HEALTHY TURMERIC: WHAT'S BEHIND THE ROOT?

Turmeric (botanically "Curcuma longa", sometimes also called "curcuma" or "curcumin") is also known as turmeric because the tuberous rootstock has a golden yellow color. The plant belongs to the ginger family and is very popular as a spice in Indian cuisine. But turmeric is much more than just the gold in curry...

The ancient Brahmins already knew that turmeric is healthy: their writings prove that turmeric was not only one of the most important spices of its time around 5,000 years ago, but was also used for health purposes - for example to treat inflammation. Many people even considered turmeric to be sacred. Even today, India consumes around 80 percent of the global turmeric harvest and is also the world's largest turmeric-growing country. Turmeric plays an important role in traditional Indian teachings, "Ayurveda", both today and in the past: it is one of the "hot" spices that is said to have a cleansing and energizing effect when taken. In Europe, too, different varieties of turmeric are traditionally considered healthy: they are said to have a positive effect on the liver, gall bladder and digestion. (^1BRKnowledge, 2020)

Turmeric contains many valuable secondary plant substances known as curcuminoids. The main curcuminoid is curcumin. Today, curcumin is available in many different preparations: for example, there are turmeric extracts in capsules or as a curcuma complex, which contains 95 percent pure curcumin. Curcumin is also easy to use and absorb in the kitchen: In addition to various curry dishes, the so-called turmeric latte, also known as golden milk, is also very popular: for this, ground turmeric powder is heated together with milk and served as a drink.

bioavailabilityThe so-called bioavailability always plays an important role in the area of nutrients. It shows how well and quickly the body can absorb and utilize a nutrient. How healthy turmeric is therefore also depends on the bioavailability of the respective product. The University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart conducted one of the largest studies on turmeric. One of the results was that liquid curcumin has 185 times the bioavailability of standardized powder capsules containing ground turmeric. In addition, the liquid curcumin remains in the blood plasma for over 24 hours. This is 2 hours for capsules with powder. (^2Rohitash, 2018)

Bioavailability can be improved by adding other ingredients, such as piperine (a component of black pepper). If you are sensitive to pepper, turmeric in liquid micelle form is an alternative, as is a combination of turmeric and fenugreek (fenugreek). These are free from side effects and ensure that turmeric can develop its healthy effect in the body. Do you like cooking? Like turmeric, fenugreek is also a traditional spice in Indian cuisine and the two harmonize perfectly with each other.

Various scientific studies have shown that turmeric is healthy. According to laboratory tests, turmeric has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. This means that turmeric can possibly have a healing effect in the treatment of osteoarthritis or various intestinal diseases. Turmeric is also often used as a healthy household remedy for bloating or flatulence and for problem-free digestion. (^3Melzer, 2019)
As turmeric not only has an antioxidant but also an antibacterial effect, it is also considered a potential alternative to antibiotics under certain conditions. A combination of curcumin and medication is also considered a possible useful measure.(^4Munet al., 2013)

There are also other areas in which turmeric can potentially support health. The following hypotheses have been submitted to EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) for consideration: For example, turmeric may be able to support the normal functions of the skin, nervous system, bones and joints, lungs and upper respiratory tract, immune system and cardiovascular system. An important note on intake: experts recommend limiting the daily intake of turmeric to 2 mg of curcumin per 1 kg of body weight. (^{5Chrubasik-Hausmann}, 2015)

Healthy turmeric as a medical wonder weapon? Turmeric is also said to help against various very serious diseases such as dementia, Alzheimer's or cancer. In fact, turmeric has shown anti-cancer effects in laboratory tests and can also prevent the deposition of certain proteins in the brain - an indication of its possible use against Alzheimer's disease. In principle, extreme caution is required with these assumptions: Curcumin has not yet been sufficiently researched as a drug and is therefore not approved in Germany.

^{(6Verbraucherzentrale}, 2019) To be on the safe side, we recommend that you consult your doctor before using turmeric for your health.

Beware of poor quality: every second turmeric product on the market is synthetically produced, diluted or even completely counterfeit (with yellow dyes etc.). You should therefore make sure you buy 100% natural turmeric. Because only turmeric of natural origin has the unique properties that can support your health. But how can you be sure? Make sure that the supplier's products are subject to the strictest quality controls in accordance with EU laws. If the nutrients have also been tested in renowned European laboratories, you have found the supplier you can trust!

At Feelgood Shop you are of course at the right address:Our nutritional supplements meet the highest quality standards, and our many positive customer reviews also speak for themselves.

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