Turmeric Benefits
Turmeric Benefits for Health and Beauty
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant hizome ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which originated from tropical regions of South Asia. These plants need a temperature of 20° C to 30° C and rainfall to grow a normal routine.
Many parts of the plants used are rhizome. Turmeric rhizome is used widely in the field of food. Kari is one type of food that using turmeric. Yellow pigment in turmeric (coded E100) used to protect food products against sun damage. When used together with other dyes, ie, annatto (E160b), turmeric can be used to give color to cheese, yogurt, butter, and margarine.
Chemical compounds contained in turmeric is curcumin (a type of polyphenol compounds) and volatile oil. Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, which is contained in two forms Tautomer, namely the keto form in solid phase and the enol form in solution phase.
A 2004 study at the University of California showed that curcumin can inhibit the buildup of beta amyloid compounds that damage the brain Alzheimer’s disease patients and also outline the plaques that have been there before.
It is known that curcumin is a compound inhibiting MAO-A (monoamine oxidase) is strong at doses above 150 mg / kg. Inhibitory properties against MAO-B is at doses above 550 mg / kg.
A recent study in rats in laboratory experiments showed that turmeric can slow the spread of breast cancer into lungs and other body parts.
Curcumin also has pain relief properties. A study published in November 2006 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism shows the effectiveness of curcumin as a reliever of inflammation in the joints. This compound is a natural inhibitor of COX-2 enzyme.
A study in 2008 concluded that turmeric is also able to reduce insulin resistance and prevent type 2 diabetes in laboratory mice.
In addition to health benefits, turmeric is also useful for skin care and beauty. Several formulations of sunscreen (sunscreen) contains turmeric. Turmeric paste is used by women in India to remove excess hair on the skin.
THCs Compound (tetrahydrocurcuminoids) is useful as an antioxidant in turmeric and brighten the skin, so have the prospects in the manufacture of cosmetic formulas.
