Turmeric, the treasure of Ayurvedic Medicine

If you're one of those people who still don't know what turmeric is, where it comes from, what its properties are, and how to use it, stay tuned. Here we'll tell you everything you need to know to introduce turmeric into your diet.

What is turmeric and what is it used for?

Its scientific name is Curcuma longa and is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America and from which the rhizome (root) is used. Most of it is processed to obtain Turmeric powder . You've probably seen it in every supermarket and grocery store.

It is a plant of great versatility and is used in different sectors such as medicine, cosmetics, gastronomy and industrial food processing.

Its origins are believed to date back to between 610 BC and 320 BC. At this time, it was used as a dye for wool due to its intense yellow color. Later, it was adopted by Indian cuisine as food coloring and flavoring . If you read the ingredients in curry, you'll see that turmeric is one of the main ingredients.

The treasure of Ayurvedic medicine

Briefly summarized, Ayurvedic medicine is a type of holistic medicine (it has an integral view of the body and mind) which has been used in India for more than 5,000 years.

Does emphasis on good health and the prevention and treatment of disease through lifestyle practices (massage, meditation, yoga, change in diet ) as well as the use of herbal remedies.

That being said, you might still be wondering why this plant is classified as a medicinal plant. The reason is because turmeric has all the necessary properties for our body to function perfectly and keep infectious diseases at bay. On the other hand, there are other equally powerful spices such as ginger, maca, and spirulina. Discover them all in our defenses pack , a unique selection that combines the best of superfoods and spices to boost your well-being.

Properties and benefits of Turmeric

This spice, also known as yellow gold, is a great source of nutrients and substances such as vitamins C, E and K, niacin, sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc.

The compounds that give it its great medicinal properties are curcumin, demenoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. These compounds give it properties and benefits for the body such as:

• Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
• Stimulates the immune system
• Improves digestion
• Facilitates weight loss
• It has antibacterial properties
• Excellent antioxidant

Contraindications of turmeric

1. Drug interactions: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may interfere with some medications, such as blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are taking any medication, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any turmeric supplements.
2. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to turmeric, especially if they are allergic to ginger, cardamom, or dandelion. If you experience allergy symptoms, stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although considered safe for cooking, turmeric supplements should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety information.
4. Gallbladder disease: It can increase bile production and can cause problems for people who have gallbladder disease.
5. Digestion: This spice can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, flatulence, and heartburn in some people. These side effects can be avoided by taking turmeric with food or in the presence of black pepper.

Recommendations and how to consume it

Like any spice, you can include turmeric in countless recipes. It's most commonly used in Indian cuisine. However, You can add it to your stews, soups, creams, and sauces . I even use it in stir-fried vegetables.

Another of its common uses is in infusion . This is one of the most effective ways to benefit from the properties of turmeric. Especially for weight loss.

You can also add it to your favorite hot or cold drinks and even make the famous Golden Milk. Personally, I like to add it to my coffee every morning.

To optimize the absorption of turmeric in our body, consume it with powdered ginger, black pepper powder and a fatliquoring agent (such as olive or coconut oil)

Another use that can be given to curcumin is in skin care, today many people are concerned about having healthy and blemish-free skin, turmeric powder can help you not worry about this, if you want more detailed information you can consult our blog about the reasons to use turmeric on the skin .

Turmeric with pepper

Curcumin , the active compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Black pepper also contains piperine, a compound that increases the bioavailability of curcumin. You can learn more about products that offer these health benefits with our antioxidant pack , designed to combat these symptoms quickly and effectively.

By combining turmeric with black pepper, the absorption of curcumin in the body is increased, increasing its effectiveness.

Some studies have suggested that take turmeric with pepper It may help reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve heart health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve memory and cognitive performance, and may also help prevent or treat certain types of cancer.

Turmeric and pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is recommended to exercise caution when taking any supplement, including turmeric, as there is insufficient research on its safety during this time. It is advisable to avoid taking it during the first three months of pregnancy, as this is a critical period.

However, you can consult your doctor to verify whether or not you can take it; as we mentioned before, there isn't enough research to reach a clear conclusion.

Some recipes for taking turmeric

1. Chicken curry: You can make a curry paste using onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices. Mix it with diced chicken and cook it in a pot. Serve with basmati rice.
2. Vegetable soup: You can make a vegetable soup using onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, potato, pumpkin, turmeric, cumin, and cilantro. Cook everything in a pot until the vegetables are soft.
3. Turmeric Tofu : Marinate tofu cubes in a mixture of turmeric, cilantro, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cook in a pan until golden brown. Serve with rice or as a side dish.
4. Chickpea curry: Cook chickpeas with turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Serve with rice or naan bread.
5. Turmeric Fried Rice: Cook white or basmati rice with a little turmeric and onion. Fry it in a pan with olive oil, then add vegetables like carrots, peas, and scrambled eggs.

IN CONCLUSION

If you're thinking about changing your diet to a healthier one, if you want to lose weight, if you have intestinal problems, or if you simply want to include an ingredient in your diet that, in addition to color, aroma, and flavor, provides great benefits and properties to your body, turmeric is your ideal ingredient.