Turmeric is an exotic spice highly valued by gourmets. The spice is suitable not only for use in cooking, but also for the treatment of a number of diseases.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 325 |
| Protein in 100 g, (g): | 12.7 |
| Fats in 100 g, (g): | 13.8 |
| Carbohydrates in 100 g, (g): | 58.2 |
Types of Turmeric
To date, about 40 species of this plant have been identified. For use in cooking and medicine, only 4 varieties are grown:
- long, from which powdered spice is mainly made;
- fragrant, most often used in aromatherapy, as it has a rather high cost;
- zedoaria or tsitvarny root, an extremely rare plant, is used mainly for the preparation of alcoholic beverages;
- round, used to make starch.
A bright yellow hue indicates a high content of curcumin . It is more in cultivated varieties than in wild ones.
The composition and calorie content of turmeric
The composition of turmeric is very diverse. It contains many vitamins: C, group B, contains iodine, phosphorus, alkaloids, essential oils, cineole, coumeron and others.
The calorie content of turmeric is 312 units. It contains a lot of carbohydrates and dietary fiber.
What is useful turmeric, vitamins and minerals
The main component of the spice is curcumin . This element is very useful for people who have reached the age of 50. It is a preventive measure against the occurrence of cancer. Curcumin helps to lose weight as it turns white fat into brown fat, which is good for the body. The substance helps to eliminate inflammatory processes and has a positive effect on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Turmeric contains tumerone . This element is a natural antiseptic and helps to cope with the symptoms of poisoning.
Curcumin helps prevent the appearance of cancer cells in the mammary glands. Bioflavonoids stimulate the heart and reduce the number of asthma attacks. The iodine found in turmeric helps strengthen tooth enamel and improves the structure of hair and nails.
Sodium is involved in metabolic processes and dilates blood vessels. Iron saturates the body with oxygen. Cineol – stimulates the stomach and destroys harmful microorganisms.
Benefits of Turmeric for Women
For the beautiful half of humanity, turmeric is valuable in that it helps to preserve youth and eliminate wrinkles. Hair from this spice grows faster and becomes silky.
Helps spice to get rid of excess weight and prevent the development of cancer.
Benefits of Turmeric for Men
For a strong half of humanity, turmeric will help get rid of impotence. It stimulates circulation and increases testosterone levels. In general, the spice has a beneficial effect on the hormonal background.
Turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding
During the period of bearing a baby, it is better to refuse to use turmeric. It stimulates the contraction of the uterus and, accordingly, can provoke a miscarriage.
During lactation, you will definitely have to abandon the spice, it can provoke an allergic reaction in the baby and cause diathesis.
Is it possible for children to have turmeric
It is not recommended to introduce turmeric into the diet of children. It often causes allergies and can adversely affect the work of the stomach. You can enter it only after 6 years, and it is better to consult a doctor before that.
Turmeric drinks
There are many recipes for drinks with the addition of turmeric. A drink with lemon will improve overall well-being and will be an excellent prophylactic against colds. To prepare a drink, a glass of water is brought to a boil and removed from heat. Immediately add a quarter teaspoon of seasoning and the juice of half a lemon. Honey is added to taste. It is best to drink the drink on an empty stomach.
Instead of lemon, you can use lime, literally 20 g of fruit. Instead of water, you can use milk, but then the mixture must be allowed to brew under the lid and do not add lime, only honey.
Is turmeric good for weight loss
Turmeric is very useful for those who wish to lose weight. It stimulates metabolic processes, removes bile and eliminates the feeling of hunger.
It is recommended to add turmeric to dishes. You can drink it with milk in the morning and evening. Half a teaspoon of spice is diluted in a glass of milk.
You can drink kefir with turmeric instead of a snack. Pre-spice (0.5 teaspoon) is dissolved in hot water (50 ml) and the mixture is added to kefir.
Turmeric for diabetes
Turmeric stimulates the production of beta cells, which are involved in the insulin production process. For this reason, the spice is an effective preventive and natural remedy for diabetes.
In addition, the spice helps prevent the development of obesity and other associated diseases characteristic of diabetes. Curcumin removes cholesterol and leads to normal blood levels.
How to Take Turmeric for Medicinal Purposes
Turmeric is widely used in folk medicine, both alone and in combination with other medicinal herbs.
The spice is used to relieve pain, in particular, with migraines, pain in the stomach or throat. To prepare the medicine, 3 g of the spice is mixed with 5 g of honey and diluted with one glass of boiled water. Such a drink will even help to slightly lower blood pressure.
To keep your teeth sparkling white, you can brush them with turmeric. The easiest way is to dip your toothbrush into sunflower oil, then into spice and brush your teeth. This procedure is recommended to be carried out 3 times during the week. After a month, you can enjoy the result. Turmeric toothpaste can be made with coconut oil and essential oils.
The use of turmeric in cosmetology
Turmeric helps grow gorgeous hair and get rid of the appearance of baldness. The easiest way is to mix turmeric and olive (sunflower) oil in equal parts and apply to the scalp. The mask is kept on the head for 30 minutes, the procedure is carried out 3 times a month.
The spice will help to stop hair growth after epilation. The spice is diluted in hot water, bringing it to a creamy consistency, and applied after the procedure to the parts of the body treated from hair.
With the help of spices, face masks are made. To do this, mix honey, cream and turmeric, mix thoroughly and apply on the skin of the face. Wash off after 10 minutes.
Turmeric harm and contraindications
In fact, there are no specific contraindications to the use of turmeric. But still, scientists identify some limitations that need to be heeded. It is not recommended to use seasoning in the presence of gallstones, especially if they are large, more than 5 mm. Do not get carried away with spice with hemophilia and hepatitis.
It is necessary to minimize the use of turmeric during pregnancy, and it is best to avoid it, as well as during breastfeeding. It is not worth introducing turmeric into the diet of a child before the onset of 6 years.
The acute stage of the ulcer is also a contraindication, as is hyperacidity.
How to choose and store turmeric
It is best to store turmeric in a non-powdered state. The root is better to acquire with a dense structure, elastic, without any damage.
The freshness of the root can be checked by pinching off a small piece and grinding it in your hand. If there is no smell, then the turmeric is old and it is better not to eat it.
If you buy spice in powder, then there should be no lumps in it. The packaging must not be damaged.
You can not store turmeric in direct sunlight, all the benefits of the spice will completely disappear. You can choose any container, plastic, glass. The main thing is to place the spice in a dark place and where there is low humidity.
If you want to live a long and healthy life, then consume turmeric on a regular basis. This secret has long been revealed by the inhabitants of the island of Okinawa (Japan). There, absolutely all residents use turmeric and life expectancy for women reaches 92 years, for men – 88. But there are residents who have reached 120 years.