HISTORY
Name: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a spice that is native to South Asia and has been used for thousands of years
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Ancient India: Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. It was also used as a spice in Indian cuisine.
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Medieval period: During the medieval period, turmeric was introduced to other parts of the world, including the Middle East and Europe. It was highly valued for its medicinal properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
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Age of Exploration: In the 15th and 16th centuries, European explorers began to search for new sources of turmeric and other spices. This led to the establishment of European colonies in Asia and the Americas.
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Modern times: Today, turmeric is widely used as a spice in cuisines all over the world. It is also used in natural health remedies and is believed to have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and improving brain function.
ACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Curcuminoids
Turmeric contains a group of compounds known as curcuminoids, with curcumin being the most well-known and extensively studied. Curcuminoids have been found to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and they may also have potential therapeutic effects on several conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Essential oils
Turmeric also contains essential oils, which give it its characteristic flavor and aroma. These oils have been found to have potential therapeutic effects on several conditions, including digestive issues and skin conditions.
Polysaccharides
Turmeric contains several polysaccharides, which are complex carbohydrates that have been found to have potential therapeutic effects on several conditions, including immune system disorders and inflammation.
Proteins
Turmeric also contains several proteins, including turmerin and curcuminoid-binding proteins, which may contribute to its potential health benefits.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Digestive health
Turmeric has been used traditionally to improve digestive health, and some studies have found that it may help reduce symptoms of indigestion and improve gut health.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Curcumin has been found to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma.
Antoxidant properties
Curcumin has also been found to have strong antioxidant properties, which may help protect the body against oxidative damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Pain relief
Some studies have suggested that curcumin may have pain-relieving properties, particularly for conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Bioavailability
Turmeric has been used traditionally to improve digestive health, and some studies have found that it may help reduce symptoms of indigestion and improve gut health.
Brain health
There is some evidence to suggest that curcumin may have beneficial effects on brain health, including improving memory and reducing the risk of cognitive decline.
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CLINICAL STUDIES
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2001 found that taking garlic powder supplements (600-1,500 mg/day) for 12 weeks lowered total cholesterol levels and LDL cholesterol levels in participants with high cholesterol.
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A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research in 2014 found that taking garlic powder supplements (800 mg/day) for 8 weeks improved insulin sensitivity and reduced blood glucose levels in participants with type 2 diabetes.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in the journal Nutrition in 2012 found that taking garlic powder supplements (1,200 mg/day) for 6 months improved endothelial function (the ability of blood vessels to dilate) in patients with coronary artery disease.
A study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition in 2016 found that taking garlic powder supple
