Turmeric health benefits

Scientific name: Curcuma longa L.

Description
Turmeric is a perennial herb with aromatic rhizomes bright yellow color in the inside, is used as a seasoning (curry) and is attributed anticancer properties.
 
The part used of the turmeric is the rhizome whose color is due to curcumoides Curcumins, it also contains from 3 to 5% of an essential oil rich in terpene and sesquiterpene ketones (tumerone).

The main benefits of turmeric is as hepatoprotective, but also has choleretic actions, lipid lowering and spasmolytic. Turmeric is also attributed the actions as antiplatelet so it can be preventive of thrombosis and atherosclerosis.

It is indicated in the hepatobiliary dyskinesia, cholecystitis, hepatitis and hyposecretion dyspepsia. Prepare a decoction by boiling the grated tuber for 10 min in half-litter of water.

Another interesting use of turmeric: can be used as an indicator since it changes its color from yellow to brownish red in the presence of alkali.