Page 40 - FoodFocusThailand No.168 March 2020
P. 40
STRATEGIC R & D
The Powerful Biological
Properties of Turmeric
Turmeric, sometimes called Indian saffron or the Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful
biological properties. Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional Indian system
golden spice, is a tall plant that grows in Asia and
of treatment, recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions.
Central America. The turmeric on shelves and in These include chronic pain and inflammation. Western medicine has
begun to study turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent. This
spice cabinets is made of the ground roots of the
article explores the nutritional content of turmeric, how it might benefit
plant. The bright yellow color of processed turmeric health, as well as some of its negative side effects.
has inspired many cultures to use it as a dye. Ground Nutrition of Turmeric
turmeric is also a major ingredient in curry powder. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon (tbsp) of turmeric powder
Capsules, teas, powders, and extracts are some of
contains: 29 calories, 0.91 grams (g) of protein, 0.31 g of fat, 6.31 g
the turmeric products available commercially. of carbohydrates, 2.1 g of fiber, 0.3 g of sugar. That same 1-tbsp
serving provides: 26 percent of daily manganese needs, 16 percent
of daily iron, 5 percent of daily potassium, 3 percent of daily
vitamin C.
Positive Side Effects
While turmeric is a flavorsome spice that is nutritious to consume, it
has also traditionally been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine
to treat inflammatory conditions, skin diseases, wounds, digestive
ailments, and liver conditions.
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