Turmeric continues to surprise researchers in terms of its wide-ranging health benefits. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. It contains compounds with medicinal properties and most of you would agree to this as you are well aware of its unique earthy taste and the most common haldi dud (Turmeric milk). Haldi is every Indian household’s go-to fix for a variety of health problems. Indians have known it for a long time! Nevertheless, turmeric has achieved recognition globally as well. A recent study published in European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences journal, have found out that turmeric is more effective than popular painkillers at easing the pain of injuries. After less than three weeks, taking a key component of the Indian staple spice known as curcumin eases injured rugby players discomfort just as much as paracetamol does, but without any side effects. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

According to study author, Dr Francesco Di Pierro from Milan-based Pharmaceutical company Velleja Research, the naturally-derived, curcumin-based product could represent a promising, safe, analgesic remedy in painful osteo-muscular conditions associated with intense, high impact physical activities.

Here are some benefits of turmeric: 

Benefits of Turmeric (Photo Credits: @hillaryIhahn/ unsplash.com)

Skin Care

Turmeric keeps your skin healthy in many ways. It keeps pimples away and clears acne scars which makes your skin flawless and glowing. The anti-inflammatory properties in it help healing a cut and soothe irritation.

Digestion Improvement

It is good to consume raw turmeric while you suffer from a digestive problem as it treats the condition well. The major components of the spice stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile that instantly makes the digestive system efficient. Turmeric also lets your body burn a significant number of calories that leads to weight loss. So, if your body is not fighting any inflammation, let it focus on losing weight. It is also known as an Immune Booster!

Treats Menstrual cramps

Many women suffer from severe menstrual discomfort that includes cramping, bloating, excessive bleeding and mood swings. Well, turmeric is the precise thing that you have been looking for. The soothing nature of the herb’s natural compounds can relieve most symptoms of menstruation.

Treats Depression

Curcumin is a versatile substance and the research has even explored its effects on the hormonal balance of the body. It has a similar effect as Prozac (a drug used to treat depression) on individuals who are suffering from depression, mood swings, anxiety and stress. This makes it an influential alternative to pharmaceutical routes.

Prevents Cancer

Turmeric is one of the best herbal approaches to the treatment or prevention of various types of cancers. The most extensive research on turmeric’s cancer prevention effect has been in colon cancer. This makes turmeric a wonderful addition to any diet.

These were few out of many benefits of turmeric. It has been used as a great herbal remedy in arthritis and heart diseases too. But excessive usage of anything is not good and same is the case with turmeric. Consuming large quantity of turmeric increases nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea. Add a little amount of turmeric in your regular diet, enhance your mental health and stay fit.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 23, 2018 03:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).