10 Surprising Benefits of Turmeric

 By Lopamudra Sinha

Turmeric is an important spice in India and other Asian countries. It is widely available here, as it is best cultivated in this warm tropical climate. It is now also used in many other countries of the world, for cooking and other useful purposes. Scientifically, turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, which is the same family as that of ginger. Its scientific name is Curcuma longa, due to the presence of curcumin, which is the main chemical component and the coloring agent of this spice.

Turmeric is used in cooking most of the dishes of the Indian subcontinent, as the paste of the raw form or powdered from the roasted rhizome. It imparts a golden yellow color to the curries and lends a hot, sharp taste to the cooked foods. But apart from the culinary purposes, turmeric is also known for its high medicinal value, for which it is revered from ancient times, by the native medical practitioners of this region. It contains plenty of useful nutrients, like protein, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and fibers.

Therefore, the ten important medicinal benefits of turmeric are discussed here.

1. Acts as a brain booster

The power of the brain cells of the aged people often decreases due to the onset of any neurodegenerative disease, like Alzheimer's disease or dementia. But the presence of curcumin in turmeric is highly beneficial in removing all the obstructions that are preventing the smooth functioning of these old brain cells and it also helps in repairing much of the damages of the brain.

2. Prevents all types of cancers

According to the latest researches on cancer, turmeric has the power to prevent the formation of cancerous cells in certain parts of the body; thus it is highly effective in averting prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and even leukemia. The cancer patients can stop the rapid spread of cancer in their bodies through the regular intake of turmeric, as it prevents the multiplication of the cancerous cells within the affected body and it even destroys most of these diseased cells.

3. Restricts the rise of blood sugar level

The turmeric holds the unique ability to bring down the amount of glucose in the body to a fairly normal level, by decreasing the insulin resistance of the body cells. It is also known to make the usual diabetic medicines more effective; thus helps in controlling diabetes to a large extent.

4. Provides relief from arthritic pains

As the turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, it is proved to be useful in curing the arthritic pains or any ache of the bones or cartilages, to a great extent. Now, some scientists even claim that the turmeric is more effective than many pharmaceutical medicines, in reducing these joint pains.

5. Strengthens the immune system of the body

The turmeric contains a component called lipopolysaccharide, which is characterized by the ability to boost the immunity power of the body. Hence, anyone suffering from any viral fever or flu or cold should eat regular amounts of crushed or powdered turmeric, to get some relief from the painful symptoms. The antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of turmeric further help in strengthening the immunity system of the body and thus, it helps the body to fight these diseases successfully.

6. Decreases the level of cholesterol

The turmeric can lower the level of serum cholesterol in the body, due to its highly active antioxidant property, leading to the lesser possibility of the common cardiovascular diseases, thus saving the lives of many patients who are suffering from the ill effects of high HLD cholesterol.

7. Cures all minor wounds

From the ancient period, the turmeric has been known as a wonderful healer of all kinds of minor wounds. Actually, the curcumin, present in the turmeric, has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which helps in healing any small cuts or burns and protects the wounds from bacteria and other infections, when applied externally over the wounded area of the skin. The intake of turmeric is also found to be beneficial for repairing the damaged cartilages, in case of any sprain.

8. Helps in reducing excessive body weight

The turmeric enhances the amount of bile production from the liver and these extra quantities of bile help in faster digestion of the fatty acids, thus prevent their accumulation within the body cells. Due to the anti-angiogenic property of turmeric, it also prevents the fat cells from acquiring necessary nutrition from the blood and thus stops the further growth of these fats within the body. Therefore, the daily intake of a spoon of turmeric paste or powder can help in reducing body weight considerably.

9. Improves the digestive power of the body

As the turmeric stimulates the liver and the gallbladder to produce more bile, it speeds up the digestive process of the body. Due to the anti-inflammatory property of turmeric, it helps in curing the diseases caused by bowel irritation; for example, ulcerative colitis can be cured by eating turmeric. Moreover, the daily intake of a small amount of this beneficial spice helps in curing many stomach problems, such as bloating and diarrhea.

10. Keeps the liver healthy

The turmeric safeguards the health of the liver, due to the effective action of curcumin, which gets rid of all the unwanted fats and other toxic substances from the liver cells and makes them fully active. Turmeric also increases the production of the detoxifying enzymes in the liver and speeds up the blood circulation within the body. All these factors caused by turmeric make the liver healthier.

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Type 2 Diabetes - Anti-Diabetic Medications, B12, Calcium, and Older Brains

 

 By Beverleigh H Piepers:

Brain function can become impaired in older people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia investigated the possible relationships between treatment with the oral anti-diabetic medication Metformin, vitamin B12 supplements, and calcium supplements.

Their study, reported on in the journal Diabetes Care in September 2013, included 126 people with diabetes and 1228 non-diabetics. The participants with diabetes had worse brain performance than those without the condition. Among diabetics, the worst performance was seen among those taking the anti-diabetic medication, Metformin. The Type 2 diabetics taking vitamin B12 and calcium supplements showed better brain function than those not taking the supplements.

From these results it was concluded that taking vitamin B12 and  could help to maintain good brain function in those diabetics who were taking Metformin. They suggest more research be undertaken to determine what possible benefits vitamin B12 and calcium might have.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to:

• anemia,
• dementia, and
• numbness or tingling in the arms and legs.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg for a nonpregnant adult over 14 years of age. Vegan sources of B12 include nutritional yeast, fortified soy products, and fortified cereals.

Calcium deficiency can lead to brittle bones or osteoporosis, and puts patients at risk of fractures. Most calcium in the body is stored in the bones and teeth, where it can be brought out for other functions as needed. Calcium levels in soft tissues also play important roles...

• nerve cells need calcium to transmit messages.
• the heart, blood vessels, and other muscles need calcium to contract.

Calcium interacts with the protein calmodulin to provide the energy for muscles to contract. The mineral is also necessary for blood clotting and for a number of enzyme and other protein functions.

The RDA for calcium for:

• adults 19 to 50 years of age is 1000 mcg.
• women 51 and over and men 71 and over need 1200 mcg per day to help prevent osteoporosis.

Soy milk, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, and broccoli are good sources of calcium. Physical activity helps your body to hold calcium in the bones, where it both strengthens your bones and is stored for use in the rest of your body as needed.

The best activities for storing calcium in the bones are exercises that involve lifting and weight-bearing. Walking or running stresses the leg bones and vertebrae, making them ready to take on calcium. Lifting something over your head puts some stresses onto your arms and vertebrae. Lifting a weight over your head and running and walking while holding it up is good for strengthening your bones and maintaining an adequate supply of the calcium you take in.

Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. By making easy changes to your daily routine, its possible to protect your heart, kidneys, eyes and limbs from the damage often caused by diabetes, and eliminate some of the complications you may already experience.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

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Good Food Good Health - Calcium

By  Ted Wosko

A good food for good health is calcium and is great for bones and staying slim after 50. As you all probably know I am closer to fifty now than forty, even though I still feel as I did in my twenty's, (some friends may add I still act like it sometimes).

Recently it has dawned on me that if I still want to feel this good for the next twenty years that I really should take steps now, so that I can maintain the good health that I am enjoying at the moment.

I have been looking in general at women's health of my age and how to keep up good health through the next twenty years.

Middle-aged women, like myself I guess, have been told for years that they should take calcium and vitamin D tablets to protect their bones against osteoporosis that is why recently I have increased my intake of calcium.

I always eat a good balanced diet and as you know my theory is 'good food good health', so when I checked on the amount of dairy products Ted and I consume to calculate our daily intake, I was a little surprised that it was myself not Ted that was not always getting the required amount.

Our two daughters easily reach their required amount from their normal diet, as one of the cereals they eat is fortified with vitamins and they also drink a couple of milk shakes a day.

Osteoporosis is a disease due to loss of bone density with a break down of bone structure. Diseased bones become brittle, porous and thin, resulting in bones becoming easier to break especially those in the legs, hips and arms.

Women are far more prone to osteoporosis, in fact 80 per cent of all sufferers are women. So making sure we maintain a healthy balanced diet rich in dairy products is essential, and to check that our levels of calcium and vitamin D intake is correct.

Although 99 per cent of calcium in the body is found in the teeth and bones, the other 1 per cent plays a major role in our health and is found in muscles, blood, soft tissue, organs and nerves.

Meeting your calcium need is quite easy if you like milk and dairy products. Generally 8 ounces of milk provides about 300mg of calcium and general daily requirements are:

Children 1 - 8 years 500 - 800mg
9 - 18 years 1300 mg
19 - 50 years 1000mg
Women 51+ with HRT and men 51+ 1200mg
Women 51+ without HRT 1500mg
Breastfeeding and pregnant women 1200mg
The best sources of calcium and vitamin D are Milk, cheese and yoghurt, and also foods made with milk, such as custard, rice pudding, ice cream etc.
Fish and shellfish are an excellent source of Vitamin D - salmon, tuna, herring, halibut, shrimps and oysters as well as eggs, milk and cod liver oil.

Low fat foods also contain good amounts of calcium including low fat yoghurt, skimmed and low fat fluid milk and buttermilk. Cheese contains varying amounts of calcium and in general, the more firm the cheese the more calcium in contains. Soft cheese has a low amount present and cream cheese is not a good source at all.

Keeping good bone health is essential for all of us at any age, and therefore our intake of calcium is beneficial. Calcium moves in and out of the bones throughout our lives.

The need for good supplies of calcium throughout childhood and teen years is crucial, as bones grow in size and density through this period.

Calcium combines with phosphorous to form teeth and bones, making them hard and resistant to decay and breaks, it also:

Is vital in blood to help it clot normally.
Helps muscles to contract normally. A deficiency can cause spasms and cramp.
Is essential in the nervous system for messages to be passed from the brain to other parts if the body and back again.
Helps to regulate blood pressure. A deficiency or low intake of calcium has been associated with high blood pressure.

Calcium may help with the prevention of colon cancer. This is thought to work in tow ways, one if that it binds with fat and bile acids in the large intestine to keep them from causing harm, the other that it prevents the excessive growth of cells in the intestines that could otherwise lead to cancer.

Also new research has found that another incentive for taking calcium is that
It can help you stay slim, and this interested me greatly. The study found that women who were over 50 and took regular calcium and Vitamin D supplements are less likely to gain weight than those who do not, and what was surprising the women who had previously been deficient in Vitamin D and calcium had the greatest benefits.

The slimming effect is thought to be down to the fact that there is an improved breakdown of fat cells and also an increase in the production of leptin, a chemical that curbs your appetite.
Also experts said that stimulation of the metabolism is likely to be increased with a better balance of nutrients in our diet, and so I cannot stress to much the importance of the 'good food good health' benefits, and equally if you can get the required amount of calcium from a balanced diet can only be a plus, helping your body fight many diseases and the ever ageing process.

I have mentioned vitamin D several times and this is very important as calcium is not readily absorbed and used without this fat-soluble vitamin.

Vitamin D is often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin', as the action of the suns ultra violet rays forms vitamin D in the skin.

Specialists say that we need 15 minutes of sunlight to produce enough vitamin D in fair skinned people which should last for a couple of days, darker skinned people however need up to 3 hours.

The use of sunscreen 8 SPF of higher will form a barrier and prevent the formulation of vitamin D, so just wait 15 minutes before applying, but so not do this through the hottest hours. Clouds and window glass also prevent penetration of ultra violet rays.

So for good bone health - which means having the most dense and strong bones possible at reaching adulthood, a regular good intake of calcium is needed and continuously required after this age to help eliminate the chance of osteoporosis in latter years.

If to little calcium has been stored before the age of thirty in the bones or calcium is drawn out to fast in later life, then osteoporosis is at a greater risk.

All our bodies after the age of forty lose calcium quicker in the bones than going back in, and because of this we all need to be made aware just how important calcium in the diet is.

Many people have been put off from consuming dairy products over the past twenty or so years, and because of this health specialists are concerned about the future female population and the risk of osteoporosis. Also the specialists are watching the worrying trend of teenagers and fad diets that will cause complications to well being in future generations.

So for all of us the message is do not skimp on your dairy product intake, skimmed milk is just as rich in calcium, check you are consuming the correct amount in your diet. If you cannot get the required amounts in your daily diet then think about supplements. Always check with your doctor or medical practice before taking supplements as a sensible precaution, as it is with any medication.

Remember good food is good health

Ted and Sandra

This article was composed by Sandra & Ted Wosko. We have always been interested in health issues especially having children, and as with most people, we all suffer with some type of ailment. We are always researching on more and more topics in the endless task of gaining more knowledge to increase our expertise, benefiting ourselves and other people alike.

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