Turmeric Root

Turmeric, a spice known to give a distinctive flavor to foods, is commonly found in South Asia. Turmeric is extracted from turmeric root, which is actually a rhizome. Turmeric root, after it is collected from the turmeric plant, is dried and crushed to form a powder. The plant requires an adequate amount of rainfall and a temperature of about 20 to 30 °C. It is used commonly in Indian, Malay, Thai and Persian dishes, besides it has several medicinal properties. In medieval times, turmeric was commonly called Indian saffron and was used as an alternative to saffron spice. You must be familiar with turmeric root for its food colorant and seasoning properties. Did you know about its benefits, too?

Turmeric Root Health Benefits
Turmeric root extract has a long history of being used for its health benefits. They are known to help in digestion, bacterial infections and some liver diseases. In the recent past, research has found that curcumin, a component found in turmeric, helps in protecting the liver cells and reversing liver damage, which may be caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and iron. Moreover, it also helps in increasing bile and enzymes production thereby, helping to digest fat and sugar. As turmeric helps in boosting enzyme production which digest fat and sugar, it is said to help in losing weight.

For a long time this has been used as a stimulating agent which helps in curing disorders of the digestive system. It has a mild aromatic property which helps in stopping stomach irritation, but you must ensure that you don't overuse it. The exact of turmeric root protects gastric mucosa, thereby easing digestive problems. It reduces formation of intestinal gas and is an excellent carminative, thereby helping in expelling gas in the intestine.

If you suffer from arthritis or rheumatism, you can try using turmeric as it has strong non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of curcumin deactivates cells that cause inflammation, thereby curtailing inflammation of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. In addition to that, it helps in decreasing muscle pains due to injuries.

The circulatory system is stimulated by the consumption of turmeric and as such, the heart and the circulatory system remains healthy. Curcumin, present in turmeric, helps in relaxing blood vessels, thereby regulating blood pressure and lessening the risk of heart attack. It is also used to relieve coughs, sinusitis and colds besides easing chest congestion.

Turmeric Root Side Effects
Turmeric has been used from time immemorial, and known for its medicinal properties, but like all other medicines, there are some side effects of turmeric, especially if consumed in excess. However, if taken in small quantities, they are not harmful and do not have any side effects.

As per traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, turmeric is useful for treating digestive disorders. However, if they are consumed in excessive doses, it may cause digestive problems. Digestive problems may include irritation of the stomach, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, heartburn and in extreme cases ulcers. But, these cases, indeed, are rare.

Several tests in the recent past on animals have found that turmeric consumption causes liver problem. However, there has been no reported cases of liver problem due to the consumption of turmeric in humans. It is known that the compound curcumin induces gallbladder contractions. If a person has bile duct or gallbladder problems it is advised not to consume turmeric as it may aggravate the problem.

Thus, turmeric root has excellent medicinal properties and can be used to cure several ailments.