Scientist turmeric is healthy and often curative

Moneywurz: That's what science says about the healing power of turmeric
Many studies point to the extremely healing and health-promoting effect of the Indian spice turmeric. The tuber tastes slightly spicy to earthy. To use are powdery spice blends for curry or lassi. We show what benefits the spice brings and what science says.

With the turmeric, as turmeric is also called, can set new accents in many dishes, both visually and tastily. The aroma and the warming effect are due to the essential oils. Compared to ginger, the turmeric is less intense in taste, but harmonizes well with other spices. Even in India, the powder is usually used. Who processes the fresh tuber, it is best to wear gloves. Even on clothing and in the kitchen, the dye curcumin can leave stubborn stains.

Healthy spice: That's why turmeric is so beneficial! Picture: akepong-fotolia

The "yellow ginger" is also used in the traditional Indian healing Ayurveda. With turmeric, heavy dishes become more digestible, as the ingredients stimulate bile production and fat digestion. In addition, they increase the appetite and should have an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. There is a lot of research going on in this area.

Turmeric belongs to the same botanical family as ginger and galangal and is cultivated in the tropical regions of India and large parts of Southeast Asia. The perennial shrub with the scientific name Curcuma longa has long, lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers. Under the earth are the storage organs with a yellow-brown bark. They look like roots, but are thickened tubers (rhizomes). Compared to ginger and galanga, they are longer, rounder and bright orange in color on the inside.

Kurkuma powder is available in many supermarkets and spice shops, ideally kept well sealed in a cool, dark place. Fresh produce is less common and should have firm, smooth skin and a fresh break.

Healing spice against numerous complaints

Turmeric is a healing spice known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The plant is therefore used among other things in arthritis.

But yellow ginger can do even more. According to scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles in the journal "American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry", thanks to the ingredient Curcumin, the spice also strengthens the memory and mood of people with mild, age-related memory problems.

"It's not clear how curcumin works, but it may be due to its properties in reducing brain inflammation associated with both Alzheimer's disease and major depression," author Dr. Gary Small in a press release.

Positive effects on the brain

But that's not all. According to scientists from Monash University in Australia, just one gram of turmeric is enough to optimize your working memory for several hours.

In addition, there is evidence that the spice, which is also commonly used in curries, has a positive effect on the brain because it prevents the deposition of certain protein complexes in the brain that promote Alzheimer's.

Furthermore, studies have shown that turmeric can treat liver disease and that the spice works on intestinal diseases. The yellow tuber should have anti-cancer properties.

As effective as an hour of sports

But that's not all: in a study conducted by the University of Tsukuba in Japan, researchers found that curcumin is just as effective for our vascular health as one hour of aerobic exercise.

This substance, which is also responsible for the yellowish color of turmeric, apparently caused in the subjects positive cardiovascular changes and reduced cell death.

By the regular intake of turmeric, therefore, the risk of arteriosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) could be lowered. This also reduces the risk of a heart attack.

The special effect was found, according to the study, in women who had just passed the menopause.

The whole thing becomes even more effective if the consumption of turmeric is combined with regular training.

The scientists pointed out, however, that the exact effects of turmeric on vascular health have not been sufficiently researched. So you should not refrain from doing sports. (sb, ad)