What is turmeric?
Curcuma, also known as turmeric or turmeric root, is a plant from the ginger family, scientifically known as Curcuma longa. It originates from South Asia and has long been used in traditional medicine and cooking. The root of the curcuma plant is dried and ground into a fine powder, which is used as a spice in many dishes. Curcuma gives dishes a yellow colour and has a characteristic taste that is slightly earthy and slightly bitter. It is also known for its potential health benefits due to its main active ingredient, curcumin, which may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcuma is often used in traditional Indian cuisine, particularly in curry dishes, as well as in drinks such as golden milk. It is also taken in dietary supplements in the form of capsules or tablets to benefit from its health benefits.
How is turmeric extracted?
Curcuma is extracted from the roots of the turmeric plant, also known as rhizomes. Here are the steps to extract turmeric:
1. harvesting: the turmeric plants are harvested when they are ripe. Harvesting is usually done by hand by pulling or digging the roots out of the ground.
2. cleaning: After harvesting, the roots are cleaned to remove dirt and other impurities. This can be done by washing or brushing.
3. drying: The cleaned roots are then dried to remove moisture and increase shelf life. This step can be done by sun drying or machine drying.
4. grinding: After the roots are dried, they are ground into a fine powder. This is usually done with special grinding machines or mills.
5. packaging: The ground turmeric powder is finally packaged in suitable containers to protect it from moisture, light and air and to preserve its quality. It can then be used for sale or further processing.
These basic steps are followed to obtain turmeric powder, which is used as a spice and dietary supplement.
How does turmeric work in the body?
Turmeric, which is extracted from the root of the curcuma plant, is not only a versatile spice in the kitchen, but it also offers a number of potential health benefits. Its main component, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and possibly even anti-cancer properties. Some of the most notable health benefits of turmeric are detailed below.
1. anti-inflammatory effect: Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to infection and injury, but chronic inflammation can lead to various health problems such as heart disease, arthritis and cancer. Curcumin can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the activity of certain pro-inflammatory enzymes.
2. antioxidant activity: Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to premature ageing and various diseases. By neutralising free radicals, curcumin can help slow down the ageing process and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
3. improved brain function: There is evidence that curcumin can improve brain function and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Curcumin can prevent the formation of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's and also promote the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are important for mood and cognitive function.
4. heart health: Curcumin may also support heart health by combating various risk factors for heart disease. It can help lower cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure, improve circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots. Through these effects, curcumin can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
5. improved digestion: Curcuma can also support digestion and alleviate various gastrointestinal complaints. It can help regulate the production of stomach acid, reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promote the healing of stomach and intestinal ulcers. Curcumin may also improve overall digestive function by stimulating the activity of digestive enzymes.
6. joint health: Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin can also help relieve joint pain and stiffness in arthritis patients. It can reduce inflammation in the joints, slow the progression of the disease and improve joint function. Some studies also suggest that curcumin can stimulate the production of synovial fluid, resulting in better lubrication and less friction in the joints.
7. improved skin health: Curcumin may also improve skin health by reducing inflammation, promoting the healing of skin lesions and stimulating the formation of collagen, which is important for skin elasticity and firmness. It can also help treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system.
How is turmeric different from other active ingredients?
Turmeric, particularly its active ingredient curcumin, differs from other active ingredients due to its unique chemical structure, versatile applications and potential health benefits. To better understand the differences, let's look at some key characteristics of curcumin compared to other actives.
1. chemical structure: Curcumin belongs to the curcuminoid class and is a group of polyphenols found in the curcuma plant. Its chemical structure consists of two phenol rings that are linked together by a connecting chain. This structure gives curcumin its characteristic yellow colour and its bioactive properties. In contrast, other active substances belong to different chemical classes, such as flavonoids, carotenoids or alkaloids, and have different structures and properties.
2. bioavailability: An important distinguishing feature of curcumin compared to other active ingredients is its limited bioavailability. Curcumin has a low water solubility and is poorly absorbed in the intestine, which means that only a small proportion of the curcumin ingested actually reaches the bloodstream. To improve the bioavailability of curcumin, various formulations have been developed, such as the use of piperine from black pepper, which increases the absorption of curcumin, or the use of liposomes or nanoparticles to improve its stability and absorption. In contrast, some other active ingredients with higher bioavailability, such as vitamin C or vitamin E, are more easily absorbed by the body.
3. biological activity: Despite its limited bioavailability, curcumin exhibits a wide range of biological activities that distinguish it from other active ingredients. Curcumin is known for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral and anticancer properties. It acts through various mechanisms such as inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes, neutralisation of free radicals, modulation of signalling pathways and regulation of gene expression. These versatile effects make curcumin a promising active ingredient for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In comparison, other active compounds may have different biological activities depending on their chemical properties and mechanisms of action.
4. applications: Curcumin is used in a variety of applications, including in the food and beverage industry as a colouring and flavouring agent, in the cosmetics industry in skin care products and in the pharmaceutical industry in dietary supplements and medicines. It has also been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, to treat various ailments. In comparison, other active ingredients have their own specific applications and are used in different industries and products, depending on their unique properties and benefits.
5 Safety and side effects: Curcumin is generally considered safe, especially when used in the usual amounts as a spice in the diet. However, it can cause stomach discomfort in high doses or with prolonged use and may interact with certain medications. In comparison, other active ingredients may have different safety profiles and potential side effects depending on their use and dosage.
What are the side effects and contraindications?
Turmeric, especially its main active ingredient curcumin, is generally considered safe and well tolerated, especially when used in the usual amounts as a spice in the diet. However, there are some possible side effects and contraindications that should be considered, especially when taking high-dose supplements that are overdosed. Nevertheless, it is important to note that turmeric is generally considered to be very well tolerated.
1. stomach pain and indigestion: In some cases, high doses of curcumin can cause stomach discomfort such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea or flatulence. This can occur especially if curcumin is taken on an empty stomach or if a person is sensitive to certain components of curcuma.
2. blood thinning: Curcumin can have a blood-thinning effect by influencing blood clotting. People who take blood-thinning medication such as warfarin or suffer from bleeding disorders should therefore exercise caution and speak to their doctor before taking curcuma to avoid possible interactions.
3. gallbladder problems: In people with gallbladder problems, such as gallstone disease, curcumin can stimulate the production of bile and potentially trigger gallbladder contractions, which can cause discomfort. People with such problems should therefore discuss the intake of curcuma with their doctor.
4 Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may have allergic reactions to turmeric, especially if they are sensitive to other plants in the ginger family. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or breathing difficulties. In such cases, the intake of curcuma should be stopped immediately and medical help sought.
5 Interactions with medications: Curcumin may interact with certain medications, especially those that lower blood sugar levels, affect blood clotting or impair liver function. People who regularly take medication should therefore consult their doctor before taking curcuma to check for possible interactions.
