Turmeric: That Golden Herb!

Since ancient times, the medicinal spice, turmeric or haldi as it is called in India, has been the shining ingredient in the country’s multi-spiced and colorful culinary history. Its warming, bitter and earthy taste has been blended into a fusion of those legendary aromatic curry flavors.

Revered as the “holy or golden powder” it has been actively used in sacred and auspicious Hindu ceremonies and rituals.

Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old holistic health system of India and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has harnessed this rich saffron colored root for its inherent preventive health benefits. Its medicinal properties have even been documented in ancient Hindu scriptures.

The spotlight was turned on this time-tested herb in the last few decades when it was discovered in global research, that India had the lowest number of Alzheimer's cases in the world. Further investigation attributed this to the widespread consumption of turmeric in their diet.

It was also believed to have potent anti-cancer compounds.

Since then, the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, immune-boosting, and antioxidant properties of turmeric have been extensively researched. Over the years, more than12,000 bio-medical studies have unearthed over 250 beneficial effects of this saffron herb on our physiology.

Let’s call this a happy meeting ground of Ayurveda that means “the science or wisdom of life” and modern empiric research.

Today turmeric is popularly consumed as lattes, tea, golden milk or in capsules.

Though considered a root and part of the ginger family, turmeric is actually a rhizome, or underground stem.

What then is at the heart of this rhizome? In one word: curcumin. It is this compound and active ingredient that gives turmeric its bright yellow pigment and phytochemicals. However, there is less than five percent of curcumin present in turmeric.

When curcumin is extracted from turmeric, it has been touted to have powerful therapeutic properties. The flip side is that it is not easily absorbed by the body when isolated, as the gut enzymes expel this nutrient and block it from entering the bloodstream.

This gave rise to a spate of research to maximize its absorption.

Turmeric being fat soluble is absorbed when combined with fat such as coconut oil, almond oil or other kinds of oils. Research indicates that when turmeric is combined with black pepper or piperine, the bioavailability of curcumin gets boosted to a reported 2000%, with no side effects.

When cooking with turmeric a quarter teaspoon of black pepper or a big pinch will enhance its absorption in the body.

Let us understand how turmeric can curb inflammation in the body.

There are several pathways in the body that lead to inflammation.

If left unchecked, inflammation can cascade through the body leading to chronic inflammation and oxidative damage. This can over time snowball into degenerative ailments such as osteoarthritis, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, irritable bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, heart disease, inflamed gums, diabetes, rheumatism and skin conditions like eczema.

While mainstream treatment targets the main area of pain, it does not really stem inflammation at its root.

Curcumin, on the other hand, is known to effectively block the inflammation trigger points. This becomes critical especially in cases of cancer cells that proliferate and multiply. Curcumin’s ability to stimulate or turn on the antioxidant network, goes a long way to neutralize free radicals in the body. 

A decrease in the levels of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) has been linked to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. BDNF is a growth hormone that functions in the brain and is largely responsible for maintaining memory and learning.

A decrease in the levels of BDNF is also linked to mental imbalances such as depression and chronic anxiety.

Research shows that curcumin has the potential to increase the levels of BDNF in the brain. There is also evidence that it can stimulate serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that combat depression.

Arthritis is a common problem especially as people age. Most cases of arthritis involve inflammation in the joints. Given curcumin’s potent anti-inflammatory properties, it targets painful swelling in the joints. Curcumin was proven to be even more effective than a traditional anti-inflammatory drug especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.

A study shows that curcumin may improve the health of the heart membrane, the endothelial, and the blood vessels.

Since absorption is key, it is better to select a turmeric/curcumin supplement, containing black pepper. Moreover, a fermented turmeric pill, capsule or tablet further aids the predigestion and absorption process.

There is a possibility that turmeric taken in large doses can cause side effects such as diarrhea, acid reflux, skin irritation, lower the blood pressure. It can also counteract with blood thinning medications and diabetes drugs. It is essential to consult a healthcare practitioner or medical doctor before taking turmeric in huge doses.

Scientific studies, double-blind research methods continue to unpack and unravel the potent multi-faceted health benefits of turmeric and curcumin.

In another realm, ancient holistic systems such as Ayurveda and TCM continue to integrate it in its age-old remedies with that innate and quiet understanding of the power of plant medicine.