Curcuma: what it is, useful properties and contraindications.

Ancient legends say that turmeric was given to man by the gods. It is no coincidence that this spice known to everyone in India is called "holy powder". And indeed, this natural product has a lot of useful properties. It is widely used in the cosmetics industry, cooking, and the pharmaceutical industry. There are many unique folk formulas that are still actively used today for home therapy of a huge number of diseases. Thanks to the work of scientists, many useful qualities of turmeric are known, but research work in this area is still ongoing. Perhaps new discoveries will bring many surprises, but for now let's tell you about what the "golden powder" is famous for.

What is turmeric

Popular worldwide spice turmeric is nothing but the product of processing the roots of a herbaceous plant belonging to the Ginger family. This crop grows in southeast India, China, Peru, Indonesia and the Philippine archipelago. These regions have the most favorable climate for turmeric, otherwise known as a monocotyledonous plant, whose stems and roots contain the coloring substance curcumin. Therefore, even in ancient times, the herb was highly valued precisely for this quality. But, in addition to the natural persistent dye, today the plant is used on an industrial scale to produce essential oils for the production of medicines, perfumes and cosmetics.

Given the huge demand for natural raw materials, nowadays turmeric is grown on large areas with observance of all agrotechnical norms. When grown, the plant reaches a height of two meters, and during flowering pink inflorescences of amazing beauty appear on it.

To obtain the spice, the roots are first dried and then ground into a powder. But like many plants, turmeric comes in several varieties.

Types of turmeric

In most people's minds, turmeric is a spice with a bright saffron hue. But in nature there is also a white variety of the plant, or zeodaria. In general, there are over 40 species of this culture, but only four of them are commonly used:

1. Domestic or long turmeric. This type of plant, better known as turmeric, is a favorite spice in the East. Any national cuisine in Central Asia includes dishes using this spice.
2. Round turmeric goes to make starch.
3. Cedaria (citrine root) are small pieces that have a specific bitter flavor. Similar raw materials are used in the production of liqueurs.
4. Aromatic turmeric is the most popular version of the spice, widely used for culinary purposes.

How to distinguish the real turmeric from the fake

Unfortunately, the increased demand for a particular type of product is often used by unscrupulous sellers as an excuse for personal enrichment. Therefore, it is not easy to buy real turmeric today, because often skilled manipulators pass off low-grade fakes as high-quality spice. To avoid becoming a victim of fraud, you should conduct the following test for the authenticity of the product when buying: throw a pinch of turmeric powder in a glass or any other vessel with water. If the powder floats to the surface after careful mixing, it is a fake. Real turmeric will dissolve quickly in water.

The difference between curry and turmeric

Not all consumers are well aware of the characteristics of a particular spice. Therefore, when choosing products in this category, it is often necessary to know the distinctive characteristics of one kind of spice from another. Most often, buyers confuse turmeric with curry, although they are two completely different products. Their main differences:

1. Curry is a mix of different spices. Producers in different countries use this method to create authentic spice blends. There can be up to a dozen or more ingredients, but turmeric, curry leaves, and coriander are mandatory.
2. Curcuma, unlike curry, is a mono-spice. Often the product is called saffron for its specific hue.

How much turmeric you can eat per day

Turmeric is a herbal product that has a whole set of powerful effects. The results of numerous studies have proven that the spice is capable of having an effect on the body comparable to that of medications. For this reason, you should be very careful with the use of this product. When abusing the spice, even a healthy person can suffer, not to mention people with serious pathologies.

Specialists recommend not exceeding the norm, which is 5 g per day. With a competent approach, the regular use of turmeric will only benefit the body. To avoid possible mistakes, it is best to consult with a doctor about the advisability of using such a supplement to the diet.

Composition and Calories

Curcuma is one of the few herbal products that, when used in moderate quantities systematically, can not only have a beneficial effect on the body, but also stimulate important biochemical processes. Such unusual capabilities are due to the unique formula of the spice composition.

The list of main components includes:

1. Curcumin - a polyphenolic compound that has coloring properties.
2. Ascorbic acid is a substance that improves the immune system.
3. Essential oil - a natural aphrodisiac that improves the sexual performance of both sexes.
4. Vitamin group "B", which has a positive effect on the CNS.
5. Iron, which is necessary for the hematopoietic system to support normal hemoglobin levels.
6. Phosphorus, an element involved in almost all internal processes.
7. Vitamin "K" responsible for blood clotting.
8. Iodine - a substance necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
9. Calcium is the basic building material of teeth and bones.
10. Borneol is a derivative of essential oils, widely used in the production of cosmetics.
11. Fellandrene is a complex organic compound that is part of many medicines and cosmetics.
12. Sabinene is a liquid substance from the group of monoterpenes, which has a lot of useful properties.
13. Cingyberene is another essential ingredient that is in demand in the pharmaceutical and beauty industry.

The energy content of turmeric is 325 kcal per 100 grams of food, while the value of powdered spice is 312 kcal. It is worth noting separately that with a relatively low content of proteins and fats, the proportion of carbohydrates in the product is very high - more than 58 grams.

Useful properties of turmeric

It is quite logical that such a rich set of substances should provide a number of useful properties. The main advantage of turmeric is that the spice refers to natural antibiotics, that is, it can successfully treat mycosis, infectious and viral processes with its help. In addition to these effects, the product has the following properties:

• eliminates signs of inflammation;
• It is a powerful natural antioxidant;
• As a preventive agent it is used to prevent the appearance of cancer;
• Relieves muscle spasms;
• It has a positive effect on the overall immune system;
• Increases the secretion of internal glands;
• Well relieves pain;
• Has diuretic (diuretic) properties;
• dilates the vascular bed;
• Excellent fat burning, which is used in the process of losing weight;
• Helps relieve the effects of depression;
• It is a powerful expectorant.

To this we should definitely add that turmeric helps to restore the structure of the liver. Regular consumption of this wonderful powder can avoid Alzheimer's disease. The spice preserves youth and beauty, and also helps in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. The product cleanses the blood vessels of cholesterol and normalizes blood pressure. This list could go on and on, but if you want to use this powder for good purposes, you should always keep in mind a sense of proportion. And the most reasonable solution is to consult a doctor about this.

Now it is worth separately considering how useful turmeric is for people of different sexes and ages.

For women

Turmeric can be of great benefit for women's health, because in many ways the well-being of the fairer sex depends on the hormonal background. If there is a disorder in this sphere, caused by age changes or pathology of the female genital organs, simple recipes with this wonderful spice will help to cope with any problem. Curcuma is used even in the treatment of uterine myoma and endometritis.

Alternative medicine advises to use the healing powder to increase the volume of the breasts. Since the spice increases local blood circulation and stimulates the production of female hormones, you can achieve a significant result in this process without surgical methods.

For men

Due to the stimulation of blood flow provided by the spice, you can cope with the most common male problem - sexual weakness. The presence of spice powder in dishes will have a positive effect on the hormonal system, and the increased production of testosterone will restore normal potency in men. But, in addition to improving sexual performance, medics advise the use of turmeric for home therapy for prostatitis.

In pregnancy.

Although specifically turmeric is not prohibited for use during pregnancy, but any spice at this stage should be treated with extreme caution. We must not forget about the vulnerability and insecurity of the fetus, to which, through the umbilical cord, along with useful substances can get destructive components for him. In addition, it is necessary to take into account that turmeric in large portions increases blood circulation, and this threatens bleeding and premature birth. Therefore, the expectant mother is simply obliged to coordinate all changes in the diet with the gynecologist supervising the pregnancy.

While breastfeeding

A breastfeeding woman carefully monitors her diet, assessing the usefulness and safety of each product that comes to her table. There is no doubt about the benefits of turmeric. This unique product stimulates lactation and can serve as an excellent preventive measure against mastitis. In addition, after childbirth, women's bodies are severely weakened, and the immune system needs to replenish resources, which can be replenished by the composition of the wonderful spice.

If the mommy has no contraindications, it is worth considering the use of this product. But in this case, the doses should be minimal, and the mother should monitor the baby's condition. At the slightest manifestation of allergies, the specific product should be immediately excluded from the menu.

For children

It is no secret that most babies after three years of age eat with adults. For this reason, their plate often includes products that, due to age features, it is too early for them to eat. Especially this point should be taken into account when adding various spices to dishes, including turmeric. The acquaintance with gold powder can begin after the age of six, even in the case of therapeutic prescriptions. When this critical milestone is left behind, it is allowed to add the spice in the composition for coughs, remedies for parasites. But you must remember that an overdose, as well as improper use of the product, can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain and other unpleasant symptoms.

Older children are recommended to add turmeric to tea, lemon water, also a healing solution can be gargled in case of sore throat.

How to take turmeric for weight loss

Many weight loss recipes developed by folk healers and professional nutritionists contain turmeric as the main component. And this is a logical phenomenon, as the spicy product perfectly breaks down fats and accelerates metabolic processes. In addition to these useful for weight loss actions, the spice is good for cleansing the body of toxins and stimulates digestion.

Turmeric can be added to salads and main courses in the usual dosage for spices. Experts even advise you to chew the powder in small amounts and then drink water. To achieve more tangible weight loss results, you can use the following recipes:

Kefir with turmeric

A fermented milk drink with the addition of spice is very effective for weight loss. The recipe for preparing the remedy is as follows: you need to take 1 spoon each of water and turmeric powder, mix these ingredients to form a paste. Then enter the resulting paste into a glass of kefir, stir the spicy dessert well, then drink it completely. This recipe will be useful for diabetes.

Turmeric and water

This extremely simple recipe is very popular among women who from time to time are engaged in the correction of their figure. The presence of polysaccharides in turmeric instantly activates the immune system, stimulates the production of enzymes and bile, which creates favorable conditions for better digestion of food. Water with turmeric does not allow fat to be stored. In a week of drinking such a drink, you can easily lose 4-5 kilograms. The cocktail is prepared in the following sequence: half a teaspoon of turmeric powder should be diluted in a glass of warm water.

Tea with turmeric

There are several "tea" recipes, but we will stop at the simplest way of preparing the drink. You will need the following ingredients:

• boiled water - 0.5 l;
• turmeric - 1 tbsp;
• ginger (root) - 2 slices;
• coarse leaf tea - 3 tablespoons;
• cinnamon - a pinch.

All of the above components, except water, must be mixed, then pour boiling water. Before using, you can add honey.

All cocktails for weight loss should be drunk once a day. It is better to do it in the morning on an empty stomach, but you can also take it in the evening. Kefir drink is better to drink before going to bed, as it will help to fall asleep quickly, and also restores the normal microflora of the intestines. Kefir cocktail is optimal for days of detoxification. If on such days do not eat anything, but only drink kefir with turmeric, you can lose up to 8 kg in a month.

Curcuma in medicine

In traditional medicine, the range of therapy for the treatment of many diseases often include means with turmeric, prepared according to folk recipes. This natural product is used to prepare ointments, nourishing cocktails, remedies for rubbing and other medicinal forms. Let's focus on a few of the most common pathologies.

For diabetes

Diabetes disrupts carbohydrate metabolism, which causes insulin-dependent tissues to receive insufficient glucose. The pancreas, blood vessels and other organs are under great strain. You can set the course of metabolic processes with the help of vegetable cocktail with the addition of turmeric powder. Such a home remedy, if you drink it every morning one glass, will help to stabilize the sugar level. The ingredients of the vegetable drink are juices:

• spinach;
• cabbage;
• cucumber;
• celery;
• beet;
• carrot.

The listed vegetable nectars should be taken in equal quantities of 30 ml, mixed, add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric. The fresh drink should be taken on an empty stomach. This cocktail will increase the sensitivity of tissues to insulin and can prevent serious complications of diabetes.

For pancreatitis.

Since turmeric stimulates the production of gastric enzymes, it can only complicate the course of pancreatitis. Therefore, during the acute phase of the disease, patients are prohibited to use any spices. But in the period of stable remission in the chronic form of the disease, you can use saffron in minimal doses.

With gastritis

The ability of turmeric to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach can be used in the treatment of all forms of gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. But in this case, the combination of the spice with milk is more suitable. The drink can be prepared in a few minutes, for this you need:

• Boil 50 ml of milk.
• Grind into a powder three tablets of activated charcoal.
• Mix the charcoal powder with 10 g of turmeric.
• Pour hot milk into the resulting mixture.

Such a home remedy should be taken three times by the tablespoon. The recommended course of treatment is 21 days. This recipe will help well with problems with the work of the intestines.

For the intestines

To restore normal intestinal microflora, you can use an effective recipe based on turmeric: dissolve two teaspoons of powder in warm milk with a high percentage of fat. You can use homemade kefir. At the end of the cooking process add a pinch of ground black pepper, shake, then drink the cocktail. The treatment is designed for 3 weeks. After a two-month break, you can resume such therapy.

When constipation

Turmeric powder in small quantities is able to effectively clean the intestines and alleviate the condition of a person with regular constipation. You should apply this recipe: in a glass of milk, dilute a teaspoon without a handful of dry spice, add a little honey, warm the drink a little, but do not boil. You can also mix ginger powder with homemade yogurt. Such a dessert is best consumed after a meal or as a separate dish.

In gout

As a disease, gout was known several thousand years ago. And all this time turmeric was considered an indispensable remedy for this dangerous disease. It is known that the spice powder quenches pain, relieves swelling and inflammation, that is, it eliminates the main symptoms of gout. Such patients are recommended to add the spice to tea, milk, salads, mixed with honey. Such additions to the diet will block the development of the pathological process, and in three days the discomfort and discomfort will disappear.

But you need to remember that turmeric is not able to completely replace drug therapy. This type of treatment serves only as an auxiliary tool to the main therapeutic measures.

In colitis

Experts are ambivalent about the benefits of turmeric for colitis. Not long ago, this product was generally forbidden to use in inflammation of the intestines. But recent scientific studies have proved that the spice can speed up the healing process. But to decide whether to include this unusual product in the complex treatment can only a doctor, but not the patient or his relatives. Colitis is a serious disease. Therefore, any amateurism in its treatment is unacceptable.

For the liver

Curcuma to some extent is a natural hepatoprotector. Including this useful product in the diet of the patient will only stimulate the regeneration of the affected liver tissues. In addition, the sun powder has a pronounced choleretic property, and can also effectively cleanse the diseased organ of toxins. It is enough to drink a drink made from half a teaspoon of the spice, diluted in a glass of water, twice a day. Good helps with liver disease infusion of turmeric and celandine, taken in equal parts - 1 tsp. After mixing the main ingredients, pour a glass of steep boiling water. After half an hour of infusion, you can drink a third of a glass three times a day.

When hemorrhoids

When hemorrhoids, turmeric is used to prepare healing pastes and ointments. The remedy is applied externally to the problem areas. As a base for home preparations, it is recommended to use ghee. Also, oral intake of medicinal cocktails that improve digestion is not excluded.

In cholecystitis.

The universal spice is also useful in inflammation of the gallbladder, if it is used in moderate amounts and in strict accordance with the instructions. The powder relieves inflammation and increases the outflow of bile. These actions will not allow stagnation to develop and will prevent the formation of bile.

In case of anemia

Since the spice has iron in a fairly large amount, it can be used for anemia. The recipe for such therapy is simple - a small amount of powder (no more than 0.5 tsp.) should be mixed with honey. Such a combination will contribute to a good absorption of the product. You can consume turmeric in the form of dessert, if you add a teaspoon of gold powder to a cup of yogurt. The treat prepared according to this recipe should be eaten on an empty stomach in the morning.

With asthma

Get rid of an allergic cough and quickly knock out an asthma attack, you can use a home remedy, which is a combination of 1/2 cup of milk with half a teaspoon of spice. The drink should be consumed on an empty stomach three times throughout the day.

It is good for psoriasis.

The complex of useful effects that turmeric is able to provide can be used in the treatment of even the most severe forms of psoriasis. To this end, ointments or pastes for external use are prepared. But you should always remember that psoriasis is a systemic disease, so it needs comprehensive treatment.

Recipe for an ointment
Turmeric powder (1/4 tsp.) should be mixed with so much water to form a thick paste. The resulting mixture should be applied to the affected areas, and then bandage these places. It is best to do the procedure at night, then in the morning you will only have to wash off the ointment with warm water. Within a few days after such therapy, the positive result will be visible to the naked eye.

With psoriasis, you can prepare ointments of turmeric with aloe, as well as making an infusion of alcohol for internal use for 30-40 drops.

How to drink turmeric for medicinal purposes

Therapeutic cocktails and infusions with turmeric are recommended to drink according to the scheme that is optimal for the productive therapy of a particular disease. You should especially follow the instructions when using complex herbal compositions with many components for treatment. In general, when it comes to the therapeutic use of any folk remedies, it is better to consult with professional doctors. After all, turmeric is a very powerful natural antiseptic. Therefore, there is always a risk of developing side effects.

Liquid dosage forms should always be used immediately after their preparation, before the drug has not lost its therapeutic qualities. All compositions of fresh herbal ingredients are not subject to long-term storage, even in the refrigerator.

Curcuma in cosmetology

Rejuvenating masks with saffron were loved by the nobles of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. In those ancient times, the price of this magic powder was equivalent to that of gold. Even today, turmeric is not a cheap commodity. But modern technical possibilities allow to receive this most valuable product in such quantities that satisfy the demand of the cosmetology industry and medicine. Also lovers of home beauty treatments can freely buy good quality spice in the store or at the market.

Curcuma smoothes wrinkles, eliminates freckles and moisturizes the skin well. Here are some effective recipes for home use:

Turmeric face masks

Most often turmeric is used for the purpose of rejuvenation, that is, to eliminate from the dermis signs of aging. Regular masks are good for saturating the depleted dermis, even out face tone and relief, tighten the contour of the oval. As an example, here is an effective recipe for a mask that is definitely worth putting into practice:

1. Mix two tablespoons of kefir with a small spoonful of good honey.
2. Then add to the mixture a pinch of turmeric.
3. Apply the nourishing mass evenly on the surface of the face.
4. After a quarter of an hour, rinse the mixture off.

A powerful rejuvenating effect has turmeric extract, which can be purchased at the drugstore.

Women praise the mask, which consists of turmeric and colorless henna. These ingredients are mixed and poured boiling water. The mixture should be kept on the face for 15-20 minutes and washed off with warm water. The skin after such a mask becomes fresher, eliminating inflammation.

Hair Masks

Sun powder can improve the condition of the hair, especially if they are constantly exposed to the negative effects of the environment, dyes and other destructive factors. A nourishing mask, the recipe for which is given below, will help strengthen the hair and accelerate its growth.

Recipe: The juice of one medium onion should be mixed with an egg yolk, add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a third teaspoon of red pepper. After thoroughly mixing the ingredients, apply the mixture evenly over the entire length of the hair. For best results, you should wrap your head with polyethylene, and then wrap it with a towel. After half an hour, the mask can be washed off.

Using turmeric in cooking

The main purpose of the spice, when it comes to cooking gourmet dishes, is to give food a pleasant aroma and a bitter taste. This spice is used in ground form, as well as in spice mixtures, such as curry. The spice is not limited to the first and second courses, but is also added to desserts, alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

In what dishes turmeric is added

Here is a list of some dishes, the taste characteristics of which will greatly improve the presence of turmeric:

• Smoothie on kefir with vegetables and apple;
• Tender egg omelet, sprinkled with golden powder on top;
• tuna pasta;
• homemade sauces and vegetable salads;
• steamed vegetables;
• popular side dishes such as buckwheat and brown rice.

In principle, if health allows and there are no serious contraindications, it is allowed to include turmeric in reasonable quantities every day in the diet.

What you can replace turmeric with

The best substitute for turmeric is considered a curry, because the spice is one of the main components in the composition of this spice mixture. In addition, belonging to the Ginger family of crops allows you to replace it with ground ginger or parts of the root of this plant. You can also add cumin in dishes in the form of powder and seeds instead of turmeric.

Golden turmeric milk: benefits and harms

If you add turmeric to milk, the mixture will acquire a characteristic yellowish hue. Therefore, it is no coincidence that this healing drink is called "golden milk". In addition to the pleasant color, the remedy has outstanding features: it helps in the treatment of cardiovascular pathologies and liver, eliminates the signs of allergies, strengthens the immune system and prevents the development of cancer. Even a strong toothache will help to remove a magic drink made according to the following recipe:

• Heat a glass of milk.
• Dissolve in it a teaspoon of spice.
• Drink in one go the entire drink.

This is not the only recipe for "golden milk," there are also variations with the addition of almond oil, water and pepper. This cooking technique is called "according to Ayurveda" after its author. But this technique is more complicated and time-consuming.

If you drink "golden milk" in monthly courses twice a year, you will not have problems with sleep and significantly improve your overall condition.

Turmeric essential oil: benefits and uses

Turmeric essence is considered one of the most powerful natural antidepressants. This extract will help:

• cope with stress;
• improve sleep;
• increase emotional well-being;
• Improve natural elastin production;
• remove wrinkles from the face;
• Protect the skin from the harmful effects of the environment;
• Restore skin elasticity;
• remove acne and pimples;
• Remove an unpleasant oily sheen.

For aesthetic purposes, turmeric essential oil can be used after 30 years of age, when the first changes on the skin of the face becomes clear age. You can add the useful product in therapeutic and nourishing masks, in healing solutions for internal use, in ointments and other means.

When using the ether, you should follow the recommended dosage of the product:

• for a relaxing bath - 8 drops diluted with emulsifier;
• for a compress for sore muscles - 5 drops;
• for massage procedures - 7 drops per 15 ml of vegetable oil;
• for internal use - the norm is 1-2 drops mixed with honey.

Before using the essential product, be sure to conduct a sensitivity test. Essential oil is prohibited for use during pregnancy and children under 12 years of age.

Harm and contraindications

Despite such an impressive list of useful qualities, in some situations, turmeric can harm your health. Direct contraindications to the use of this spice are:

• urolithiasis;
• Ulcer disease and gastritis in the acute phase of the disease;
• Other pathologies of the digestive system in the acute period;
• cholelithiasis.

The seasoning should not be combined with the intake of such medications: Aspirin, Ibuprofen. Neglecting this rule can lead to bleeding.

An overdose of the spice can give side effects in the form of hypotension, digestive disorders, large blood loss during periods.

How to choose and store turmeric

It is very difficult to determine the naturalness of spices, because many sellers dilute the expensive powder with cheap mixtures and add dyes. Therefore, when choosing such a category you should conduct a simple but effective test for authenticity, which is described above. Of course, on the counter in a regular store you can hardly find a 100% authentic product. More chances to buy a quality seasoning on the market. Conscientious sellers care about their reputation and put on sale only good goods. True, even in this case there is a risk of being cheated.

You should keep turmeric in a dark glass container with a tightly lapped lid so that it won't lose its nutritional value for as long as possible. Leave the product for storage in a dark place, but it is better to put it in the refrigerator.

Interesting facts about turmeric

1. Turmeric used to be used as a dye for fabrics. It was especially widespread in India, the motherland of the crop.
2. Scientists studying the peculiarities of the Hindu diet discovered the following phenomenon: they eat fruits and vegetables flavored with turmeric every day. Hindus are noted for their good health and longevity.
3. In India, turmeric powder is an indispensable attribute of a wedding ceremony. The bride and groom smear a paste made from the product on each other's necks. It is believed that this ritual binds the young couple forever.
4. And the Malaysians use turmeric during childbirth: they smear the paste on the umbilical cord and the mother's belly after the birth of the baby.

Photo of turmeric