Turmeric is a substance that has for ages been used by the Indians as both a spice as well as for medicinal purposes. Turmeric normally has a characteristic yellow color that it gives a meal say curry for instance that is sold widely so is not a new thing. What many may not know is that besides its coloration, turmeric powder has far much more importance. The medicinal uses for turmeric powder were well known to people from India during the whole time they have used it and that is why they use it wisely. The benefits of turmeric powder have been provided here to ensure that the people who have not known about its usefulness understand it too.
The first medicinal benefit of using turmeric powder is that it is an anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation is an important immune response that the body employs in prevention of bacterial infections among others. Like any other thing, prolonged inflammation is not beneficial but causes a lot of tissue damage as it involves stretching of tissues due to edema. The anti-inflammatory effect of the powder is mediated by curcumin which is a chemical compound contained in little amounts in the powder. Taking turmeric powder puts people at a better place of avoiding harmful inflammatory responses.
Curcumin is also known to have another important property of of being an antioxidant and this is a very beneficial property. During metabolism, some products will include radical oxides that are dangerous to the human body. There are mechanisms by which the body neutralizes these radicals in order to reduce or completely eliminate the risks that they pose to the body tissues. The curcumin that is present in turmeric powder makes it possible to improve the antioxidant ability of the body and this helps get rid of the radicals. The reactive oxygen species will attack among others the genetic material of an individual after which mutations whose effects are severe are risked. With intake of turmeric powder, it is easier to evade the effects of radicals.
Blood vessel linings are affected positively by curcumin and this is a plus in its ability to reduce risk of heart diseases. It is important to note that heart diseases are a leading cause of death, curcumin by working through the blood vessels maintains their integrity to prevent heart malfunction. Apart from its action on the endothelia of blood vessels, the anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin also aids in prevention of heart diseases. Turmeric powder has many other functions beside the ones mentioned in this article and this calls for people to use it frequently to enhance their health.