Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-known plant across the globe and was once described by Marco Polo as Indian Saffron.
Its popularity has earned it several names in most languages spoken in the world chief of which is the name ‘Golden spice’ for its golden yellow colour which is a characteristic colour of the active ingredient Curcumin in Turmeric, Hence the name Curcuma.
The medical use of Tumeric dates back to India 4000 years ago where it was used as a spice, and as a medicine to treat various ailments ranging from inflammation to indigestion.
Although Tumeric is cultivated worldwide, it is beginning to receive more attention in western medicine. More than 3000 articles focusing on Turmeric was published in the last 25 years.
The most valuable part of the Tumeric plant is the rhizome which is the underground part. It is golden yellow, that is what earned it the name golden spice.
Tumeric is used to produce a wide range of products such as curry powder used as a food seasoning and spice, capsule, dyes, turmeric tea, etc.



Six Health Benefits of Consuming Turmeric
1. Tumeric prevents Cancer
Researches point to the fact that Curcumin, the active ingredient in Turmeric can kill cancerous cells, disrupt the formation and growth of cancerous cells, slow down the spread of cancer cells, and also prevent the formation of cancer cells in rats.
Turmeric is highly effective against several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.
Although research is still ongoing in this field, Turmeric holds a promising future in cancer treatment in humans.
2. Reduces the risk of heart diseases
High Cholesterol levels have been directly linked to heart diseases and stroke, which, of course, is one of the highest killers in society.
However, studies conducted in 2008 shows that consuming Turmeric in moderate amount lowers the blood cholesterol levels, therefore, reducing the risk of heart diseases and stroke significantly.
3. Turmeric helps fight ageing and prevents Alzheimer's diseases
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties and a high amount of antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. There is a strong indication that turmeric increase life longevity, reduce brain degeneration rate, and also prevent Alzheimer’s and other age-related diseases.
Alzheimer's disease is associated with memory loss due to low levels of a protein (BDNF) which is responsible for keeping the neurons in the brain and spinal cord healthy. Thus far, researches conducted indicates that compounds in Turmeric can increase the levels of BDNF proteins responsible for healthy neurons in the brain and spinal cord, thus reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or any other age-related conditions significantly.
4. Turmeric can relieve arthritis
The active compound in Turmeric which is Curcumin is very effective against inflammations in the body. For people suffering from arthritis, following treatment regimen with Turmeric can be a safer way of combating arthritis. Since osteoarthritis is as a result of inflammation in the body, especially in regions with joints.
Also, topical application of Turmeric can help relieve arthritis pain, while consuming turmeric products can reduce drastically the risk of developing arthritis.
5. Turmeric helps to prevent, and treat diabetes
Curcumin in Turmeric can cause a significant decrease in blood sugar levels by boosting the insulin level in the blood.
Studies conducted with mice shows Turmeric is highly effective against type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Hence, staying free from diabetes starts with consuming Turmeric regularly.
6. Turmeric can boost your immune system and also help fight free radicals in your body
Turmeric is rich in multiple substances and antioxidants which can boost the immune system, and possibly stabilise the immune system in people with immune disorders.
The antioxidants in Turmeric helps the body to fight against free radicals in the body. Free radicals formed in the body are as a result of exposure to pollutants in the environment, including cigarette smoke and are responsible for several terminal ailments in man.
Antioxidants in turmeric work by attacking and destroying free radicals, prevent enzymes in the body from producing free radicals and also increase the activities of radical-neutralising enzymes in the body
Final thought
Curcumin which is the active ingredient in Turmeric is an effective anti-inflammatory agent, and has been used for centuries in India to combat inflammations and other conditions in the body.
Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective against a multitude of life-threatening diseases and conditions. Hence, when consumed in the right dosage, Turmeric can offer relief to a variety of ailments outside of the few illnesses covered by this post.
In our next blog post, we will focus on how you can process Turmeric into consumable forms such as tea, powder, spice, and ointment. Pls, keep checking back for updates.

Useful info.Thanks