TURMERIC | The complete guide - Benefits, Dosage and Properties

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Are you looking for a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and purifying powers? We found you a real jewel. Turmeric! This medicinal plant is a member of the large family of zingiberaceae (no less than 1000 species, listed in 50 genera, which is not nothing!). In addition to its pretty color and its good little taste, turmeric is full of many spectacular virtues … Here we go, we tell you everything! Originally from South Asia, turmeric, haridra in Sanskrit, is a spice widely used in Indian cuisine for its taste properties but not only… Turmeric is also widely recognized by Asian medicine for its many preventive and curative virtues.

Quick Navigation • The benefits of turmeric • Dosage • Contra indication ?

Curcuma : Benefits

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory

Turmeric is mainly composed of starch and curcuminoids, natural pigments rich in antioxidants (hence its yellow color). This plant is one of the most antioxidant. Turmeric is rich in vitamins (C, E, K, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9) and fiber. It is also rich in mineral salts and iron and constitutes an important contribution of magnesium, potassium and calcium. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to fight against inflammatory pain, in particular osteoarthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, tendonitis; but also against joint pain. Turmeric is also effective against chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and ulcerative proctitis. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also highly recommended for athletes to reduce muscle damage and improve the recovery process.

Natural anti depressant

Turmeric is known for its soothing and anti-stress properties. These anti-inflammatory properties act against depression and without any side effects. Curcumin, contained in turmeric, activates serotonin, the hormone of good mood and promotes neurotransmissions. Thus, it leads to a regulation of moods. Turmeric is used against anxiety, chronic stress, sleep disorders and depressive states. It can also be combined with ginseng for better results.

The benefits of turmeric on the skin

Turmeric has healing, antibacterial, antiseptic and soothing properties and is used against irritations, itching and redness and light wounds and cuts. It also alleviates skin inflammations such as psoriasis, eczema and acne. It is used as a mask and applied to the skin (face and body) and also exists in the form of essential oil. Turmeric is a real remedy to fight against skin problems. Thanks to its antioxidant agents, it slows down the aging of the skin, reduces wrinkles, dark circles and fine lines. It is very effective against the drying of the skin. Perfect for very dry and atopic skin. It deeply moisturizes the epidermis. Turmeric restores radiance to your complexion, for a guaranteed healthy glow!

Turmeric for healthy hair

Turmeric restores vitality and strength to your hair. It is used as a hair care product. It is an excellent anti-dandruff that naturally purifies your hair and fights against itchy scalp. Turmeric strengthens and prevents hair loss.

Turmeric whitens your teeth

Turmeric is also used as an oral care, it eliminates bacteria and fights against inflammation of the gums. Don’t be fooled by its color, turmeric really acts on your teeth and guarantees you a natural whitening. Unlike chemical bleaching, it does not present any risk of infection and inflammation.

Turmeric helps digestion

Turmeric regulates digestion and intestinal flora and contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system. It protects the gastric mucosa in particular against a ferocious bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. It therefore prevents the risks of gastric ulcers. Turmeric is also used in case of digestive disorders, it reduces heartburn and stomach pain, nausea and bloating but also constipation and infectious diarrhea. Turmeric is also effective against food poisoning.

Turmeric and slimming

Turmeric is an ally in weight loss. Indeed, curcumin, contributes to the fat burning. This active agent promotes the reduction of body fat and bad cholesterol and acts against diabetes. Consumed daily, turmeric improves digestion and purifies the body. Why not combine it with chlorella for a good regulation of bad fats and blood sugar levels as well as an appetite suppressant effect? (Friendly advice!)

The action of turmeric against cancer

Scientific studies have proven that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin, the main component of turmeric, prevent the risks of cancer, especially of the colon, stomach, liver, skin and esophagus. Curcumin acts against the proliferation of cancer cells and increases the effects of cancer treatments.

How to consume turmeric?

Turmeric dosage

Turmeric is mainly consumed in powder, an essential ingredient of Indian cuisine, it is obtained by boiling and drying the rhizome. Turmeric is also found in the form of capsules, as a dietary supplement. It can also be used as a mask or as an essential oil to relieve skin problems. And for the followers of turmeric, know that it is also consumed in infusion. To optimize the benefits of turmeric powder, a dose of 1.5 to 3g/day is recommended. As for the capsules, in order to benefit from the antioxidant virtues of turmeric, a daily dose of 1000mg (i.e. 1g/day) is recommended, to be spread out over the day. The intake is to be divided according to the capacity of the capsules (often between 200 to 400mg per capsule). In infusion, you can consume up to 2,5g / day. These doses can be increased within the framework of a medical treatment supervised by a professional. And to boost its effects, you can consume it in addition to other plants or natural antioxidant products such as spirulina to strengthen the immune system, energize your metabolism and reduce fat accumulation. One last thing, in order to facilitate the absorption of curcumin by the body, it is recommended to consume it with healthy fats. So prefer capsules containing hydrophobic properties, present in olive oil or coconut oil. You can also choose capsules combining curcumin and piperine. This molecule contained in black pepper maximizes the bioavailability of curcumin, multiplied by 20 (it’s worth it and it doesn’t even sting!)

Turmeric, the side effects?

Turmeric contraindication

Taking turmeric is not recommended for people suffering from obstructions and gallstones, liver disease or stomach ulcer. In the following cases, it is necessary to be especially attentive to the dosage and seek the advice of a doctor. Side effects are rare (very rare indeed) but there are occasional discomforts such as bloating and dry mouth. Turmeric, generally consumed in powder form, is safe except for contraindications. As for the capsules, it is all a question of dosage because the concentration of curcumin is different. Capsules contain a high level of curcumin, which is why it is recommended to respect the dosage (so take it easy!)