Medicinal benefits of turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is one of the most useful herbal medicinal plants. It has been traditionally used for centuries in Asian cuisine. India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric. Extensive research has been conducted on turmeric and its medicinal properties. It has been proven that most of the activities of turmeric are due to chemical constituent called Curcumin.

Curcumin has significant antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and gastroprotective properties. It also affects neuro system. It is also used in many herbal cosmetics.

1) Antioxidant Effects: Curcumin has strong antioxidant properties that protect your cells against free radicals. Free radicals are produced when the body breaks down food and these radicals have damaging effects on the body. The antioxidant activity is comparable to vitamin C and E.

2) Cardiovascular and Anti-Diabetic Effects: Curcumin exerts cardio-protective effects by antioxidant activity. It also shows the effect on cholesterol levels by decreasing the cholesterol uptake in the intestine. Curcumin also decreases blood glucose levels.