What is turmeric for, properties and benefits :

Turmeric has multiple benefits for the liver, heart, digestive and immune systems, and skin. Find out what turmeric is for.

Have you ever wondered what that yellowish powder is that they have on the spice shelf in many supermarkets? Yes, the one that looks like sulfur called turmeric and that apparently can be added to stews. Well, today we want to remove you from doubts and tell you what turmeric is for, what are its properties, and benefits.

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What is turmeric

Turmeric is a medicinal plant, Turmeric longa (belonging to the same family as ginger), the root of which has a characteristic deep orange or yellow color. This root transformed into powder is what we commonly know as a seasoning or food coloring. [1]

Probably sometime someone in your circle has it, named as root saffron, or Indian sulfur, but in practice, we talk about the same element. So far it doesn’t sound like anything to you? sure? Then read the ingredients of a pot of curry powder, you will see how turmeric is one of its main and majority.

But, let’s talk about its origin to put you in a situation. Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia, where it has been around for twenty-five centuries of culinary use. And if we talk about medicinal use, then it could add many more because it is known for having properties against cancer, high cholesterol, or osteoarthritis among other diseases.

Properties and benefits of turmeric

We have advanced some of the most characteristic medicinal properties of turmeric, but we will not approach 10% if we leave it here, because it also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and digestive actions. Come on, a combo!

And this is where we are going to list some of the benefits of turmeric for the body. Some, because as we have said, the list is long and extensive.

• Improves digestion.
• Facilitates weight loss.
• Combat colds and flu.
• Avoid asthma attacks.
• Detoxifies the liver.
• Regulates the intestinal flora.
• Treat liver problems.
• It stimulates the immune system.
• Relieves inflammation on the skin such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis.

Due to all these benefits, and many others that have remained in the pipeline, turmeric is a good ally for treatments of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, gastric ulcers, or cancer.

How to take turmeric

But now comes another question, how do we take it? Because opening the jar and sprinkling directly on the mouth is not a plan … We know beforehand that the correct thing to do then is to put it in stews or dishes as a condiment, right? Or at least this is how it has been done for thousands and thousands of years. But, far from this, there are other ways to ingest turmeric, especially if we want its health benefits to intensify and be faster. In general, we distinguish three more feasible ways to consume it.

Turmeric infused

You just have to put four cups of water to boil. Add a teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce over low heat for 10 minutes. Strain the tea with a fine sieve in a glass, add honey and/or lemon to taste.

You can experiment with the ingredients and aromas until you find the option that you like, for example, you can add a slice of ginger to add flavor and therapeutic potential.

Turmeric in capsules

Today, turmeric capsules that are presented as food supplements already exist on the market. In this case, it would be advisable not to take more than one gram per day and consult a professional who can help us establish the correct dose.

Turmeric gel

We have already said that turmeric is a good ally for skin problems such as psoriasis, or even burns. Therefore, we recommend that you buy a cream with turmeric or make it yourself at home with a little aloe (Aloe Vera) and turmeric powder.

How to take turmeric for weight loss

Another of the main and best-known benefits of turmeric is that it helps the body lose weight thanks to its active compounds. Weight loss through turmeric is very natural and responsible, which is why its use in diets is so popular, but we must keep in mind that it is not magic, turmeric without a balanced diet and marked exercise routines is not useful for nothing, so first of all start by doing sports.

Now, if you want to include turmeric in your diet so that it helps you lose those extra kilos, you can do it in several ways:

• Using fresh turmeric: Introduce it into your meals to help your body activate.
• Turmeric infusion: You can make it with fresh or powdered turmeric.
• Turmeric water: Perhaps this is the easiest thing to make at home, you just have to prepare a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of the spice and a pinch of pepper and take it in the morning or at night.
• In capsules: Capsules, of course, are the most effective remedy. Besides, you can buy them mixed with other elements such as ginger, black pepper, green tea … All to help your metabolism to activate and lose weight easily.