Turmeric is gotten from the roots of plants. It is the ingredient in curry that makes it yellow. To some, turmeric is best used as a spice. To others, it is used as a therapy for many health conditions. This is because of its active substance known as Curcumin. 

Bioactive substances(Curcumin) having medicinal characteristics can be found in turmeric. But raw turmeric does not have much curcumin in it. This is why some individuals prefer turmeric supplements. 

Curcumin derived from raw turmeric is just about 3%, compared to its supplement form which has about 97% curcumin.

According to United States Department Of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, One tablespoon of turmeric powder contains 

• 29 Calories
• 6.31g of Carbohydrates 
• 0.91grams (g) of protein
• 0.31g of fat
• O.3g of sugar 
• 2.1g of fiber

Here Are 6 Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

1. Turmeric Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

It reduces inflammation which could be swelling or redness in a part of the body. It does this by obstructing certain agents that are responsible for the inflammation. 

2. Turmeric Helps In Increasing The Antioxidant level Of The Body

It inhibits oxidation in the body by blocking free radicals that tend to that tend to reacts with molecules in the body such as fatty acids, DNA or protein. These free radicals can be responsible or could play a role in cancer or heart diseases. 

3. Turmeric Relieves Pain 

Arthritis patients have shown to respond well to curcumin for post surgical pains and swelling and there are several studies and researches that have supported this. 

4. Turmeric Has Shown To Have Benefits Against Depression.

Curcumin has shown to boost the level of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the brain, since studies have shown that depression is often linked with a decrease in BDNF level. BDNF is a protein that helps in the growth and maintenance of neurons(nerve cells), thus, facilitating their survival.

5. Curcumin May Be Of Benefits in Fighting Chronic Diseases

Since Curcumin is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it is fair to say that they play a part in the prevention of chronic diseases, because inflammatory and oxidative agents in the body might steer up severe diseases. 

Side Effects

First, it is important to note that turmeric is naturally safe and that the side effect emerges when taken in high doses or after long-term use. 

1. Diarrhea
2. Nausea
3. Ulcer

 Risk

It is not generally recommended to pregnant women because when taken in high amounts, it can alter the level of estrogen hormone which can increase the risk of miscarriage according to Ilene Cohen, RDN, owner of PranaSpirit Nutrition & Wellness and New York State Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Media spokesperson.

How Much Tumeric Should You Take?

There’s no approved amount, but, 500 – 1000 milligrams per day has proven to be enough. 

How To Take Turmeric For Infection

Turmeric can be taken as spice or as a supplement.

As a supplement, a survey advised that 500mg to 2000mg of turmeric per day has possible advantages. However, the doses depended on the illness.