Haldi or Turmeric, the golden Indian culinary spice, is frequently used as a home remedy to treat cuts and diseases that involve pain and inflammation. That’s because curcumin along with other nutrients in it is known to reduce pain and swelling. Interestingly, Indian saffron (Haldi in Hindi) has a lot of benefits and uses. Let us explore the various health benefits of turmeric with its nutrients, nutrition value, health facts, and side effects if any.
Turmeric Nutrition and Nutrition Value
According to the National Nutrient Database of the United States Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon (tbsp) of turmeric powder has the following nutrients (USDA) –
- Curcuminoids 2-9 g
- Energy 312 kcal
- Protein 9.680 g
- Total lipid (fat) 3.250 g
- Carbohydrate, by difference 67.14 g
- Fiber, total dietary 22.7 g
- Calcium, Ca 1680 mg
- Iron, Fe 55 mg
- Magnesium, Mg 208 mg
- Phosphorous, P 299 mg
- Potassium, K 2088 mg
- Manganese, Mn 19.8 mg
- Vitamin C 0.700 mg
- Vitamin K – 13.4 ug
- Vitamin E – 4.43 mg
Turmeric and Weight Loss
Curcumin in Turmeric helps metabolic disorders by stabilizing metabolism and controlling weight, according to numerous studies. By inhibiting numerous mechanisms that promote the formation of adipose tissue, turmeric targets fat improves insulin sensitivity, controls lipid metabolism, and targets fat.(Source)
Health Benefits of Turmeric: It Can Limit the Spread of Viral Infections
The main curcuminoid compound, Curcumin found in turmeric, acts as an antimicrobial agent in the body. This limits the replication of various types of microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. It has been shown to inhibit the replication of viruses in various viral infections and diseases like Dengue Virus, HIV, Zika virus, and Hepatitis B (Source)
Turmeric Health Facts: Haldi Helps You Manage Headaches & Migraines
It’s extremely difficult to manage headaches and migraines. Numerous variables, including stress, exhaustion, insufficient sleep, inflammation, bad posture, neck tension, and other causes, can contribute to excruciating pain and suffering.
Migraine researchers believe that migraine happens due to inflammation and so curcumin having anti-inflammatory properties has the greatest promise for treating headaches and migraines. (Source) Although the precise mechanisms are unknown, it seems that turmeric can lessen pain brought on by inflammation and directly prevent oxidative stress in the body.
Turmeric Benefits: It Can Boost BDNF – Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Protein
Decreased levels of BDNF protein has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and depression. However, animal studies have found that Curcumin can enhance the level of BDNF – improving learning as well as memory. (Source). BDNF is found in the brain and is responsible for various activities including eating, drinking and body weight.
Additionally, Turmeric has long been used as medication in nations like India to address problems with breathing. Turmeric has received a lot of attention recently as a superfood that helps treat depression and cancer (Source), among other things. It functions as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, it could lessen arthritis and depression symptoms. (Source)
Precaution While Using Turmeric
Turmeric may cause bloating, and theoretically, it may interfere with drugs that prevent blood clotting. Additionally, if you have gallbladder conditions, avoid it. So, if you decide to add it as a nutritional supplement, always see your doctor (Ayurvedic or Allopathy) because they can interact with other prescriptions you’re taking. Although it can support your current medical treatment, turmeric is not a substitute for medication.
Turmeric side effects
In most cases, there are no harmful side effects from turmeric. Mild side symptoms like nausea, vomiting, vertigo, or diarrhea can occasionally occur in some persons. Higher doses seem to cause these side effects more frequently. Turmeric is likely to be secure when applied topically. When applied topically, it could irritate the skin. People who have gallstones are urged to use caution when using turmeric.
Check out benefits of a list of Indian Spices – Healthy Spices
