Turmeric is a flowering plant, Curcuma longa of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the rhizomes of which are used in cooking. Turmeric powder has a warm, bitter, black pepper–like flavour and earthy, mustard-like aroma.

It is long used in Ayurvedic medicine, consuming turmeric or curcumin is effective for treating many disease.

Curcumin is a bright yellow chemical produced by plants of the Curcuma longa species. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is sold as an herbal supplement , cosmetics ingredient, food flavouring, and food colouring.

Chemically, curcumin is a diarylheptanoid , belonging to the group of curcuminoids, which are phenolic pigments responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF USING TURMERIC
Turmeric has been used as a medicine for centuries and is considered to be one of the most effective herbs in treating many illnesses, and infections.

Turmeric contains antioxidants that help protect the heart, liver, and brain from free radical damage. In addition, turmeric can help regulate blood sugar levels , boost the immune system, improve digestion, detoxify your body, and reduce inflammation.

In addition to its medicinal properties, turmeric also has a diverse history of culinary use as an important ingredient in curry dishes. It’s also known for its bright yellow colour which gives turmeric curries their signature golden-yellow hue.

Because it’s such a powerful herb with so many benefits, turmeric is great for you!

CURCUMIN COMPOUND IN TURMERIC CONTAINS MANY HEALTH BENEFITS,
SOME ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1.ANTI INFLAMMATORY

2.ANTI OXIDANT

3.HELP TO REDUCE CHOLESTROL

4.BLOOD PRESSURE

5.HELP TO FIGHT WITH CANCER

6.ALZEIMER’S

7.DEPRESSION

8.ARTHRITIS

9.CONTROL DIABETES

10.TURMERIC CAN TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS

Let us understand how turmeric is beneficial in these cases:
1. ANTI INFLAMMATORY
The curcumin in turmeric has proven, strong anti-inflammatory properties that blocks the action of inflammatory molecules in the body.

Turmeric and its derivatives have anti-inflammatory activities. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin is most likely mediated through its ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), lipoxygenase (LOX), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). COX-2, LOX, and iNOS are important enzymes that mediate inflammatory processes.

2. ANTIOXIDANT
Turmeric, used in cooking and in home remedies, has significant antioxidant abilities at different levels of action. Studies indicate that sufficient levels of turmeric may be consumed from curries in vivo to ensure adequate antioxidant protection.

Numerous lines of evidence suggest that turmeric exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. In one study, crude organic extracts of turmeric were found to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α (median inhibitory concentration [IC 50 ] value = 15.2 μg/mL) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2; IC 50 value = 0.92 μg/mL) from HL-60 cells.

3. HELP TO REDUCE CHOLESTROL
Turmeric has been shown to lower the levels of LDL cholesterol and therefore, it can help cut down on the build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries.

Remedy: Adding a pinch of turmeric powder to the curries and vegetable preparations is one of the best ways to ensure you get your daily dose of this powerful herb.

4. MANAGING BLOOD PRESSURE
Turmeric help to reduce blood pressure by the following ways:

• It relaxes the blood vessel
• It has blood thinning properties
• Regulates Renin-Angiotensin System
• Replenishes Glutathione Antioxidant
• Reduces Hypertension-Induced Oxidative Stress. 

 5. HELP TO FIGHT WITH CANCER
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has been widely researched upon for its anti-cancer effect.

A recent study published in Molecules 2015 identifies various targets that curcumin acts on to exert anti-cancer effect and these include :

• Transcription factors (they control the expression of genes)
• Growth factors
• Inflammatory proteins
• Cancer-causing molecules
• Various proteins involved in the regulation of cell cycle and cell death

This multi-faceted action of curcumin makes it a novel anti-cancer agent that holds promise for future treatment options in cancer.

6. ALZIMERS
In animal studies, the curcumin found in turmeric also has been shown to help curb inflammation and combat oxidative stress, two factors that may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Additional studies suggest that curcumin may help to the breakdown of brain cells that occur in Alzheimer’s disease.

7. DEPRESSION
It’s thought that antioxidants like curcumin can help relieve symptoms of depression by fighting chronic inflammation.

8. ARTHRITIS
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit people with RA. Turmeric is a plant in the ginger family, and its stems and roots are usually ground into a powder often used in cooking as a seasoning spice.

9. CONTROLLING DIABETIES
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition wherein blood sugar  level  in the body remain high as the body fails to regulate it. Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in this disease.

Turmeric and curcumin are natural anti-hyperglycaemic agents- they helps in              lowering high  blood sugar levels and balance blood glucose and insulin levels in diabetes. It can repair and regenerate pancreas cells

10. TURMERIC CAN TREAT GASTROINTESTINAL CONDITIONS
Gastrointestinal problems are not only painful, they can lead to more serious conditions such as cancer. Turmeric may help naturally relieve symptoms while safely preventing further complications. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which allows it to protect your digestive system. Turmeric promotes healthy digestion and nutrient absorption by decreasing gut permeability and gut inflammation. There is even a possibility that it could treat irritable bowel syndrome.