Little known benefits of natural medicine turmeric

In previous publications, we have repeatedly emphasized that health is highly dependent on various factors, part of our lifestyle. Today we will again focus on how to stay healthy, this time with the help of the turmeric plant.

We will also share:

•   little known benefits of consuming turmeric
•   what is the role of the substance curcumin
•   are there any contraindications to taking curcumin
•  how to boost your immune system with turmeric and honey

  Curcuma longa, called Turmeric, is one of the most popular spices all over the world. Surely when looking for turmeric recipes you came across definitions of it as "superfood", "healthy spice", and more. And while all of this is true, in the following sentences we will consider turmeric as a natural remedy. You'll find out what her apps have been in the past and how to consume her today to stay healthy. You will also learn about other substances that make it an effective tool to combat osteoarthritis. And in order to answer all the questions asked in the most comprehensive way, we will first look at the following…

Little known benefits of consuming turmeric

Originated in Southwest Asia, the Turmeric plant was one of the most famous medicinal herbs of the past. In its drug form, turmeric has been used primarily as an anti-inflammatory agent. But she also successfully coped with:

• bleeding;
• jaundice;
• colics;
• menstrual pains;
• tootchache;
• bruises and others.

Nowadays spice is more popular for its peppery taste than for its medicinal properties. However, we should not exclude the health benefits that our regular consumption gives us. Some of it is due to its rich, vitamins and minerals composition.

Turmeric supplies 26% of the daily dose of manganese and 16% of the required iron intake.
It is a rich source of fiber and vitamins C, B, B2, B3, B6 and K. At the same time it enriches the body with potassium and magnesium.

As is well known, substances such as manganese and iron are essential for carrying out certain processes in the body.
Manganese, although in small amounts, helps to build connective tissue, strengthens the bones, and is also required for normal brain function and the nervous system.

Iron, on the other hand, plays an important role in the transport of oxygen from the body and helps in the proper functioning of the immune system. Its lack leads to various diseases, which are more common nowadays (eg anemia). Iron deficiency can be caused by frequent blood donation, excessive menstrual bleeding (one of the uses of turmeric in the past), also seen in people taking medicines that interfere with iron absorption.

In short, by deploying only a small fraction of the composition of turmeric - we understand that its daily intake restores the normal function of vital processes in the body. However, this is not all that a turmeric can help you with. One of the little known benefits of the Turmeric plant is related to its resistance to osteoarthritis.

 Osteoarthritis disease and its relationship with turmeric

You are probably wondering how the daily intake of turmeric could have a beneficial effect on a serious illness such as arthritis. Well, we go back to the past, where one of the plant's uses was precisely to treat inflammation.

Osteoarthritis, also known as a degenerative joint disease, is just that - inflammation of the joints. Although illness is often described in textbooks as "joint wear," it's not really the case.

Arthritis is not just joint wear but an active joint disease with an inflammatory component. [1]

 

Scientifically explained inflammation in the joints is an overproduction of inflammatory prostaglandins. Proof of which tissue samples were taken and examined from the knees of people with arthritis.

In simple terms, the prostaglandin, in the lipid group, is responsible for the relaxation and contraction of smooth muscle. In this way, it also affects blood pressure. Unfortunately, its role can by no means be described as positive, since prostaglandins are also involved in the development of inflammatory processes.

Once we have identified the culprits for the onset of osteoarthritis - there is no question - is there any way to counteract it?

From a study done in 2012, we learn that the secret lies in optimal nutrition and exercise [2]. A Chinese study described in the study reveals in more detail what constitutes optimal nutrition. The study focuses on the intake of pro-inflammatory and non-inflammatory foods. In other words, it shows us what we need to consume to counteract inflammation in the joints. Arthritis is not just joint wear but an active joint disease with an inflammatory component. [1]

Pro-inflammatory foods - those that help in the formation of inflammatory processes in the body are:

• meat;
• milk;
• fats;
• junk food.

Of course, it is about their excessive consumption and the health consequences of it. In case of balance disturbances, ie increased consumption of the abovementioned foods and reduced consumption of non-inflammatory foods:

• grain foods;
• vegetables;
• fruits;
• bean crops;
• peas;
• lentils;
• chickpeas.

- an imbalance occurs in the body. As a result of this disorder, diseases such as arthritis occur.

The reason that plant foods are so beneficial is the fact that the plants contain phytonutrients [3], which reduce the destruction of articular cartilage. They work against inflammation, fight to keep cells alive, and eliminate oxidative stress. You can learn more about the effects of oxidative stress in our publication “To fight aging: Science vs. Nature”

Okay, but where does the role of the turmeric plant stay? So far, we have only found that turmeric binds to Osteoarthritis through its anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, however, spice owes much of its curative properties to curcumin, which is derived from its roots.

The role of curcumin in Osteoarthritis

And although turmeric helps with many different ailments, including:

• bad cholesterol;
• inflamed gums;
• Alzheimer's;
• wounds and burns;
• detoxifies the liver;
• has a beneficial effect on leukemia;
• helps thyroid function;
• acts beneficial for depression;
• treats osteoarthritis and many others.

In fact, curcumin is the main ingredient that makes seasoning curative. Before taking a closer look at how curcumin slows inflammation in the joints - let's see what the facts say:

Frightening statistics from the study Epidemiology of osteoarthritis [4] show that more and more young people are prone to joint inflammation.  In this regard, when it comes to osteoarthritis, how many of you resort to alternative treatments?

In everyday life, people do not rely on optimal nutrition to solve the problem. Instead, they take various medicines known for their side effects with prolonged use. These include:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• aspirin;
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn);
• or ibuprofen(Motrin);

The results aren't really as encouraging as they should be. And this is a good reason to look at the benefits of the already mentioned curcumin, which has:

• antitumor,
• antioxidant,
• antiamyloid;
• and anti-inflammatory features

If you also suffer from excess weight and tension in your joints, all you can do is increase your intake of turmeric. Therefore, curcumin, which has been shown to reduce the formation of fat in the joints [6] and helps you get rid of harmful chemicals and inflammation.

Another study, Efficacy and Safety of Meriva [7], showed the effect of curcumin on patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

Participants are divided into two groups. One group was treated with the best medicines and the other was treated with curcumin. The results are not delayed.

Patients treated with curcumin showed significant improvement and could double the distance traveled daily. In addition, they reduce the intake of medicines and, accordingly, the side effects of them.

The side effects of osteoarthritis medications that occur - the most common are:

• irritation of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract;
• the appearance of an ulcer.

However, the list of “bonuses” that accompany drug treatment does not end there. For the other unpleasant effects of taking regular medicines, we learn from "Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis." [8]

This study examined about 100 patients diagnosed with knee arthritis. They are again divided into two groups. For 6 weeks, the first group received anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen (800 mg daily) and the second group concentrated turmeric extract.

People taking turmeric extract, ie curcumin, did just as well to overcome the symptoms as those treated with ibuprofen.

And although ibuprofen does well in treating osteoarthritis, it can lead to:

• ulcer;
• daze;
• bleeding / perforation of the stomach and intestines and others.

This is also taken into account during the studies.

It seems that taking turmeric extract - curcumin has as beneficial an effect on arthritis as it does with some pharmacological agents. The difference is that turmeric does not cause side effects. And here it is important to note that her intake is not suitable for everyone.

Contraindications for consumption of turmeric and curcumin

 It is recommended that people suffering from:

• biliary tract obstruction;
• podagra
• allergy to turmeric,

not to overdo it with turmeric. It is important to keep in mind that excessive use of curcumin can cause kidney stones. The absorption of this natural remedy is individual for everyone. Therefore, it is best if you suspect that you may be allergic to spice - consult a healthcare professional first.

Along with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric we have discussed so far - spice is also known as a powerful antioxidant. In this regard, we suggest you find out ...

How to boost your immune system with turmeric and honey

However, before we tell you a little more about the useful combination, let's say:

A few words about antioxidants

Antioxidants are bound to counteract free radicals in the body. They eliminate oxidative stress and have a beneficial effect on your skin and body. You can read more about their role in one of our previous post – „The antioxidants - a recipy for long life”.

But back to turmeric, which is also an effective antioxidant and boosts the immune system.

Scientists at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago have discovered,  hat exactly the foods that contain turmeric that can reduce the risk of leukemia in children. The spice provides protection against carcinogenic environmental pollution, which is another prerequisite to include it in your menu.

In this line of thought, if you are interested in turmeric recipes - you will surely come across quite interesting combinations. One of the ones we suggest you try is turmeric honey.

Benefits of consuming honey

Undoubtedly, honey is a cure for many diseases and a powerful, natural immunostimulant. Among the proven benefits of consuming it are:

• excess weight loss;
• cholesterol regulation;
• cleansing of the skin;
• improving heart health;
• improving memory;
• improving healthy sleep;
• cure for stomach problems;
• beneficial effects on the nervous system and others.

You may have heard of the so-called. Medotherapy, also known as Apitherapy (treatment with honey and bee products). It would certainly not exist if the benefits of eating honey were not numerous.

Like turmeric, honey is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You can consume honey even when you are not sick, because it strengthens the overall condition of your body. With just a few days of regular intake, you can see for yourself the benefits.

Curious is the fact that honey is absorbed extremely easily by the body. Its similar structure to that of the blood allows for complete absorption without stress on the various systems in the body.

The conclusion is that the more naturally and naturally you strengthen your body and your immune system, the more and greater benefits you will have. Imagine now what would be the effect of the combination of honey and turmeric ?

Apart from the main ingredients, which are honey and turmeric (in combination that doubles your health benefits) - this Golden Honey is also enriched with coconut cream and black pepper. Coconut cream is added for a better taste, similar to honey, which, in addition to enriching the benefits of the product, is also used to preserve the mixture. Black pepper was added for better absorption of turmeric.

The ingredients of black pepper and turmeric can actually be talked about a lot. They are better known as the so-called "life-saving combination".

"The combination of the two spices has a beneficial effect in the treatment of breast cancer, and in combination, they have anti-cancer effects," say scientists at the University of Michigan.

On the other hand, turmeric, unlike honey, is very poorly absorbed by the body. Black pepper enhances and improves absorption, so that turmeric shows its healing properties.

And if you are still not convinced enough that your health is tied to the lifestyle you lead… - then be sure to get Golden Honey with turmeric to make a difference.

Sources:

[1] F. Berenbaum. Osteoarthritis as an inflammatory disease (osteoarthritis is not osteoarthrosis!). Osteoarthr. Cartil. 2013 21(1):16 – 21.

[2] E. Dean, R. G. Hansen. Prescribing optimal nutrition and physical activity as first-line interventions for best practice management of chronic low-grade inflammation associated with osteoarthritis: Evidence synthesis. Arthritis. 2012 2012:560634.

[3] C.-L. Shen, B. J. Smith, D.-F. Lo, M.-C. Chyu, D. M. Dunn, C.-H. Chen, I.-S. Kwun. Dietary polyphenols and mechanisms of osteoarthritis. J. Nutr. Biochem. 2012 23(11):1367 – 137.

[4] T. Neogi, Y. Zhang. Epidemiology of osteoarthritis. Rheum. Dis. Clin. North Am. 2013 39(1):1 – 19.

[5] R. I. Issa, T. M. Griffin. Pathobiology of obesity and osteoarthritis: Integrating biomechanics and inflammation. Pathobiol Aging Age Relat Dis. 2012 2:1-21.

[6] P. G. Bradford. Curcumin and obesity. Biofactors 2013 39(1):78 – 87.

[7] G. Belcaro, M. R. Cesarone, M. Dugall, L. Pellegrini, A. Ledda, M. G. Grossi, S. Togni, G. Appendino. Efficacy and safety of Meriva®, a curcumin-phosphatidylcholine complex, during extended administration in osteoarthritis patients. Altern Med Rev. 2010 15(4):337 – 344.

[8] V. Kuptniratsaikul, S. Thanakhumtorn, P. Chinswangwatanakul, L. Wattanamongkonsil, V. Thamlikitkul. Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 15(8):891 – 897.