Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric (scientific name: Curcuma longa, Hindi name: haldi), which is considered as the Queen of spices, is very commonly found all around the world. Its characteristic golden-yellow colour and pepper like aroma makes its easily distinguishable when placed among other spices and herbs.

As per published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Turmeric contains many antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It contains many beneficial nutrients like iron, manganese, copper, potassium, vitamin B6, dietary fiber. Turmeric is also a source of phytonutrients including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, tumerones, and tumenorols.

Here are some ways turmeric can boost up your health:

Prevents cancer

It has been found that turmeric helps in preventing several cancers, stopping the growth of cancer cells, including prostate cancer due to its anti carcinogenic properties. Its active components protect the body against cancers caused due to radiation. Additionally it helps fight tumor cells like T-cell Leukemia, colon and breast carcinomas.

Relieves joint pains

The anti inflammatory properties have been found helpful in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. And with its rich antioxidant properties, it helps destroying the free radicals that damage the body cells. Those who consume turmeric regularly find much relief from the joint pains and joint swelling and inflammation.

Controls Diabetes

Turmeric has been found to limit the insulin levels in the body, thus improving glucose control and increasing the effect of medication in the process. It helps reduce insulin resistance which may further lead to complete prevention of Type 2 Diabetes. However, if we combine it with strong medicines, Turmeric can sometimes cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. Therefore its best to consult a physician or diabetes specialist before starting turmeric supplements.

Controls Cholesterol levels

High cholesterol leads to endless health problems including high risk of cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have found that simply seasoning your food with turmeric or using it as a spice, can reduce serum cholesterol levels thus preventing cardiovascular diseases and lessening the risks for many more troubles.

Boosts Immunity

Turmeric contains lipopolysaccharide, which stimulates the immune system. Th antibacterial, antiviral and anti fungal properties in Turmeric help in strengthening immunity which further helps in reducing risks of catching a cold or flu. When suffering from a cough/cold/flu, drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of turmeric in it daily.

Heals Wounds

Turmeric’s antiseptic and antibacterial properties make it a good natural disinfectant too. When you get a cut/ wound, apply some turmeric powder on the affected area to help speed up the healing process. It also helps treating skin problems like Psoriasis and many other inflammation related conditions.

Supports Weight Loss

Use of Turmeric has been studied in association with people suffering from obesity. It helps maintain weight by regulating the flow of bile, an important component for breaking down dietary fat. A teaspoon of Turmeric powder can be consumed with every meal to see these results in obese conditions.

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease

Inflammation in the brain can lead to cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric helps fight such conditions by reducing the plaque build-up in the brain and improving the flow of oxygen. This can prevent and slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s.

Improves Digestion

The regulation of bile juice to support the breakdown of fat and food faster, is a way that Turmeric helps in aiding Digestion. Also, it helps in preventing and treating stomach ulcers and colon diseases because of the medicinal qualities in it. However, when suffering from gall bladder problems, Turmeric should not be consumed. Supplementation should only be approved by the physician in any case.

Regulates Liver

Turmeric, apart from being an antiseptic, also acts as a detoxifier. The liver detoxifies the blood by producing enzymes and turmeric helps increase the production of such vital enzymes. These enzymes break down and eliminate toxins in the body. These factors support good liver health. Turmeric is also believed to improve blood circulation.

Tips to maintain healthy teeth

Here are some tips:

Select the right area: Instead of carelessly brushing in every direction, ensure that you focus on the area where your teeth meet your gums, which is where gum disease can happen.

Don’t use the same brush for long: One of the most common mistakes that we make is to use the same toothbrush for months at a time. Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush every three to four months.

The right angle: Place the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against your teeth and move it in a circular motion to clean each tooth. Gently flick the toothbrush from the gums to the biting edge of the teeth to remove plaque. Ensure you brush the inside surface of the teeth. And lastly, gently brush your tongue to remove bacteria.

Brush twice a day: You’ve been hearing this adage from childhood, but it remains true and beneficial even today. Take just two minutes of your time to brush twice a day and your dental problems will substantially reduce.

Don’t brush too hard: Brushing too hard won’t clean your teeth better, and may, in fact, wear down the teeth enamel and damage gums.

Go for regular check-ups: Don’t visit the dentist only once you have toothache. Make at least a yearly visit to the dentist to ensure there is no cavity and subsequent dental complications.

Avoid tobacco and coffee: Smoking and chewing tobacco can increase your risk of getting cavities and gum recession, which can make teeth sensitive. Coffee can stain your teeth.

Eat the right food: Foods that are high in fibre are good for your teeth while foods that are rich in sugar are not. Have fresh fruit over juices.

Clean your tongue: Oral hygiene is not limited to the teeth and gums. You must also clean the tongue to maintain good dental hygiene. It will remove the bacteria that tend to cause bad breath.

Floss before sleeping: Flossing is particularly recommended for adults with gaps between their teeth. But be cautious. Over-flossing can damage the gums.

Benefits of Papaya for Weight Loss

Papayas have very less calories and, hence, are commonly consumed as healthy snack. From fruit salads to drinks and smoothies, papayas feature in a number of our dishes and drinks. Although the ripe fruit of papaya is generally eaten raw, the unripe fruit can be cooked in stews and curries. It is frequently used in Thai and Malaysian cuisines and it also finds uses in a number of home remedies from ancient remedies. Both raw and ripe papayas have incredible benefits for the skin and overall health and daily consumption of the all-season fruit is also recommended to shed those extra kilos quicker.

Nutritional values in papaya

While a 100-gm raw papaya pulp contains 20 mg calcium and 21 mg magnesium, it also contains 182 mg potassium and good amounts of vitamin C or ascorbic acid.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture data, a 100-gm serving of uncooked papaya pulp contains just 43 calories

Health Benefits Of Papaya

Great for the skin: A number of beauty experts recommend applying papaya paste on the face, due to its deep cleansing action. 

Fights Infections: Papaya benefits are plenty because it is rich in vitamins C, A, B and K. The presence of good amounts of vitamin C makes papaya an immunity booster fruit. 

Boost Heart Health: The presence of healthy fibre and absence of cholesterol in papaya makes it one of the best fruits to support the heart. The natural fibre in papaya, states Healing Foods, can regulate blood pressure and control the levels of Low Density Lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol in the blood.

Boosts Digestion: Papaya contains enzymes papain and chymopapain, both of which have been shown to aid digestion and prevent constipation. 

Boosts Eye Health: The amber colour of papaya is imparted to it by beta-carotene, which is also present in other red and orange fruits like tomatoes and carrots. The beta-carotene, along with vitamin E and C in papaya benefits us by helping in prevention of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and other age-related macular degeneration conditions.

Weight Loss: As stated earlier, a 100-gm serving of papaya fruit pulp contains a mere 43 calories and zero cholesterol. This, along with the high fibre content, makes papaya a great fruit for aiding weight loss. This is why you should use payaya for weight loss.