What is turmeric and what is it for?
June 02 2023 – Melissa Alvarez
Turmeric is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family. This species has a lot of interest in the culinary, medical and scientific world. Curcumin, the active component of turmeric, is a polyphenol that has a large number of benefits for the body.
Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian treatment system, recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions, primarily chronic pain and inflammation.
Most of the benefits can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; Turmeric has been found to improve liver function, reduce the risk of cancer, improve digestion, arthritis, anxiety, metabolic syndrome and hyperlipidemia. Likewise, it helps in the management of inflammation and muscle pain induced by exercise, thus improving recovery and performance.
Ingesting curcumin alone does not generate these benefits due to its poor bioavailability and poor absorption. It needs components to increase its bioavailability, such as piperine, the active component of black pepper, which increases its bioavailability by 2000%.
Additionally, a relatively low dose may provide health benefits to people who do not have diagnosed health problems.
References:
Hewlings, S., & Kalman, D.S. (2017). Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods , 6 (10), 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6100092