Need a little spice in your life?
Manji, A (2018). Curcumin (powder form). Calgary, Canada
Curcumin is an important ingredient within turmeric and normally found in the the root of the turmeric plant, curcuma longa (1) . It is a spice that is found in every household. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and has long been used as a food colouring in most Asian countries as well as for its flavour and taste in addition to its medicinal properties (1) . When we talk about the health benefits of turmeric, it is actually curcumin we are talking about (1) . Curcumin is often described as the “golden spice” for its colour, taste, flavour but most importantly for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (2) .
Pure curcumin is extracted employing a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography process (HPLC)(3) .
Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin can help one live longer and healthier lives. Curcumin is known to cure inflammation, Arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, Asthma, Bowel Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, pain management, Diabetes, cold & flu, blood clots, lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and many more (4).
Curcumin with its anti-oxidant properties can provide natural glow and lust to the skin, heal wounds, helps with acne, scarring, treats Eczema, dry skin, and also slows down the aging process and wrinkle formation (2) .
It is only in the past few decades that western researchers have recognized curcumin also for its anti-cancer properties (5).
A lot of trials and experiments have been conducted to prove a maximum of 8 grams in either capsule or powder form is safe and well tolerated to take per day (6), yet a clear dose of curcumin has not been established (1). However, some mild side effects such as mild nausea, rash, diarrhea had also been reported but very rarely (7).
Some of the interesting facts about turmeric are:
1. Did you know India is the world’s largest producer, exporter and consumer of turmeric (8).
2. Turmeric is the main ingredient that gives its vibrant yellow color in curries,
3. It is also used as a dye in fabrics because of its brilliant yellow color
4. Turmeric is used in cosmetic creams to whiten the skin and for skin glow
5. Turmeric mask can be prepared from home along with honey, yogurt, and lemon for skin glow (8).
6. turmeric is natural antivenin for king cobra bites,
7. Mustard gets its yellow color from turmeric that is added to it as a coloring agent,
8. In Indian culture, Turmeric paste is used in wedding celebrations on the bride and grooms’ face, arms and legs to beautify and enrich skin complexion (8).
9. Turmeric is also popular and served as a tea in Okinawa, Japan (8).
References
1. Turmeric: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-662/turmeric
2. NDTV Food. (2017, August 18). What is the Difference Between Turmeric and Curcumin? Retrieved from https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/what-is-the-difference-between-turmeric-and-curcumin-1657211
3. Popuri, A.K & Pagala.B (2013). Extraction of Curcumin from Turmeric Roots. International Journal of Innovative Research and Studies, 2 (5), pgs.290-299
4. Ellis, A. (n.d.). IshaPur Turmeric Curcumin Extract with Black Pepper from Nature's Pure Source. Retrieved from https://www.turmericcurcuminshop.com
5. Evans, A. (n.d.). Turmeric: Amazing Health Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.manataka.org/page766.html
6. TurmericForHealthTeam. (2018, September 11). Ideal Turmeric Dosage [Updated]- How Much Turmeric Can You Take in a Day. Retrieved from https://www.turmericforhealth.com/general-info/ideal-turmeric-dosage-how-much-turmeric-can-you-take-in-a-day
8. Baidya, S. (2018, May 23). 15 Fascinating Turmeric Facts For You. Retrieved from https://factslegend.org/15-fascinating-turmeric-facts-for-you
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