Turmeric is a spicy plant, a relative of ginger. Since ancient times, it is known as Indian saffron and is widely used in world culinary. In this article we will talk about the benefits and harms of turmeric, its properties and applications.
Beneficial features
When asked what turmeric is, many will answer with confidence - the spice will be right. But this is not the whole range of its properties: the plant, having in its composition a lot of useful substances, has no less useful properties for the human body. 
The plant is famous for the following set of properties:
- antibacterial;
- antiseptic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- immunomodulatory;
- tonic;
- antiviral;
- pain medication;
- wound healing;
- diuretic;
- disinfectant;
- antioxidant;
- anti-cancer;
- sedative;
- stabilizing;
- sorbent;
- regenerating.
Medical applications
Traditional medicine uses the healing properties of turmeric for about five thousand years, and traditional science has become interested in them. In the course of many studies and experiments, scientists have recognized the power of the root; today, along with pharmacology, physicians recommend using turmeric as an adjunct.
Root powder has an active healing and disinfecting effect on damage. skin integument: cuts, burns, ulcers, skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, furuncles). Recently, the extract of the plant is added to medicines that fight diseases of the digestive system and liver. The active substances of the plant improve metabolism, prevent flatulence in the intestines, level the formation of polyps in the colon, suppress the activity of the pathogenic microflora of the digestive organs, help with diarrhea, remove toxins from the liver. In many Western countries, the root is included in the composition of drugs to combat liver damage.
Scientists have noticed relatively low rates of cancer in Asian countrieswhere turmeric is used almost everywhere. In the course of research, it was proven that the plant prevents the development of tumors without affecting healthy cells. Today, patients undergoing chemotherapy are recommended to include seasoning in their diet. 
Regular consumption contributes to the cleaning of blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, which is the prevention of many heart diseases. Organic compounds in the root composition are able to regulate blood pressure.
Iron in the composition of the plant allows to maintain normal hemoglobin, thereby preventing anemia.
Natural antibiotic is useful in the treatment of colds and diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract, strengthens the immune system.
Active substances are used as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in dental practice for the treatment of stomatitis, gingivitis and other infections of the oral cavity.
In practice, Ayurveda is used diuretic action plants for the removal of salts and lingering fluid that provokes edema. The beneficial effect helps to alleviate the condition of patients with arthritis and rheumatism. 
Preparations with turmeric in the composition are actively used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, in depressive states, for removing heavy antibiotics, cirrhosis of the liver, and preventing diabetes.
Important! Turmeric alone is not a medicine, it is used as a useful additive, combined with medicines (during treatment), proper nutrition and physical activities.
Benefits for weight loss
Explicit there is no evidence that turmeric can reduce weight, but it is still capable of affecting body fat. Scientists at the private research university Tufts in the United States found that regular spice consumption is able to maintain weight normally after losing weight, preventing the growth of fat cells and the formation of blood vessels in them. If you add to this beneficial effect on metabolic processes, the fight against cholesterol and the ability to eliminate toxins, then lose a couple of extra pounds is real. 
Nutritionists It is recommended to include seasoning in the daily diet., along with sports and healthy food yellow powder will speed up metabolism, stop the growth of adipose tissue. In addition, it is known that regular use in food can dull the desire to eat something sweet or fat.
Many people "seize" stressful conditions, turmeric reduces the level of stress hormone cortisol in the body, which helps to remove the "nervous" component of overeating.
Did you know? Despite the fact that India is considered the birthplace of turmeric, not all of its inhabitants are allowed to eat it. In one of the religious Indian currents, Jainism is a taboo, because the root grows in the ground, which means there can be living forms of life on it.
Turmeric in cosmetology
Since turmeric has antioxidant, regenerating, tonic and anti-inflammatory effects, it is actively used in cosmetology. On its basis, creams, masks, tonics, cosmetic ointments and other means for skin care of the face, hands, neck, hair are made. 
Funds help whiten skin from age spots and freckles, remove redness from scars. Anti-inflammatory effect is noticeable in the treatment of acne, teen acne, boils. The rejuvenating effect helps to care for fading skin, smoothing fine wrinkles and returning a healthy color and blush to the face.
To be beautiful, it is not necessary to visit fashionable beauty salons. Useful masks for skin and hair can be made from spices and herbs: cloves and clove oil, black cumin, lettuce, bay leaf, kelp, watercress, currant leaves, lovage, arugula, basil, parsley, coltsfoot, chamomile .
Scrubs and tonics deeply clean the pores of the skin, tone and massage it, improve blood flow to the upper layers, so that it becomes elastic and fresh.
On the basis of the plant they prepare a paste for hair removal, a means for tanning, bactericidal soap, a means for coloring hair. With the help of useful spices hair can restore shine, strength and volume. Root oil is a frequent ingredient in perfumery, aromatherapy, and massage.
Did you know? India still has a tradition to use turmeric in a wedding ceremony. A month before the wedding, the bride's father comes to the groom's house to conduct the tilak ceremony. After conducting a religious ritual, the father of the bride puts on the forehead of the groom a line of turmeric paste and saffron, which means that the young man is accepted into the family.
Cooking turmeric
In cooking, turmeric is a seasoning, but such a narrow meaning does not limit its use in a huge number of dishes. What just do not season with spice: first, second courses and even desserts. 
In the East and Central Asia, spice is an integral element of meat, vegetable, fish dishes. Spice put in soups, salads, sauces, marinades. Do not do without its taste and aroma of porridge, homemade dough, filling for baking and drinks. This is one of the main components of the famous curry sauce. The wise East has long known one little trick: this seasoning can prolong the freshness of products.
In European and Western practice, the spice is used not only as a spice, but also as a natural and safe dye for dough, sauces, butter and cheese. This yellow powder gives a beautiful yellow color to mustard, mayonnaise, some types of cheese and other products.
It is difficult to imagine the cuisines of the world without fragrant spices: nutmeg, pepper (black, chili, cayenne), cassia, barberry, dill, marjoram, lemon balm, mint, rosemary, nasturtium, thyme, fennel, horseradish, chabra, tarragon, lavender, salvaria chervil
Contraindications and harm
The beneficial properties of turmeric are indisputable, but there are also contraindications. Strictly banned spice in the following diseases:
- gallbladder disease;
- pancreatitis;
- gastritis;
- hepatitis;
- age of children under 6 years;
- jaundice;
- ulcer of the digestive tract.
Caution should be taken when using spice for pregnant and lactating women, and it is better to consult a doctor before use, the same applies to people with heart palpitations. 
Recipes
Despite contraindications, turmeric still has more beneficial properties, so there are many recipes for dishes with its use in cooking. On the basis of the yellow powder they prepare drinks with a medicinal effect, as well as stimulating the burning of fat deposits.
Important! Remember: before using the useful properties of recipes with turmeric, consult your doctor. If you are taking any medications (anticoagulants, diabetic drugs), the spice will increase their effect, so in most of these cases it is contraindicated.
Turmeric with milk and honey
The following drink will have a health-improving and immunity-enhancing effect for colds:
100 g of heated milk, 0.5 tsp. spices, a teaspoon of honey. Drink drink up to three times a day before meals.
Read also about the benefits of milk with propolis.
Slimming Cocktail:
- water - 100 ml;
- milk - 200 ml;
- honey - 1 tbsp. l .;
- turmeric - 1 tbsp. l
The components are mixed and boiled, drunk at night. 
Kefir with turmeric
- Recipe for improving metabolic processes:
half a teaspoon of spices pour boiling water 2 tbsp. l., add a spoon of honey and stir. After add kefir, drink daily at night.
- Anti-cellulite recipe:
Today, we are increasingly paying attention to natural methods of treating or preventing health problems, discovering familiar products in a new capacity. However, it must be remembered that even the safest means of abuse can have a negative effect on the body.
