Benefits of Turmeric for Health and Beauty

Traditional Medicine (Turmeric)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a herbaceous plant of the family berimpang jahean gingers (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.

The plant is widely used is rimpangnya. Turmeric rhizome is used widely in the field of food. Kari is one type of food that using turmeric. Yellow dye 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 tautomeric forms, 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 substances that destroy beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients and also outlines the plaques that have been there before.

It found that the compound curcumin is an inhibitor of MAO-A (monoamine oxidase) is strong at doses above 150 mg / kg. Efficacy of inhibition of MAO-B is at doses above 550 mg / kg.

A recent study in mice in the laboratory showed that turmeric can slow the spread of breast cancer to the lungs and other body parts.

Traditional Medicine (Turmeric)

Curcumin also has properties to relieve pain. 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 mice in the laboratory.

In addition to health benefits, turmeric is also useful for skin care and beauty. Several formulations sunscreen (sunscreen) contains turmeric. Turmeric paste is used by women in India to remove the excess hair on the skin.

THCs Compound (tetrahydrocurcuminoids) in turmeric is useful as an antioxidant and brighten the skin, so have the prospects in the manufacture of cosmetic formulas.