There is a great diversity of plant species in nature, many of which are edible for humans. Fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, cereals… all of them are an essential part of our diet.
In addition to them, we can also find other types of plants that we use more as a condiment, although they continue to be of great relevance to us and are even part of the traditional gastronomy of multiple cultures.
One of them is turmeric, which in addition to being one of the main ingredients in curry, has been part of Asian cultures such as India since ancient times and is increasingly receiving more attention due to its numerous beneficial properties. It is about this vegetable that we are going to talk about throughout this article.
It is known as turmeric an aromatic herbaceous plant which is part of the Zingiberaceae family and whose scientific name is Curcuma longa. This plant is native to the territories of Southeast Asia, where it has been well known since ancient times, and unlike others, it does not reproduce by seeds but by using cuttings. The part of turmeric that is most commonly used is the rhizome or underground stem, from which the roots originate.
The best-known use of this plant is gastronomic, in which it is generally used as an aromatic spice (which is obtained by crushing the rhizome of the plant) and used as a condiment in different preparations, including the famous and already mentioned curry. It is also sometimes used in infusions. Yes ok It is a traditional food in Asian countries and especially in India little by little the use of this spice has been expanding.
In addition, it is also sometimes used as a food that helps treat various conditions and minor ailments, many of its properties being known since ancient times and some of them being endorsed by science. It also has other uses, such as dye or colorant.
In this sense, an orange food dye, E-100, has also been generated, in addition to being used in the coloring of paints and clothing. It is also part of various religious and cultural traditions (for example, it is one of the plants that is used as dye to draw the traditional mark on the forehead that the Hindu population usually wears).
Main benefits and properties of this plant
There are multiple properties and benefits that have been attributed to turmeric, some of which have been verified at a scientific level. Generally one of the elements that has been studied the most at this level is curcumin, the natural dye derived from turmeric. Below we will present some of the best-known benefits and properties.
1. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Various research carried out in animal models seems to indicate that the administration of turmeric and/or curcumin has anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the emission of cytokines (which are pro-inflammatory) and inhibiting that of inflammatory prostaglandins.
In this sense, it can be useful in conditions such as arthritis or psoriasis, and It has been shown to be effective in reducing edema and granulomas, in addition to the treatment of asthma. These effects are observed in different organs, both at the ectopic and respiratory levels, among others.
2. Antitumor effect
Although it is far from being a miraculous product in this sense, it has been observed that the administration of turmeric has a certain anticancer effect, contributing to reducing the growth of neoplasms by inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factors and various interleukins (which favor the development and tumor growth). Its anti-inflammatory property also contributes to this.
3. An interesting antioxidant
Other proven properties of turmeric are its action as an antioxidant, through which stops the generation and effects of free radicals that cause cellular aging These effects have been seen at the blood level, protecting against the oxidation of hemoglobin and lipids. This also includes a protective effect against Alzheimer’s, by reducing the appearance of beta-amyloid plaques.
4. Hypoglycemic and helps against diabetes
Some studies carried out indicate that curcumin has hypoglycemic capacity, that is, it contributes to reducing blood sugar levels. Besides It has also been observed that it favors an increase in insulin and a reduction in cholesterol.
5. Protects the intestine and liver
Partly thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity, it has been observed that turmeric contributes to maintaining good health of the digestive tract, as well as having hepatoprotective properties. It also facilitates the flow of bile, something that also facilitates the digestion of fats.
6. Healing
In addition to being used as an anti-inflammatory on the skin, turmeric has also been used topically since it also has antioxidant and astringent effects, something that helps wounds close It is used for example in burns.
7. Protects the heart, reduces cholesterol and prevents heart disease
It has been observed that turmeric is useful in preventing heart ailments, since reduces inflammation and oxidation that can promote them and also has antiplatelet capacity In this sense, it is very useful since it makes the creation of thrombi difficult and also contributes to reducing cholesterol.
8. Antibiotic properties
In addition to all of the above, it has been observed that turmeric has antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal effects, something that helps fight some infections and parasites.
9. Its usefulness in HIV is being investigated
Some studies suggest that turmeric and products derived from its active ingredients may be useful for people suffering from HIV, since it appears They contribute to slowing the expansion of the retrovirus by affecting the HIV-1 protein
10. Improves mood
Finally, it is worth mentioning that another of the interesting properties of turmeric is the fact that it helps reduce levels of stress and depression by contribute to modulating the neurotransmission of certain hormones
