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Facts about Turmeric

20 Turmeric facts

Better than an energy drink

The properties and benefits of turmeric sound like an advertisement for a health supplement. And that is true because turmeric is an affordable dietary supplement with proven effects. Here are some interesting facts about this "golden" drug.

1
Turmeric, also known as Indian saffron, is a perennial of the ginger family.

It grows wild in India, where around 40 to 45 species of Curcuma - a genus of plants in the Zingiberaceae family - can be found.

2
It originates from Southeast Asia and India.

The first mention of turmeric dates back to the ancient Assyrian herbal books.

3
The usable part of the plant is the rhizome.

Often branched, it is oblong, ovoid, cylindrical, or pear-shaped.

4
The primary ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.

It is a polyphenolic antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. The turmeric rhizome contains 0.5 to 5% of curcumin.

5
The turmeric rhizome consists of 60% starch, 20% fiber, 7% protein, and 5% fat.

6
Turmeric contains vitamins and minerals in marginal amounts.

These are B vitamins, vitamin E, and K, as well as calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, copper and zinc.

7
Turmeric has medicinal properties and is used as a spice and dye, in the cosmetic industry, and as an ornamental plant.

8
It is a herbal raw material.

Since the 1st century B.C., turmeric has been used as a remedy for menstrual pain, parasitic and respiratory diseases, and treating stomach ulcers, liver diseases and various inflammations.

9
Curcumin contained in turmeric shows an anti-cancer effect inside the infected cell.

It "searches" for malignant cells in the body and destroys them.

10
In their studies, scientists have found promising effects of turmeric in treating Alzheimer's disease.

The substances contained in turmeric are responsible for stimulating the brain cells.

11
Turmeric gives positive results in the treatment of personality disorders and depression.

12
Turmeric has a positive effect on the treatment of digestive ailments.

It stimulates the secretion of bile, gastrin and pancreatic enzymes.

13
Turmeric inhibits the multiplication of viruses and prevents the development of bacterial and fungal diseases.

14
It also has a positive effect on the eyes.

Research is ongoing into the effects of turmeric on the treatment of conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome and glaucoma.

15
Turmeric oil is used in the production of perfumes with an oriental scent.

In cosmetology, turmeric is used as a dye in many makeup products. In addition, people suffering from acne or having oily skin often use turmeric to prepare facial masks.

16
Turmeric belongs to the coloring plants.

Formerly, it was used to dye fabrics. Even a tiny amount of turmeric can dye the material intensely. Fortunately, stains are remotely easy to remove with a solution of hot water and bleach or vinegar.

17
Turmeric is used as a pH indicator in the production of indicator strips.

18
Turmeric is also an ornamental room plant.

19
Turmeric is a ubiquitous spice used in cooking, especially in Indian cuisine.

It is an excellent addition to dishes, cocktails and soups.

20
The body absorbs curcumin better in the presence of piperine.

To increase the absorption of curcumin, mix turmeric with a bit of pepper.

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