Turmeric is probably the most common spice you'll see in an Indian household. In the rest of the world, the health benefits of turmeric have been recognised very recently. Turmeric, also known as 'Miracle Spice' because of its benefits to our body are beyond imagination. Turmeric is a significant source of the polyphenol curcumin loaded with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The active ingredient curcumin present in turmeric is also a powerful antioxidant long known to have anti-carcinogenic properties.

A study that describes the miraculous properties of turmeric says, 'It (Turmeric) aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and performance in active people. Besides, a relatively low dose of the complex can provide health benefits for people that do not have diagnosed health conditions. Most of these benefits can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. '

Here Are The Proven Health Benefits of The Curcumin-Rich Turmeric:

  • High cholesterol: High cholesterol is a problem that is affecting a vast population and also paves the way for heart ailments. If your cholesterol levels are high, you might want to include turmeric in your diet as it can help lower levels of blood fats called triglycerides which can help your body lower cholesterol levels.

  • Depression: Many research suggests that curcumin, a chemical found in turmeric helps reduce depression symptoms amongst many people. If you have depression or are borderline depressed, you may want to include turmeric in your diet to reap its benefits.

  • Cancer: Did you know turmeric has shown potential usefulness in the cancer treatment? Dr Tushar Jadhav, Consultant, Surgical Oncology from Hiranandani Hospital says, ' Curcumin has been found to possess anti-cancer properties due to its multi-pronged approach against cancer growth. It inhibits the growth of cancer, is a potent anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, antioxidative and liver-protecting agent, particularly against cancers of the liver, skin, pancreas, prostate, ovaries, lungs, and head and neck.'

  • Hay fever: One of the health benefits of Turmeric is its effects on hay fever symptoms. Studies have evaluated the effects of Curcumin in reducing hay fever symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, Depression and congestion.

  • Osteoarthritis: Research proves that taking turmeric can help people having extracts, Osteoarthritis. Turmeric combined with other natural ingredients has been claimed to help reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Some research also compares turmeric's pain-relieving effects with ibuprofen for reducing osteoarthritis pain.

  • Metabolic Syndrome: A study suggests that Turmeric has positive effects on people having Metabolic Syndrom. The study says, 'Metabolic syndrome(MetS) which includes insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elevated triglyceride levels, and obesity, especially visceral obesity. Curcumin has been shown to attenuate several aspects of MetS by improving insulin sensitivity, suppressing adipogenesis, and reducing elevated blood pressure, inflammation, and oxidative stress.'

  • Peptic Ulcers: Turmeric has been known to benefit people suffering from Peptic Ulcers. A study evaluating the benefits of Turmeric says, 'Turmeric was also found useful in healing peptic ulcers. In phase II clinical trial, 45 patients with peptic ulcer received capsule-filled turmeric orally in the dose of 2 capsules (300 mg each) five times daily. After 4 weeks of treatment, ulcers were found to be absent in 48% of cases. After 12 weeks of treatment, ulcer-free cases increased to 76%.'

  • Wound-healing ability: Remember the time your parents applied turmeric on our wounds? That is because turmeric is rich in wound-healing properties. A study proves that turmeric is known to help you heal wounds faster.

Apart from these health benefits, various studies have also evaluated its benefits for many other health conditions. A study says, 'Turmeric is used as a herbal medicine for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic anterior uveitis, conjunctivitis, skin cancer, smallpox, chicken pox, wound healing, urinary tract infections, and liver ailments.' The study further describes its health benefits by saying, It is also used for digestive disorders; to reduce flatus, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, and colic; for abdominal pain and distension; and for dyspeptic conditions including loss of appetite, postprandial feelings of fullness, and liver and gallbladder complaints. It has anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antimicrobial, and carminative actions.' There's a never-ending list of Turmeric health benefits, and healthy people must include in their diet. A little bit of turmeric powder goes a long way; you can add it to your tea or simply sip some turmeric- milk also called 'Haldi Doodh' in India.

(References: Turmeric, the Golden Spice/ Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2018 11:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).