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Are you ready for our new amazing medicinal plant adventure?
If so, I am glad to tell you that this blog will discuss the amazing health benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric is known as a spice flavoring, especially in India.
However, this spice root is not only good as a flavoring, but it also contains many health benefits that our body needs.
1. Turmeric contains antimicrobial properties
One of the amazing benefits of turmeric is that it contains antimicrobial properties.
Antimicrobial properties are known to kill microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa.
In an analysis published by the National Library of Medicine, a study suggests that turmeric is rich in antibacterial properties, a type of antimicrobial that can fight bacteria such as Bacillus species, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli), except Pseudomonas aeruginosa, where there was no inhibitory effect of the said bacteria.
Hence, we can conclude that turmeric can be used as an alternative way to fight several types of bacteria.
2. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties
Curcumin, as the bioactive compound found in turmeric, is believed to be the primary source of anti-inflammation.
In a 2021 article published by the National Library of Medicine, the study found that curcumin shows positive results for patients with related inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, atherosclerosis, and COVID-19.
However, although curcumin found in turmeric shows a positive sign and is seen to be a candidate drug for future treatment against several types of inflammatory diseases, further research is still needed to fully understand the effect of curcumin on these related inflammatory diseases.
3. Turmeric possesses antiviral properties
Curcumin is known as an active compound found in turmeric, which is responsible not only for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties but also for its antiviral properties.
A review article published by the National Library of Medicine strongly suggests that the curcumin compound found in turmeric indeed has antiviral properties. The result was based on 24 different viruses from 43 studies published from 1993 to 2020.
Some of the viruses where curcumin is effective are Influenza A, Parainfluenza virus 3, Hepatitis B and C virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and more.
4. It supports a healthy heart
Another benefit of consuming turmeric is that it supports our heart health against several risk factors for heart disease.
According to research published by the National Library of Medicine, a study shows that the curcumin found in turmeric shows positive result against heart-related issues, such as such as lowering blood pressure, improving arterial compliance, and combating oxidative stress.
Therefore, consuming turmeric may protect and help us against cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart failure.
5. Turmeric contains anti-cancer properties
Due to the curcumin found in turmeric, the primary source of its medicinal properties, it is evident that turmeric possesses anti-cancer properties.
Based on research published by the National Library of Medicine, the study shows that curcumin, which is the bioactive compound found in turmeric, is responsible for its anti-cancer properties and has shown positive results in fighting several types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer.
Moreover, another study published by the National Library of Medicine strongly suggests that curcumin can kill cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying. The result was based on their in vitro and in vivo studies.
Hence, we can say that turmeric indeed possesses anti-cancer properties that may help us to protect against several types of cancer.
However, despite its anti-cancer agent, further research is still needed due to its limitations, like low water solubility, low potency, and lack of target tissue specificity.
6. Turmeric supports weight management
Due to the presence of curcumin in turmeric, many experts believe that this compound may support weight management, especially in obese individuals.
According to a review published by the National Library of Medicine, the study shows that consuming turmeric can help individuals to reduce their weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). The result was based on multiple mechanisms of anti-obesity action, involving but not limited to enzymes, energy expenditure, and lipid metabolism.
However, despite its anti-obesity agent, further research and clinical studies are still needed to fully understand the long-term effects of curcumin as a mainstream therapy for obese individuals.
7. Turmeric serves as a natural antioxidant agent
The presence of curcumin in turmeric has caught the attention of many researchers that this may serve as a natural antioxidant agent.
According to a review article published by the National Library of Medicine, in vitro studies highlight that turmeric extract indeed helps us remove free radicals from our bodies and protect us against cell damage.
Therefore, consuming turmeric extract can help us protect ourselves against free radicals that cause oxidative stress and boost our natural defense mechanism against them.
While there is much evidence that shows turmeric is a good source of natural antioxidants, further research and clinical trials are needed to fully understand the effect of curcumin on our bodies, such as the effective dose, safety, and mechanism of action as an antioxidant agent.
So, What Does This All Mean About Turmeric?
Based on the data that we have gathered, it is clear that the presence of curcumin as an active compound in turmeric is a potent source of agents with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties.
Also, turmeric has shown properties that may support weight management and heart health.
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