How to do without turmeric? It is good, it is good, it can be used in a thousand ways, as a spice, as a supplement, it enters our kitchens and in our drawer of natural remedies for the well-being of the organism. Let's find out more about its virtues.
There are various species of turmeric, the one used for phytotherapeutic use is curcuma longa. Turmeric is used rhizome, the main components of which are essential oils, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, curcuminoidi which also connote its color.
Benefits of turmeric
Turmeric recognized assets are anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, choleretic, cholagogue, carminative, lipid-lowering (decreases blood lipid levels, such as cholesterol), antithrombotic, immunostimulants, antioxidants, antimicrobials.
Turmeric is indicated in cases of gastric dyspepsia and gallstones, chronic liver diseases, meteorism, colds, hypercholesterolemia, chronic rheumatic diseases, arthrosis and arthritis.
In fact, we find turmeric in many supplements formulated for joint pain, in synergy with the devil's claw and boswellia.
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dosage
According to the European Commission, the recommended average daily dosage is 1,5-3 grams of dried rhizome.
For the dry extract, therefore standardized in 95% curcumin, the daily dose is 400 mg 2 times a day after the main meals.
We also find on the market the hydroalcoholic extract of turmeric, which can be taken both as an aperitif, before meals, and as a digestive, after meals. The recommended dosage is 20 drops in a little water twice a day.
To promote the bioavailability of the curcumin, the active principle that connotes its characteristics, since its absorption is difficult by our body, it is good to use a teaspoon of olive oil or a pinch of pepper. On the market, supplements are often already formulated with piperine precisely in order not to disperse the active ingredient and allow its correct absorption.
Warnings
Turmeric precisely for its lipid-lowering properties it could be added to the action of some drugs, such as antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. Those who are subjected to these drug treatments should avoid turmeric-based supplements.
Read also Curcuma, how much to take per day >>
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