Just how healthy is turmeric?

Turmeric: It’s the ultimate superfood and belongs to the ginger family. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. It’s also a serious antiviral and  will help  get rid of influenza virus. Curcumin is the active ingredient in tumeric , the compounds are called curcuminoids. The tea helps open up congested airways and is a healthy alternative to cold medicines.

Turmeric contains some very potent polyphenols, which have the ability to protect cellular DNA and repair  existing damage from carcinogens, for example.

Turmeric helps the heart and the circulation throughout the body. It can help with the flow of blood to  the heart and encourage anti-platelet activity, reducing the risk of plaque build up in the arteries.

Turmeric also helps improves blood flow through the liver, improving the efficacy of liver detoxifying  pathways as well as stimulating the cellular repair mechanisms in damaged liver cells. The improvement in blood flow and quality impacts the quality of the skin.Turmeric also helps balance levels of bacteria in the digestive.

Turmeric can be found in root, powder and even capsule form. Turmeric powder is about 3 percent curcumin, and extracts are 95%. While most clinical research studies look at turmeric extracts, consuming ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with food per day has health benefits as studies have shown.,  Smaller amounts between 500 and 2,000 milligrams of turmeric per day  (15 ro 60 mg of curcumin)  can also be beneficial.

Studies have called it “Cure-cumin” because of its long list of therapeutic and clinical benefits.

Turmeric and how it benefits dogs: 

“the recommended dose of turmeric for dogs is 15 mg – 20 mg per pound of body weight per day, or more simply put, 1/8 to 1/4 tsp per day for every 10 lbs in weight.”

Turmeric doesn’t absorb well into the body on its own, mixing it up with a healthy fat or even some black pepper will help. You can give it to your dog directly or add it to it’s  food. Making it in to a paste form is best for when feeding it to your dog.

It is recommended that you check with your vet before you start administering anything new to your dog,The capsules are designed for humans and may contain more turmeric than your dog should have.

It is best to start off slowly when you are first starting to give your dog turmeric, especially with the  dogs who have sensitive stomachs. Turmeric can make the sensitive stomachs irritated, starting off with one-fifth of the recommended dosage is best as you should know how your dog will adjust to the intake of turmeric.   Turmeric dosage is based on the dog’s  weight, and then gradually increase the dose after that until you have reached the maximum dose. Here is a basic guideline:

1-10 lbs.: 1/16-1/8 tsp. of powder or ½ capsules

10-20 lbs.: 1/8-¼- tsp. or ½-1 capsule

20-50 lbs.: ¼ tsp.-1 tsp. powder or 1-2 capsules

50-100 lbs.: 1 tsp.-2 tsp. powder or 1-2 capsules

More than 100 lbs.: 2 tsp which is the equivalent of an adult human dose of capsules

Some vets will sell chewable forms of turmeric ‘tablets’that contain coconut oil which helps the hip and joint health in dogs as well as those  who have arthritis.

Turmeric, also called Curcuma, turmeric, or yellow ginger is literally on everyone’s lips because the underground part of the plant, its root, also called a rhizome, is somewhat reminiscent of ginger in appearance shines with healthy ingredients that make the core so attractive. Thus, turmeric colors food such as curry and is used to season food. But, no, turmeric can do much more, which studies even prove because turmeric is similarly healthy as the much-praised ginger and has, among other things, an anti-inflammatory effect.

How healthy is the plant for our body, what ingredients it has, and how can you use it?

Healing properties of turmeric used for centuries

In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, the plant’s root has been used for thousands of years as a versatile remedy for the treatment of many ailments and diseases.

Turmeric is said to have all kinds of effects. And some are proven or recognized by medical experts. Also, and especially because they find confirmation in natural medicine. Integrating the medicinal plant into the diet makes sense in terms of taste and health.

Mainly responsible for the healing power of turmeric is the ingredient curcumin, which is also responsible for the yellow color of turmeric. The roots contain around 2 to 9 percent curcumin.

Positive effects on health in medical focus

Research into the medicinal effects of turmeric has been carried out in numerous studies or laboratory or animal experiments.

The medicinal plant helps against gastrointestinal complaints, confirmed by the traditional areas of application and by experts such as the European Medicines Agency or EMA (an agency of the European Union). Thus, as the plant is botanically called, Curcuma longa is quite effective in the so-called dyspepsia.

This medical term stands for complaints in the gastrointestinal tract, more precisely, for gastrointestinal complaints primarily in the upper abdomen. Fullness, early feeling of satiety, general indisposition, irritable stomach, and even flatulence – here, curcumin has a healing effect.

In addition, curcumin would promote the flow of bile for better digestion and the activity of the liver while reducing the formation of bile acid, responsible for the construction of gallstones, as well as cholesterol levels.

Orthodox medicine accepts the anti-inflammatory action of curcumin. This starts with sore throats and does not end with arthritis. The antioxidant healing effect is also widely accepted in medicine. Evidence exists here in inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis. In the U.S., according to the Swiss Cancer Aid Foundation, there have been 89 official studies to date, primarily investigating the effect of curcumin on cancer and cancer prevention. These suggest that curcumin can help with cancer because, at the very least, concentrated curcumin inhibits the growth of cancer cells. However, not all studies have been fully completed yet, and the effect of cancer is still being investigated. Also, and especially with possible adverse outcomes in connection with the treatment by chemotherapy.

Finally, laboratory tests and human pharmacological studies suggest that curcumin can help irritable bowel syndrome. Furthermore, diabetes, elevated cholesterol levels, and cardiovascular disease have been studied. Curcumin could even be helpful in the treatment of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, more extensive studies are lacking in this area.

This broad spectrum of effects is suggested by evaluating various studies from all over the world on the effects of curcumin. Prof. Dr. Sigrun Chrubasik-Hausmann conducted it at the University of Freiburg in southern Germany. The physician is a general practitioner and pain physician with additional training in natural healing methods.

In the various studies, patients were given up to eight grams of turmeric powder (with curcumin) or the extracted active ingredient. Daily doses of the powder beyond that would be poorly tolerated, according to Chrubasiki-Hausmann. However, what should not be concealed is that the studies usually used too few patients for conventional medical standards. As a result, they are not considered meaningful by most medical professionals. Also, animal experiments or laboratory studies would not simply conclude humans. These facts also meet with criticism concerning the statements made. In contrast, natural medicine’s use and partial evidence are to be held.

Better effect: Optimize absorption

Curcumin has only one problem, or instead, our body has with this active ingredient: Since curcumin is not water-soluble, the intestine can absorb it only with difficulty. Dextrins or sugars and the piperine contained in pepper could improve absorption. Foods containing fats – such as a classic curry in Indian cuisine – and heating also make it easier to absorb the healthy ingredients of turmeric or the spice. Therefore, it is advisable, for example: to combine curcumin with beneficial honey (also anti-inflammatory) and fresh black pepper.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends not to exceed a daily dose of 3 g of curcumin powder. However, high doses above this value were sometimes used in medical studies.

Use turmeric naturally

Anti-inflammatory effect with honey and pepper
Honey, turmeric, and a little black pepper – in Tibetan medicine, this mixture called ‘Golden Honey’ is a great anti-inflammatory that promises noticeable relief, especially during a cold. Black pepper is added to enhance the effect of curcumin. This is due to the piperine contained in it.

Note for your health: the active ingredient curcumin can not replace a drug administration in serious diseases.

Coffee or energy drinks were yesterday because the curcumin contained in turmeric has a stimulating effect similar to caffeine. Turmeric is very much in vogue as a beverage in the form of “golden milk,” also known as turmeric latte.

Curcumin helps detoxify

Curcumin helps regulate intestinal activity. In addition, turmeric stimulates bile and liver activity, which contributes to classic detoxification. A side effect of the stimulated bile activity is: fat can be digested better.

Turmeric ensures beautiful skin

Oxidative stress is the name given to complex processes in the body in which the cells become unbalanced. Those of the skin, for example, keyword free radicals. Thanks to its antioxidant effect, turmeric protects against the consequences of skin aging. In addition, curcumin has an antibacterial effect, cleanses the skin, and destroys pimples.

Turmeric mask

Mix 1 tsp of turmeric powder with 2 tsp of natural honey and a little lemon juice. If you have sensitive skin, you can replace the lemon juice with cold chamomile tea. Apply the spreadable mixture thinly to the skin and rinse off with lukewarm water after about 30 minutes.

A mask with the active ingredient curcumin is said to help with skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Lose weight better thanks to turmeric

Turmeric keeps digestion fit. It also has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. Thus, turmeric also gently helps you lose weight. Tip: Add the right spice to your food more often, either pure or in a curry mixture.

Whether it’s honey with turmeric, turmeric latte, or turmeric tea, powder as a spice, or the fresh root – incorporating turmeric and its health-promoting effects into your diet definitely can’t hurt. Besides, turmeric also tastes good. In many Asian countries, it is an essential part of the daily diet.

Although it has by no means been proven that turmeric does not do this on its own – which is certainly not the case – the fact is that common diseases of civilization are much less prevalent in countries that rely on the spice than in the Western world.

Turmeric: Versatile spice in the kitchen

Turmeric can be used in many ways in the kitchen. In honey and with fresh pepper, in a hot drink that should contain some fat such as coconut oil for better absorption, or in fine dishes in combination with other spices, turmeric is an ideal companion. However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating! Use turmeric for a fine marinade, flavor vegetable chips, or a little extra in salad dressing.

Pills, tablets & other preparations as a substitute?

Some tablets contain numerous additives, ranging from cornstarch to silicon oxide. Some suppliers want you to swallow up to 10 pills of a pack a day, yet you only get two grams of pure turmeric powder. Especially loudly advertised turmeric capsules may even contain a dosage above the recommended intake. In any case, these preparations are more expensive than, for example, an excellent organic turmeric powder.

Instead of swallowing a pill, putting one of the recipes on your spoon, plate, glass, or cup always seems to make more sense. Homemade, delicious, and guaranteed additive-free. Even more so with a lasting natural effect and without big advertising promises.

Side effects of curcumin

Turmeric has practically no side effects. Only people with blood clotting disorders should refrain from consuming turmeric. If you have health problems, you should consult a doctor before consuming turmeric. In addition, Professor Chrubasik-Hausmann advises against pregnant women and breastfeeding women consuming cumin and products containing it. Finally, the EMA says that children should also not remedy for therapeutic purposes.

In case of symptoms that worsen or last longer despite taking it, you can’t help but consult a doctor. In addition, intolerance reactions can always occur despite the beneficial effect of the spice with cumin.