The Mystical Origins of ‘Cúrcuma Longa’
Intense yellow in color and with an unmistakable fragrance, this spice comes from the orange root of a herbaceous plant belonging to the ‘zingiberáceas’ family, located in India and Indonesia. With the scientific name of ‘curcuma longa’, it has a historical tradition that goes back to 610 BC. to 320 B.C.
It was used as a dye for wool due to its intense yellow-orange color and, later, it was adopted by Hindu cuisine as a food coloring and part of the popular curry.
The Medicinal Wonders of Turmeric
The compounds in turmeric, called curcuminoids (curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin), give it extraordinary medicinal properties. In addition, its volatile oils (turmerone, atlantone and zingiberene), proteins, resins and sugars also contribute to its healing power. This ‘queen of spices’ also contains dietary fibre, vitamins C, E and K, niacin, sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc.
Why is Turmeric an Exceptional Stomach Treatment?
Turmeric is a highly effective natural remedy for upset stomach, with anti-inflammatory properties that prevent heartburn and relieve stomach discomfort. Recommended for digestive disorders, lack of appetite and gastritis, its active ingredients encourage the production of gastric and pancreatic juices, balancing the pH of these organs.
An Extraordinary Biliary Tonic
Thanks to ‘curcumin’, turmeric acts as an excellent biliary tonic, with other hepatoprotective components that help remove gallstones and facilitate hepatic drainage. Recommended for liver disorders such as jaundice, liver cirrhosis and gallbladder problems.
Fighting Cancer with Turmeric
The rhizome of this plant contains at least ten anti-cancer components, highlighting curcumin and beta-carotene. These elements protect against various types of cancer such as colon, skin, breast and duodenal.
It helps the body resist the effects of strong drugs and treatments such as chemotherapy.
Powerful anti-inflammatory
The curcuminoids in turmeric provide great anti-inflammatory properties, almost as effective as some medications, but without their side effects. Recommended for inflammatory disorders such as intestinal diseases, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and obesity.
Guardian of the Heart
Turmeric components offer cardioprotective properties, reducing bad cholesterol and triglycerides. It promotes the prevention of heart attacks when it is regularly included in the diet, complementing a healthy and low-fat diet.
Antidepresiu Natural
Traditional Chinese medicine has used turmeric to treat depression for thousands of years. Turmeric extract stimulates the nervous system, activates the immune system and improves mood, reducing stress levels and is used in related disorders.