Turmeric: properties and benefits of a spice to try immediately

Turmeric is a spice native to South Asia, a relative of ginger, delicious and rich in properties, which has not struggled to enter fully into kitchens all over the world. It is no coincidence that it is called super spice and that it is part of the group of health spices: for centuries it has been part of Asian cuisine, not only for its flavor but also for its countless benefits: for the brain, for the heart, for our entire organism.
Turmeric has antioxidant properties, contributes to the proper functioning of brain activities, can prevent heart disease and even cancer.

Here are the spices that must never be missing on our table!

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In short, don't give up on integrating this super spice into your diet.
If you are still not convinced, here are the 10 benefits of the queen of spices.

1. It is a powerful brain food

If you are a "lover of Indian cuisine, this news will make you really happy.
Turmeric can in fact slow down the aging of brain cells. Without necessarily having to talk about serious degenerative brain diseases, we can say that turmeric can offer you a valuable help to keep your brain healthy and active!

2. It can prevent (and fight) cancer

Turmeric is one of the most powerful ingredients in the fight against cancer.
It is even more potent than vitamin D in this one.
The spice queen inhibits the reproduction of cancer cells and is also an anti-angiogenesis, meaning it helps to block the growth of cancer-causing blood vessels.
This alone would be enough to define it as a real super spice!

© Getty

3. Turmeric makes you lose weight

But is it really true that turmeric makes you lose weight? Yes, read on!

  • The anti-angiogenesis properties mentioned above contribute to weight loss as the ability of fat cells to absorb nutrients is inhibited.
  • But not only that: turmeric stimulates the liver in the production of bile acids and therefore helps to better metabolize the fats introduced during meals, preventing, among other things, swelling and flatulence.
  • In addition, it also helps to keep blood sugar levels under control, improving the metabolism of carbohydrates and sugars.
  • Turmeric also helps to regulate the feeling of hunger and, consequently, to make us feel full more easily.
  • By acting on the lymphatic and circulatory systems, turmeric counteracts the stagnation of liquids, responsible for orange peel skin. To such an extent that turmeric can also be used to make anti-cellulite wraps!

To improve the absorption of turmeric by the body it is necessary to combine it with other foods that increase its bioavailability, such as black pepper.
And here is a very simple recipe to prepare a draining herbal tea based on turmeric:
- 1 teaspoon of green tea
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- 1 lemon wedge or lemon zest
Pour boiling water over the ingredients, leave to infuse for about ten minutes, filter and drink slowly
Of course, turmeric alone will work wonders, but it is a valuable ally that will help you get back and stay fit!

© We Heart It

4. It is an "ally of the heart

Turmeric is also an ally of the heart thanks to curcumin, a substance that fights heart disease.
Strengthens the lining of blood vessels (endothelium), through curcumin it also reduces cholesterol levels.
Using turmeric to flavor meals can therefore be a very easy and welcome method of significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Another detox with a draining effect is lemon, perfect in combination with blueberry!

If you want a quick remedy to deflate and you do not have turmeric - perfect for this purpose - you can fall back on another king of detox: lemon! We all have a lemon at home, so it will be easier to use immediately. You can squeeze it alone or with a little water, or, if you don't really like the sour taste, you can think about sweetening it with some more pleasant ingredient. , for example blueberry! Here is a recipe for you ...

5. Fights colds and flatulence

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of turmeric strengthen the immune system: in short, a real panacea and natural remedy for the prevention of annoying colds and seasonal flu.

6. Fights diabetes

Turmeric is capable of moderating insulin and glucose levels in the blood, preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Really: is there still something that this super spice can't do?

7. She is a super healer

For centuries, turmeric has been used to treat cuts, burns and wounds: all thanks, as always, to the curcumin it contains.
Its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities make it an excellent natural and healing disinfectant.
Turmeric can also help repair damaged skin cells and prevent other skin conditions such as psoriasis.
In India they also sell turmeric bandages!

© Getty

8. Keeps you radiant

The powerful antioxidant properties of turmeric also make it a perfect ally for face care, for its nourishment and its exfoliation.
Slows down skin cell damage, can alleviate skin conditions such as acne and dryness.
Why not try making a face mask made in case with the addition of turmeric?

9. Help your stomach

As if that weren't enough, turmeric relieves stomach pains and, in general, regulates gastric functions.
Not only that: it can relieve conditions such as diarrhea and constipation.

10. Can whiten your teeth!

Turmeric is also an ally of dental beauty!
Despite being colorful, turmeric is a great natural remedy for whitening teeth!
It may sound ridiculous the idea of ​​spreading turmeric on your teeth ... but it works! Seeing is believing!
Not only will it help wipe out blemishes but its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help improve your oral health by killing germs and leaving your mouth clean and shiny.

Turmeric is also ideal for the detox diet! Here are all the other detox foods for the body

As mentioned among the 10 main properties, turmeric is rich in antioxidants and aids digestion. It is therefore one of the ideal foods for a detox diet! Add it to your recipes and take advantage of its detoxifying power. Discover here all the detox foods such as turmeric ...

See also: Detox foods: foods for the detox diet

© iStock Detox foods: foods for the detox diet

For more useful information on the properties of turmeric, you can visit the Humanitas website.

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