origin

Turmeric (called "Haridra" in Sanskrit and "Gelbwurz" in Germany) with the botanical name "Curcuma longa" belongs to the ginger family and has been cultivated for over 5000 years. v.aTurmeric is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is one of the most important spices in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda and is the most common ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is recognized as a food additive with the number E 100 and gives many foods their color (margarine, jam, mustard, curry powder, etc.). Turmeric is pungent and bitter and is considered a warming spice in Ayurvedic teachings. Its root is used in cooking and natural medicine. It is not only visually very similar to ginger and is therefore also called "yellow ginger." However, the turmeric root is slightly smaller and thinner than ginger, and not pale, but bright yellow. Both roots can be used fresh or in powder form.

In medicine, turmeric is further differentiated: Curcuma longa, which originates from India, and Curcuma xanthorrhiza, the Javanese turmeric. Both types of turmeric have a monograph from the so-called "Commission E"; this is the regulatory authority that reviews medicinal plants.

One teaspoon of turmeric contains the following vitamins and minerals in mg as follows (only those minerals and vitamins present in a significant amount are listed). >= 1.0 mg contained):

• Potassium: 1260
• Magnesium: 208
• Phosphorus: 172
• Calcium: 120
• Vitamin E: 62
• Selenium: 60
• Choline: 44
• Manganese: 36.4
• Vitamin A: 32
• Folic acid: 17
• Niacin: 9.12
• Vitamin C: 1.1
• Vitamin K: 1.0

Benefits and mode of action

In the Ayurveda Turmeric has a balancing effect on all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha): its heating effect balances Vata and Kapha, while its bitter taste balances Pitta. Turmeric has long been used in Ayurveda as diuretic, stomach and liver tonic recommended.

In the Traditional Chinese Medicine Turmeric is used to regulate the energy flow of Qi, to dissolve stagnant blood and relieve menstrual pain to eliminate.

But also in the western herbal medicine Turmeric has always played a significant role. For example, the pharmacist Pahlow writes in "The Great Book of Medicinal Plants," pages 394-395:

“The yellow pigment, curcumin, promotes the emptying of the gallbladder. The essential oil is said to increase bile production in the liver. Consequently, turmeric can be used successfully for stomach and intestinal complaints caused by reduced bile excretion. The German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) certifies that turmeric root has anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, and bile-promoting effects."

Curcumin has been scientifically proven to have an effect antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory and promotes the production and secretion of bile. Both o.gTurmeric varieties are therefore approved by Commission E for the treatment of digestive disorders. This is especially true for older people, in whom Digestive power and appetite Therefore, turmeric is particularly suitable as a dietary supplement when the condition deteriorates.

The Active ingredients in turmeric v.a. Curcumin, xanthothiol, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorusTurmeric and its active ingredients, d.h. v.aThe curcuminoids and the water-soluble peptides were able to effectively inhibit free radicals both in vitro (within the test tube) and in vivo (in the body).The properties of curcuminoids in preventing the formation of tissue damaged by free radicals (v.aThe lipid peroxides, which are responsible for cardiovascular diseases, are among the better-known ones. antioxidant properties.

According to studies, the antioxidant mechanisms of curcuminoids could involve one or more of the following: Interactions include:

• Intervening in oxidative attacks to limit or prevent their occurrence – e.g., inhibiting oxidative enzymes such as cytochrome P-450
• Scavenging or neutralizing free radicals, e.g., superoxide and peroxide radicals
• Breaking down the oxidative chains formed by free radicals

Curcuminoids are classified into three groups: Curcumin I, II and IIICurcumin I is the most abundant form of curcumin in turmeric. All three curcuminoid groups are biologically active and also have independent antioxidant effects. For example, the antioxidant effect of curcuminoids against free radicals is five times stronger than that of vitamin E.

The hypothesis of many studies is that curcumin also tumor-inhibiting properties The potential benefit is based on the empirical observation that certain types of cancer are less common in India than elsewhere, where significantly less turmeric is consumed. Furthermore, initial laboratory and animal experiments are promising, but cannot be directly extrapolated to humans. Further clinical trials are needed. https://www.medizin-transparent.at/curry-gewurz-gegen-krebs/

Furthermore, curcumin is said to have a certain effect on Prevention of Alzheimer's disease It is also generally suspected to be involved in neurodegenerative processes by inhibiting the formation of amyloid-beta bloomers in rodents. However, further studies are needed.

What should you consider when buying turmeric?

Turmeric products should have a high curcuminoid content, the key active ingredient in turmeric, achieved by using turmeric extract in addition to the powder. Furthermore, you should ensure high bioavailability, otherwise the turmeric won't reach the body and will be completely excreted. This bioavailability is achieved by adding piperine from black pepper. Following these tips will help you find a high-quality product.

Legal consumer information

German and European law aims to protect consumers from potentially misleading claims about product effects. The statements made here refer to original Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts. This millennia-old, traditional knowledge is based on experiences passed down from generation to generation. It is not intended that the products described here have any effect in the sense of Western medicine. All products are dietary supplements; they are not medications and have no medicinal effect. If you are ill and require medical attention, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.