All the benefits of turmeric you absolutely must know
You may have heard that turmeric is not only a spice but also a miracle for your health and body care. Here are the benefits of turmeric that you need to know. You will find that the famous orange-yellow powder is used for almost everything.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a plant in the Zingiberaceae family, native to India and South Asia. The harvested parts of turmeric are the rhizomes. They are collected, boiled and dried to give the famous orange-yellow powder that we all know. They can also be used raw.
Turmeric is used in lotions, creams or masks, and has many benefits for various skin conditions.
Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants with lightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that turmeric can lighten skin within 3 weeks of use and treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals before they cause damage to your skin and DNA. Thus, turmeric prevents premature aging and photoaging. Additionally, it blocks the elastase enzyme which limits your skin's ability to produce elastin, a protein that makes your skin elastic. Turmeric therefore prevents aging, but it also smoothes wrinkles and fine lines.
Turmeric has great anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is used to treat acne and heal scars. It works against Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. It targets your pores by also reducing sebum production.
Since it has lightening and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Just like shea butter , the benefits of turmeric also extend to hair care.
It might treat dandruff and stimulate hair growth
Turmeric can treat your dry, itchy, and flaky scalp. It can also stimulate hair growth when hair loss is linked to inflammation caused by dandruff.
Remember that turmeric powder can leave a yellow color on your face. But it's nothing serious, you can remove it with a little milk.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey or manuka honey with 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and make a thick paste. Apply to your face, leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Mix 3 tablespoons of milk and ¼ of turmeric. Apply to your face and rinse well after 15-20 minutes. Milk contains lactic acid that hydrates and exfoliates the skin, and it's so gentle that it's perfect for sensitive skin.
Mix 3 teaspoons of almond milk, 3 teaspoons of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Use the paste to perform circular massages for 2 to 3 minutes on clean, damp skin.
Mix 3 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (you can also add lemon juice). Apply directly to stretch marks, massage a little and rinse after 20 minutes.
Mix turmeric with equal part olive oil and apply it to your hair and scalp. After 15 minutes, rinse well and follow your usual routine.
Mix 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder with an egg yolk, apply all over the hair and wait 20 minutes. Don't forget to rinse your hair with a little vinegar to remove any egg smell.
Turmeric has many powerful health benefits. It is mainly consumed as turmeric tea, but you can also find it in tablet form. Here are the health benefits of turmeric.
Turmeric helps strengthen the immune system, even in people suffering from immune disorders, and it acts against pathogenic microorganisms. It is very often used as a supplement during the flu or in a certain drink, “golden milk”, which contains milk, turmeric, honey and pepper and seems to be an excellent home remedy for cold symptoms.
Turmeric contains curcumin which helps reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. High LDL levels are associated with heart disease and stroke. Turmeric would reduce the risk of these two diseases.
Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant that may help prevent Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, some research has shown that turmeric may reduce the loss of synaptic markers and amyloid accumulation linked to disease development. Turmeric therefore acts by preventing, but also by inhibiting the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists have linked depression and chronic inflammation. It is not yet known whether inflammation causes depression or the other way around, but the link between the two is very clear. Curcumin, as an antioxidant, is said to neutralize free radicals that cause inflammation due to oxidative stress.
