Turmeric is best known as a spice. It's one of the main
components of curry powder. In India and other parts of Asia, turmeric is used
to treat many health conditions. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and perhaps even anticancer properties.
These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important
of which is cur cumin.
Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, may help to reduce
inflammation. Several studies suggest that it might ease symptoms of
osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and inflammation. Other
compounds in turmeric might also be medicinal.
In lab tests, curcumin seems to block the growth of certain
kinds of tumors. One study showed that turmeric extract containing curcumin
could -- in some cases -- stabilize colorectal cancer that wasn't helped by other
treatments. But more research is needed.
Other preliminary lab studies suggest that curcumin or
turmeric might protect against types of skin diseases, Alzheimer's disease,
colitis, stomach ulcers, and high cholesterol. Based on lab studies, turmeric
and curcumin might also help treat upset stomach, scabies, diabetes, HIV,
uveitis, viral infections,depression and cardiovascular diseases.
Nutrients in Turmeric
- 100g (Ground)
Nutrient
|
Quantity
|
%
of Recommended Daily Average
|
Energy
|
354
Cal
|
17%
|
Carbohydrates
|
64.9
g
|
50%
|
Protein
|
7.8
g
|
14%
|
Total
Fat
|
10
g
|
33%
|
Cholesterol
|
0
mg
|
0%
|
Dietary
Fiber
|
21
g
|
52.50%
|
Vitamins
|
||
Folates
|
39
micro g
|
10%
|
Niacin
|
5
mg
|
32%
|
Pyridoxine
|
1.8
mg
|
138%
|
Riboflavin
|
0.233
mg
|
18%
|
Vitamin
A
|
0
IU
|
0%
|
Vitamin
C
|
26
mg
|
43%
|
Vitamin
E
|
3.1
mg
|
21%
|
Vitamin
K
|
13.4
micro g
|
11%
|
Minerals
|
||
Calcium
|
183
mg
|
18%
|
Copper
|
603
micro g
|
67%
|
Iron
|
41.4
mg
|
517%
|
Magnesium
|
193
mg
|
48%
|
Manganese
|
7.8
mg
|
340%
|
Phosphorus
|
268
mg
|
38%
|
Potassium
|
2525
mg
|
54%
|
Sodium
|
38
mg
|
3%
|
Zinc
|
4.3
mg
|
40%
|
Turmeric
(Curcuma longa), Nutritive Value per 100g (Ground) (Source: USDA National
Nutrient data base)
