Covid- 19 turned out to be a turning point in not just our lives but in the lives of each and every individual on Earth. As we all know, the pandemic devastated the earth in 2020, drastically altering our lifestyles and eventually forcing us to stay indoors. Initially what turned out to be a simple quarantine turned into a lifestyle.
The fear of catching the virus and the safety of our loved ones, filled our minds with curiosity and search for alternatives that could boost our immunity. This prompted us to return to our ancient knowledge in the form of home remedies and natural food supplements, which brought us to our kitchens and compelled us to follow our 5000-year-old Ayurvedic history in order to improve our immunity and discover ways to live a healthy and safe lifestyle.
The comeback of Ayurveda
Ayurveda has traditionally served as a preventive strategy, focusing on daily and seasonal recipes and routines that would assist us in maintaining our health. The domination of Ayurveda has expanded dramatically in the last few years.
Natural herbs such as Guduchi, kalmegh, shunti, tulsi, yashtimadhu, turmeric, and Ashwagandha Ghan act as a strong immune modulator, eventually protecting us from any viral infections, relief from frequent cough, cold, and allergies, and will undoubtedly help us in these trying times.These natural medicines and home cures have helped people understand the true value of Ayurveda, which was our greatest issue prior to the pandemic.
How did turmeric find its way back into the kitchens?
Did you notice the emergence of tawny lattes, ice cream, and smoothies with a tint of a secret ingredient? That could indicate the presence of a not-so-secret ingredient: turmeric. This secret ingredient can be found in health food stores in the form of pills and powders.
Turmeric, a South Asian native, is one of the most popular dietary supplements. The spice brightens the cupboards of many Indian homes and is intertwined into daily life, cuisine, and cultural and therapeutic traditions. It is a member of the ginger family and has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic treatment. Applying turmeric to wounds is said to help fight infection. When combined with milk, it helps to relax the mind.
History of turmeric
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine in South Asia and China for over 4,000 years to treat illnesses such as rheumatism, acute pain, exhaustion, and respiratory issues. The Indians thought that the root’s curative qualities could treat a variety of diseases.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
Turmeric is praised for its ability to treat a variety of ailments, including high cholesterol, hay fever, depression, gingivitis, premenstrual syndrome, and even hangovers. It is thought to operate as an antiviral, antibacterial, and antiparasitic in Ayurvedic medicine, and has long been used to treat diabetes, pain, rheumatism, osteoarthritis, memory, and skin disorders such as eczema.
Turmeric has over 100 chemical components that aid in its therapeutic properties. Many cell pathway signaling molecules have been identified to be targeted by curcumin. At the same time, it shows signs of cellular activity. Curcumin is highly anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The various health benefits of turmeric are-
- Anti-Inflammatory
Turmeric’s most well-known health advantage is its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics, which allow it to reduce swelling and pain in illnesses such as arthritis. Inflammation is a major source of pain and discomfort. It may also play a role in the development of some disorders. Turmeric use lowers the likelihood of adverse effects from prescription anti-inflammatory medicines.
- Improves Immunity
The immune system defends the body against microorganisms that can cause sickness and infection. Turmeric has been proved to be one of the most effective nutrients for maintaining, protecting, and boosting immunity, lowering the risk of illness. Turmeric is antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial.
- Pain Relieving
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat arthritic pain. Several experiments have looked into this, particularly for arthritic patients. Turmeric has been known to relieve pain and help with wounds etc. It is common to consume turmeric and milk whenever someone is sick or experiencing a lot of pain.
- Antioxidant with High Potency
Turmeric contains antioxidants that aid in the fight against free radical damage and oxidative stress. One of the mechanisms thought to be at work in the development of many diseases and aging is oxidative damage. Curcumin can also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the body.
- Makes you smarter
Curcumin can enhance and increase levels of the brain hormone brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which promotes the creation of new neurons and protects the brain against numerous degenerative processes. As a result, turmeric has been used to try to prevent disorders like Alzheimer’s.
It is also known that it may also aid with memory and attention, which makes sense given its impact on BDNF levels.
- Turmeric may protect your heart.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Researchers have been studying it for decades and have learnt a lot about why it occurs. Unsurprisingly, heart disease is quite complex, with numerous factors contributing to it.
Many steps in the heart disease process may be reversed by curcumin, found in turmeric.Circumin may have the greatest benefit for heart disease through increasing the function of the endothelium, the lining of your blood vessels.
Furthermore, as previously noted, curcumin can help lower inflammation and oxidation, both of which can play a role in heart disease.
- May improve mood
Feeling low? Have something with a little bit of turmeric in it. Curcumin, once again, may be responsible for the golden spice‘s ability to elevate our mood and treat some of the symptoms of sadness. Curcumin was found to be as effective as the antidepressant medicine Prozac in one study. There is also evidence that curcumin may increase feel-good brain chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine.
- Anti-aging properties are possible.
Who doesn’t want to stay young forever? Then turmeric might be your answer. Curcumin may aid in the slowing of the aging process by activating specific proteins and shielding cells from harm. As a result, it may slow the progression of age-related illnesses and alleviate their symptoms.
- Digestion Aids
Turmeric also aids in enzymatic reactions, muscle movement, acid generation, and nutrient absorption in the gut.
Is turmeric therefore safe?
According to doctors, taking up to 2 grams of turmeric daily for a year and 4 grams of curcumin daily for a month is safe. Turmeric enthusiasts who use it as a face mask can also rest easy; the studies say that it is most likely safe to apply to the skin.
Patients should inform their doctors that they are taking turmeric. High amounts of turmeric and its separated ingredients can cause diarrhea and nausea, among other unpleasant side effects. Curcumin may potentially interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelets, antacids, and chemotherapy and blood pressure medications. While the spice is safe to eat, therapeutic dosages should be avoided during pregnancy.
Keep in mind
Take charge of your health by discussing any complementary health approaches you utilize with your health care professionals. You can make well-informed decisions as a group.
In conclusion
Turmeric has gained the title of superfood for good reason. The golden spice is thought to protect our cells from inflammation and damage, slow the aging process, alleviate arthritis symptoms, and even slow the spread of malignant cells.
Furthermore, it is thought to aid improve mood, memory, and brain function, with some research indicating that it may be effective in treating illnesses such as stroke and Alzheimer’s.
Turmeric, and particularly its most active ingredient, curcumin, has numerous scientifically proven health advantages, including the ability to boost heart health and prevent Alzheimer’s and cancer.