Turmeric: benefits, properties and expert advice

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma or Indian Saffron, is a herbaceous plant with large green leaves in the Zingiberaceae family that can grow up to 1 metre high. It grows in fertile soil and needs plenty of sunshine.

Its cylindrical, fleshy rhizomes (underground stems) are renowned for their typical orange-yellow colour, their rich composition and their valuable properties.

In particular, they contain phenolic compounds called curcuminoids (mainly curcumin at over 90%), which give the rhizomes their orange colour, are the plant's active ingredient and give it its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

It also contains vitamins (C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, K), minerals and trace elements (Iron, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Copper, Phosphorus, etc.), fibre, essential oil, quinoids, sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, alkaloids, steroids, etc.

The rhizomes are used as a colouring agent, acidity regulator, preservative, spice (food use), cosmetic agent and as a valuable health ingredient (medicinal use).

Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, digestive, stimulating, fluidifying, regenerating and protective properties act on all areas: osteo-articular, muscular, digestive, hepatic, cardiovascular, etc. It is therefore referred to as a 'functional food' or 'superfood'. Its bioavailability and therapeutic action are optimised when Turmeric is combined with pepper (piperine).

An essential oil can also be obtained from Turmeric rhizomes.

Turmeric is native to South-East Asia, grown in India, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Indonesia, and has been part of the culinary traditions of these countries for thousands of years. Used fresh or dried and ground (to obtain the spice known as Curcuma), the rhizome of Curcuma is added to many Asian dishes for its gustatory, nutritional and medicinal qualities, as well as its preservative properties. It is a key plant in Ayurvedic medicine in India.

Turmeric is also used in religious ceremonies and is considered a sacred spice by Hindus.

Its name comes from Sanskrit: "kunkuma", then "kurkum" in Persian and finally from Arabic: "kourkoum", which originally meant "Saffron".

It was used to create dyes for cave paintings and later folk costumes.

The first written records of Turmeric date back more than 4,000 years, and it was first used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat numerous ailments, before being adopted by traditional Chinese and Arab medicines.

It was originally cultivated in India from ancient times, then spread to the surrounding Asian countries and the Pacific islands before arriving in tropical Africa, North Africa and finally Spain. It was introduced into France around the 18th century.

Turmeric represents a real economic stake in Asia, particularly in India, which alone accounts for 94% of the world's production.

In Asia, Turmeric is used in many traditional dishes, including curries, dahls, chutneys, etc. In Europe, it is used to colour mayonnaises, mustards, margarines, etc. and is now classified as a food additive, known as "E100" colouring agent.

Turmeric has numerous health benefits:

The anti-inflammatory benefits of Turmeric: The curcuminoids contained in Turmeric, particularly Curcumin, have powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties. This gives Turmeric the power to relieve inflammation in all areas of your body: digestive, osteo-musculo-articular, respiratory, cutaneous, uro-genital, cardiovascular, etc. Turmeric relieves pain and inflammation naturally, helping rheumatic diseases (osteoarthritis, arthritis, etc.) and muscular pain, bronchopulmonary inflammation and asthma, oral inflammation (gingivitis, mouth ulcers), skin inflammation (eczema, psoriasis), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and allergies, for example. It is also very useful in cases of exercise-related pain, and optimises recovery after exercise.

The antioxidant and immuno-stimulant benefits of Turmeric: Turmeric is also an excellent antioxidant, thanks once again to the curcuminoids it contains, particularly Curcumin. It protects the body's cells against premature ageing, oxidative stress and free radicals. Turmeric also has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, ideal for fighting infections and protecting and strengthening the immune system. It's an excellent remedy for preventing aches and pains when the seasons change, for example.

The cardiovascular benefits of Turmeric: Turmeric has a cholesterol-lowering effect on the body. It increases the metabolism of cholesterol (particularly LDL cholesterol, you know: the one known as "bad cholesterol") and stimulates bile secretions to help digest dietary cholesterol with its choleretic action. Turmeric prevents cholesterol-related disorders such as atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolaemia, metabolic syndrome and all the risk factors for cardiovascular pathologies.

The benefits of Turmeric for the skin: Turmeric is effective for relieving and healing skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and allergies, etc. Used both internally and externally, it calms inflammation, regulates sebum production, unclogs pores and limits the proliferation of bacteria. Its antioxidant action helps combat skin ageing and promotes the regeneration of skin cells. It protects your skin from daily external aggressions such as pollution, UV rays, the cold and chemical products. It is also renowned for its skin-brightening properties, thanks to the vitamin C it contains. Vitamin C helps fade skin spots, brighten the complexion and keep skin firm and rich in collagen. It soothes and promotes the healing of minor skin lesions.

The digestive benefits of Turmeric: Turmeric is an excellent remedy for the entire digestive system. It helps prevent and relieve stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder and intestinal problems. It calms stomach inflammation, gastritis, acid reflux, ulcers, heartburn and belching. It relieves nausea and aids digestion. It can help stimulate the appetite (aperitif). Turmeric calms intestinal inflammation, flatulence, bloating, constipation and diarrhoea. Curcumin also balances the intestinal flora by reducing the presence of pathogenic strains in the intestine and encouraging the growth of "good bacteria". Turmeric is particularly beneficial for the liver, helping to eliminate toxins and protect liver cells. It is beneficial in cases of liver crisis or liver disorders.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Commission (EC) have recognised Turmeric's effectiveness in treating digestive disorders (dyspepsia).

Studies suggest that turmeric may play a role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

Finally, the antioxidants naturally present in turmeric help preserve the body’s key functions, particularly as part of the natural aging process. When consumed as part of a healthy lifestyle, it can help maintain vitality and overall balance.

Some preliminary data suggest that turmeric may be beneficial for the skin, particularly in addressing issues such as redness, itching, blemishes, or skin aging. Its use is also mentioned in the context of scalp care, particularly in relation to certain problems like hair loss. This scientific information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute authorized health claims.

Turmeric can be eaten in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences:

Don't hesitate to add small touches of freshly grated or powdered Turmeric to your everyday recipes to enjoy its benefits and savour its delicious spicy flavour. Here are a few recipes you can make with Turmeric:

Turmeric is a beneficial ingredient for beautiful skin and hair. You can incorporate it into your homemade mask recipes. Here are a few ideas: