Health Benefits of Turmeric or Curcumin Supplement
Did you know that the humble turmeric powder in your kitchen has miraculous medicinal properties? Unknowingly, we use the power of turmeric when we consume it as part of our diet. In Asian countries, turmeric is an important ingredient in almost all vegetables and curries.
However, most of those who use it, hardly realize the importance of the health benefits of turmeric or the compound, curcumin, which is the main compound in turmeric that works wonders for many ailments. We’ll also talk about curcumin supplements that are often recommended for various health conditions and overall well-being.
Is raw turmeric or ground turmeric good for you?
If you think that it is just for adding color to curries and other food items, then think again or read on. Though it indeed adds color to food, there are many other advantages and health benefits of turmeric.
Well, turmeric or Curcuma longa is a rhizomatous flowering plant, which means a creeping rootstalk. You can read more about it on Wikipedia. Here we’ll focus on how to use it and its health benefits.
How to use turmeric effectively for health benefits
Turmeric to stop shivering immediately
If you or any of your loved ones are shivering, then a little turmeric may help. Though its efficacy is dependent on the exact health condition of the patient, there is no harm in trying this home remedy that uses the power of turmeric.
Take one to two spoonfuls of ground turmeric and add it to hot mustard oil to make a fine paste using a spoon or ladle. Once the paste is prepared, apply it on both soles of the patient. Care should be taken that the warmth of the paste is not lost and it remains bearable for the patient. However the hotter is it the faster will be the effect. Also, make sure that the rest of the body of the patient is covered with warm clothes or a blanket.
The effect can be noticed within minutes of applying this hot turmeric and mustard oil paste. The shivering will disappear and the patient will feel relaxed.
Does cooking turmeric rob it of its medicinal properties?
Not really if you do not overcook it.
Indian cooking style usually involves cooking at high temperatures, boiling, or stir-frying for long durations. Boiling or cooking turmeric for long durations can indeed result in the loss of the curcumin compound, which is the main compound that gives turmeric its real medicinal properties. Approximately 27-50 percent of this compound is lost if you cook turmeric for more than 10 minutes. However, if you add any souring agent, which is quite popular in Indian cooking, the loss of curcumin comes down to 12-30 percent
