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Have you ever been curious about the ginger-like spice called “turmeric”? Well, curiosity kills the cat, they say, and I’m about to do that, but literally by telling you some turmeric benefits I bet you didn’t know about.
Turmeric, popularly called Kurkur in Hausa, is not just a ginger-like spice or a cousin to ginger; its morphology is that of a rhizome, and it is grown and found underground.
Turmeric could either be fresh or dried. The dried ones are ground into powder, which gives them that distinct yellow color.
It is believed that turmeric originated in India, as we all know, India is the land for spices of all varieties, such as black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, etc. Other countries are Asia, Thailand, South Africa, and our very own country, Nigeria.
Nigeria is a developing country, and in regard to that, we are very involved in anything and everything. Nigeria is a major producer of spices over the years and subsequently very much involved with providing health benefits associated with many other common spices.
Now that you’ve grasped what turmeric is, looks like and where it originated from, let’s take it up a notch. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you some health benefits associated with turmeric.
But before that, let’s talk a little about chemistry. Just a little, I mean who likes Chemistry, right? Not me!
The active ingredient that gives turmeric all its benefits below is “Curcumin”. Curcumin is a chemical compound found in turmeric which is responsible for the distinct yellow color.
In its active ingredient, it is potent as it is packed with powerful biological properties which include anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, etc.
Other than the anti-bacterial, and anti-microbial properties of turmeric, another added benefit is in anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Anti-inflammatory is a biological property found in turmeric that helps in reducing irritation, inflammation, or swelling. This is mostly seen on the skin when we have irritation or an allergy to something, it swells and itches. On the other hand, anti-oxidants help in preventing or slowing damage to cells. In a short sentence, these two help in fighting and repairing damage in the body.
In curcumin, these properties are found in and such, turmeric is blessed with health benefits and skincare benefits.
Remember I said just a little, well that’s it. Now, let’s explore.
Turmeric is believed to help in relieving pain mostly in athletes and in general. Studies have shown that turmeric can help manage pain in arthritis and depression.
Remember the biological properties – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory? As a result of this, turmeric helps reduce the risk of many diseases including heart, diabetes, and certain cancers.
It has the potential to fight diseases and it is also found in pineapple, blueberries, kale, fish (salmon), tomatoes, olive oil, oranges, cherries, and spinach.
Turmeric is mostly used in powdered form and as much as it unlocks this turmeric benefit, it can also be used dried. This helps in giving our meal not just color but also flavor. Remember the distinct yellow color of turmeric, yeah.
It also is used in flavouring; I mean have you perceived turmeric? Its flavor is overwhelming, sits between bitter and sweet but it stains the recipe a lot with that abundant color.
Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your rice and you instantly get flavoured-coloured yellow rice!
Humans are the main consumer of this spice and as such, it aids in the digestion of food. Have a problem with indigestion? The active ingredients seen in curcumin contribute to healthy digestion due to its biological properties.
Cosmetics is a feminine thing; we all know that but do you know that turmeric is incorporated in your cosmetics? Now you do!
Cosmetics involves chemicals and turmeric is a chemical. So why not?! Cosmetics are made to enhance one’s appearance and examples of them are concealer, primer, concealer, foundation, etc.
Don’t be surprised when you find curcumin in cosmetics product ingredients.
This yellow magic can be effective in treating various skincare conditions, including acne, pimples, and psoriasis. Curcumin is packed with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-oxidant properties and as such, it aids in this.
It is a culture among the Hausas to have their bride engage in “Dilka”. This is like a complete spa and skincare which involves her whole body being rubbed with turmeric to make her glow for her special day. Other tribes have most definitely involved themselves in this. You should too.
Turmeric can be added to rice for a unique color and flavor.
Add a teaspoon of powdered turmeric to a face scrub for clearer skin.
Incorporate this into aloe vera gel and rice flour to make a face scrub. Add in aloe vera gel for smoother skin.
Add dried turmeric into boiling water, and mix with ginger for tea. This has been proven to cure sore throat.
Add a pinch or a teaspoon of turmeric to your smoothie for a unique taste (add my smoothie article)
In conclusion, let’s give curcumin a lot of credit, as it is the main reason why this rhizome is packed with these benefits. Have you made use of it to unlock these turmeric benefits?
With these highlighted above, I hope you make a move toward the next store to get the powdered form or the dried form. Don’t forget to tell me when you do.
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