Curcuma Longa is a plant of the same family as ginger, native to southwestern India. It is famous for its orange rhizome, from which the precious spice known as Turmeric is extracted. It is famous for its aroma and the intense yellow color it brings to the dishes, but above all it is very valuable for its numerous properties and health benefits.
For all these properties and attributes, the Turmeric is known as the “queen of spices”, also called Indian Gold and Turmeric. For more than 4,000 years it has been used for its powerful medicinal properties. The phytochemicals it contains, such as borneol, turmenone, caffeic acid and especially curcumin, give it excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anticancer properties.
Properties and benefits of Turmeric
The beneficial properties of Turmeric are due in large part to the presence of curcuminoids, which are liposoluble polyphenols. Among them stands out Curcumina, which has many physiological properties. There are numerous scientific studies that support the medicinal properties and effects of Curcuma, which were already known since antiquity and were used in Traditional Chinese and Hindu Medicine.
Liver protector
Curcumin increases the content of glutathione, a very important tripeptide in the human body, known as the “master antioxidant”. Glutathione contributes to the functions of the liver and promotes the production of bile, helping the treatment of jaundice. Turmeric is an excellent hepatic and biliary tonic that protects the functions of the liver, favoring drainage. According to recent research it allows to eliminate biliary stones (cholecystokinetics). It deactivates harmful compounds with harmful effects such as drugs and toxins.
Antioxidant
The increase of glutathione has an antioxidant effect, influencing enzymes related to Redox processes that neutralize free radicals. It also extends the life of Vitamins C and E, which are exogenous antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory
Curcumin has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. It reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness of the joints. It alleviates inflammatory problems related to multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, and combats intestinal inflammation.
Gastrointestinal protector
Curcumin plays a key role in gastrointestinal protection. It is a natural anti-acid that acts very effectively against stomach acidity and gastritis. It increases the production of mucosa and protects the walls of the stomach. It also stimulates the bile flow to the intestine, improving the digestion of fats.
Anticancer, Antimicrobial and Antifungal
Curcumin inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi, such as Candidas. In addition, curcumin has proven anti-cancer properties. Glutathione favours the production of NK cells, also known as killer cells, which help the immune system destroy cancer cells or infected by viruses. Curcumin inhibits the protein cyclooxygenase-2, related to certain types of cancer. It is also a protector of DNA and an inhibitor of skin cancer, melanoma and breast cancer.
