8 Amazing Health Benefits of Manjal (Turmeric)

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Manjal or turmeric is an ancient root used for its healing properties for centuries. Manjal comes from the rhizome (rootstock) of the Curcuma longa plant. To manufacture it, the roots of the plant are boiled, dried and then ground into a powder. 

Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian folk medicine, manjal benefits are amazing and able to treat a wide range of illnesses. The powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities and manjal health benefits have made this spice a precious commodity for ages.

1. Liver Detox

Manjal is known to increase the production of the vital enzymes that detoxify our blood in the liver by breaking down and reducing the toxins. By improving blood circulation too, turmeric is instrumental in promoting good liver health.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Due to its high anti-inflammatory properties, manjal is highly effective at helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A recent study out of Japan evaluated its relationship with interleukin (IL)-6, the inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in the RA process, and discovered that curcumin “significantly reduced” these inflammatory markers. 

This suggests that regular manjal use could be a potent strategy to prevent the onset of rheumatoid arthritis from developing to begin with.

3. Depression

Researchers from the Government Medical College (Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India) published the results of the first study this past April to evaluate manjal’s ability to manage depression in a controlled setting. 

Taking 60 volunteers diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and diving the group to determine how patients treated by manjal compared against fluoxetine (Prozac) and a combination of the two, researchers discovered that that the principal curcuminoid in manjal is not only as effective as Prozac in managing depression but that it doesn’t carry with it all the dangerous side effects found with anti-depressive drugs. 

4. Diabetes

Manjal is shown to lower blood glucose levels and reverse insulin resistance. For instance, an article published in Biochemistry and Biophysical Research Communications shared a study out of Auburn University that discovered manjal suppresses glucose production in the liver. 

Fascinatingly, researchers proved that it’s actually 400 times more potent than Metformin (a common diabetes drug) in activating AMPK and its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC). 

Manjal acted as an anti-diabetic and antioxidant in diabetes, especially type 1 diabetes, improved metabolic function and reduced the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries of type 2 diabetes patients.

5. Cancer

Recent studies show manjal is a powerful adversary to cancer. Manjal shows a marked ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, boost antioxidant levels and the immune system, and kill cancer cells. 

It seems to work on improving mitochondrial function at a cellular level, and it improves metabolism. Even against drug-resistant strains of leukemia, manjal caused cell death of cancer cells.

6. Skin and Aging

Manjal has many healing properties for skin. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory so it reduces redness or other skin irritations. It’s antibacterial, so it’s great for blemishes, acne and skin balance.

Manjal is wonderful at improving the texture of the skin because it is an exfoliant but also rich in antioxidants. It’s a wonderful natural treatment inside and out.

7. Brain Health and Memory

It’s all in your head…literally. Your brain is the fundamental keeper of everything you’re able to think, act or dream. By taking manjal, you can improve the oxygen intake of the brain, which helps in all of the brain’s functions and processes. 

Manjal is extremely healing for the brain and for increasing memory function. Not surprisingly, when your brain functions at its best, then you increase the uptake of hormones, such as seratonin and melatonin. So, by healing the basic functioning of the brain, you can also heal other mental illnesses.

8. Manjal Aids In Digestion

When consumed raw while suffering from a digestive problem, manjal can help manage the condition. The major components of the spice stimulate the gallbladder to produce bile, instantly making the digestive system more efficient. It is also known to reduce symptoms of bloating and gas.