Turmeric (Curcumin) Nutrition Profile

Turmeric is the most common ingredient in Indian curries. It is also used for cosmetics and in Ayurvedic healing.
In Hindi, Turmeric is called "Haldi". Haldi is derived from Sanskrit word 'Haridra'.

Nutrients per teaspoon of ground turmeric powder.

Energy: 8 kCal
Protein: 7 g
Fats: .22g (Saturated: .069, monounsaturated: .037, mostly polyunsaturated)
Fiber: .5 g
Moisture: .25 g
Ash: .13 g
Calcium: 4 mg
Iron: .91 mg
Magnesium: 4 mg
Phosphorus: 6 mg
Potassium: 56 mg
Copper: .013 mg
Manganese: .172 mg

Health Benefits

- Antibiotic . When applied topically, it prevents bacterial infection and aids in healing wounds, cuts, bruises.

- Anti-inflammatory , and anti-ulcerative properties, orally, and topically. Curcumin has shown to reduce the inflammation of the uvea. It helps relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis by reducing inflammation.

- Curcumin increases detoxifying enzymes in the liver and protect it from from toxins such as carbon tetrachloride and acetominophen (caused by alcohol abuse or pain killers).

- Helps the production of bile emptying the gallbladder. In the process it helps break down fats. It reduces secretion of acid from the stomach and protects against inflammation along the intestinal walls. it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. It aids in the digestion of protein.

- Lowers cholesterol levels and inhibits the oxidation of LDL. Oxidized LDL results in forming plaque in the walls of blood vessels. Turmeric also prevents platelet build up along the walls of an injured blood vessel. Platelets collecting at the site of a damaged blood vessel cause blood clots to form and blockage of the artery.

- Anti-cancer properties. It inhibits growth of leukemia, colon caner, oral cancer, prostate and breast cancers. When applied topically, inhibits growth of skin cancer.

- Reduces the destructive activity of parasites or roundworms.

- Alzheimer's Disease. In animal studies, it has been found to reduce actual Amyloid plaque, and recover some of the damage from oxidation and inflammation.

- According to Ayurvedic healing, Turmeric contains a plant-fluoride. This explains the low-occurrence of tooth decay and cavities among Indians.

Medicinal dosage

Normal dosage for average adult: ¼ teaspoon of ground Turmeric taken twice a day.
Turmeric should not be used in medicinal dosage during pregnancy or by people suffering from gall bladder disease. Excessive use could cause stomach ulcers.

Cosmetics

At this point I cant help mentioning the traditional whole-body wedding massage. The bride and bridegroom in India get a massage with specially formulated mix of Turmeric powder, Yogurt, Besan (chickpea flour) and Mustard oil.

Turmeric does have skin-lightening effect and used in many skin-whitening face masks, or to make skin glow.

Out of India

In United States, Turmeric is a common ingredient yellow pour-able mustard. The commercial chicken soups and broths are colored with Turmeric.

Turmeric has been used for many ailments in Chinese medicine. The German Commission E has approved turmeric for a variety of digestive disorders.

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