstrual cycles found that turmeric supplements helped relieve PMS symptoms. A study on the muscles of guinea pigs and rats suggests that it may also bring relief from menstrual cramps.

#Turmeric also has a potential benefit for high cholesterol

Some studies have found that it can lower LDL "bad" cholesterol, while others conclude that the spice has no effect. Scientists continue to look at its potential for protecting the heart. One small study found that it may also help prevent heart attacks in people who have had bypass surgery.

#The bright yellow spice - for arthritis

Turmeric shows promise in its ability to relieve joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. 

#The beneficial root - for acne

Some people claim that putting a mask of the bright yellow root on their skin or taking it internally will help fight stubborn spots - because of the reported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the spice.

#Are there any side effects

Turmeric is generally safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin appropriately for up to 8 months, and it does not usually cause significant side effects. 

However, some people may experience stomach upset, nausea, dizziness or diarrhoea.

#How to get the most health benefit from this beneficial root

Turmeric is the most studied spice on the planet. Studies confirm the numerous health benefits of consuming it.

Although it is most often used in dried powder form, it is also eaten fresh, like the herb ginger.

However, it has the fastest effect on our body in the form of a concentrated herbal extract - a herbal tincture.

#Herbal tincture with turmeric - "TONUS"

A concentrated herbal extract with turmeric and ginger is an extremely beneficial, supportive natural remedy for toning and energising the body.

Contains: ginger root and turmeric root

The herbs are taken in the form of a tincture, which:

• Gives energy.
• Improves tone and mood.
• Improves concentration and memory.
• Helps with physical endurance.
• Supports blood supply to the limbs and brain.
• Strengthens the immune system.
• Normalises the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Acts as a general tonic.

#The beneficial yellow spice - "Curcuma longa L."

Used for tasty dishes, with beautiful flowers and, above all, a root full of beneficial substances - turmeric is packed with numerous benefits for human health. It is the most studied spice on the planet - and there is hardly anything it cannot offer us. That is why it should be in every home.

Draw strength from nature and stay healthy.