Nowadays, turmeric is a very popular plant as a condiment in certain Asian countries, especially in India. Do you know this spice? Beyond all its culinary properties, the truth is that it is a powerful natural remedy that was highly appreciated in ancient times. Throughout this article, we will tell you what it can do for your health and how it has evolved over the centuries. Will you join us to find out?
A journey through history with turmeric
Turmeric(Curcuma longa) is a plant with a root very similar to ginger, from which the famous spice is extracted. It has a strong flavor and a characteristic golden color that is compared to saffron. In fact, Marco Polo describes it in 1280 as follows:
“A vegetable exhibiting qualities similar to saffron.”
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However, to go back to the origins of turmeric, we must travel to 2500 BC. as revealed by findings from potsherds in New Delhi (India). Traces of turmeric itself, as well as ginger and garlic, were found in these rudimentary utensils, proving its use since ancient times.
Although it has been very present in gastronomy, as well as in cosmetics and as part of natural remedies, it was not until 500 B.C. that it was definitively established as a fundamental part of Ayurvedic medicine. If you are wondering what this is, you should know that it is nothing more than an Indian healing system based on natural medicine that has been passed down from generation to generation to the present day. Some of the things that Ayurveda assures about turmeric are:
- In juice: helps to heal bruises and wounds.
- In smoke: inhaling it relieves nasal congestion
- Paste: it is used to treat multiple skin problems such as chickenpox, smallpox, or even shingles.
Subsequently, in 700 A.D., it landed in China, and a century later, in East Africa. It was not until the 18th century that it reached the New World, specifically the island of Jamaica.
Currently, this species is known worldwide for its gastronomic role, although its medicinal properties are not so well known among the population. However, they have aroused the interest of the scientific community.
Scientific support today
Turmeric seems to be gaining relevance again due to its important anti-inflammatory properties. There are even studies that satisfactorily compare its effects with those of Ibuprofen, but, unlike the latter, without toxic effects for the organism. Thus, this spice is able to combat acute, subacute and chronic inflammation without generating gastric irritation, nor negative effects on the central nervous system.
This is due to curcumin, an active ingredient that, in addition to being curative, gives it its unmistakable yellow color. Among its benefits we can highlight the following:
- It has antioxidant effects that protect healthy cells, especially those of the colon, from carcinogens. It also promotes the elimination of mutated cancer cells to prevent their spread to other areas of the body.
- It is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. Consequently, it is suitable for the relief of sprains and the stiffness and swelling of joints caused by rheumatism or arthritis.
- Contributes to control cholesterol levels and cardiovascular diseases.
- It has beneficial properties for the respiratory system. In this sense, it helps to treat bronchial asthma, whooping cough, catarrh or bronchitis.
- It promotes tissue repair and wound healing, processes in which inflammation is a determining factor. Therefore, its use is recommended for the treatment of scars, anal fistula or any other ailment that requires tissue repair.
- People with diabetes can also benefit from turmeric. According to some studies, curcumin seems to be able to lower blood sugar levels and reduce complications associated with diabetes mellitus. This anti-diabetic action is believed to be the result of its action on pancreatic cells to stimulate insulin production.
If you are interested in taking care of your health and well-being from a natural approach, remember that at Phytogen Medical Foods we are at your disposal. Just as in ancient Asia, we use the power of turmeric to relieve joint aches and pains with our product Olimina3. In addition, it has the properties of extra virgin olive oil polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids. Undoubtedly, a food supplement that will contribute to the proper functioning of the joints. Would you like to try everything it has to offer? If so, don’t hesitate.