Surprising health benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is derived from the root of the Curcuma Longa plant. The root has a tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. It has been used in Asian countries for thousands of years mostly as an additive to curry dishes. The root is boiled, dried and then ground down into a fine powder and can usually be found in supermarkets along with the herbs and spices. The flavour of turmeric exhibits a bitter, warm, peppery taste with a mild orange and ginger fragrance. It is often added to mustards for its deep orange yellowy colour.
It has been used to successfully treat many common ailments in Indian cultures for centuries. Scientific studies have shown that it really does have miraculous health promoting benefits and can be used to both prevent and as a treatment for common and serious medical conditions.
Turmeric is a good source of manganese, iron, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber. It also contains a compound named Curcumin. Curcumin is currently being studied amongst research groups and is surprising scientists because of its miraculous potential in treating and preventing many health conditions. Curcumin is a powerful anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral and also analgesic. Due to its diverse range of properties, turmeric can be used to treat and prevent the following ailments.
Cancer Fighting and Prevention
Recent scientific studies have shown curcumin reduces the size of tumors in rats by as much as 81 percent. It has also been shown to be useful in preventing breast cancer as well as preventing the malignant spread of cancer to other organs. It is also showing positive results in preventing prostate cancer. The combination of turmeric and onions has been shown to help prevent colon cancer.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Prevention
Studies have shown that in India where turmeric is consumed daily in curries, the number of cases of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is significantly lower than in western cultures. Research also shows that curcumin reduces inflammation of the brain and prevents the build-up of plaques within the brain. These two symptoms are typically found in people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Powerful Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral
Turmeric powder made into a paste can be applied to cuts and burns to help prevent infection. It is a powerful antiseptic and promotes fast wound healing. Taken as a tea or in supplement form it has been found to reduce the frequency of colds and influenza. It helps to boost the immune system.
Heart Disease Prevention
Turmeric is a powerful anti-oxidant. Anti-oxidants reduce the number of free radicals in the body which are responsible for causing disease. It also lowers bad cholesterol in the blood.
Treatment for Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Common to all these forms of arthritis is inflammation. Inflammation causes the pain and stiffness experienced in these diseases. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, it significantly helps to reduce pain and swelling in the joints.
Treatment for Crohns Disease, Colitis and Diarrhoea.
Turmeric has a calming effect on the entire gastrointestinal tract. It helps prevent bloating, diarrhoea and flatulence. It helps to prevent inflammatory flare ups in the digestive tract. Also regulates bile production from the liver, required to break down fats after ingesting a fatty meal.
Liver Detoxifier
Scientific studies have proven that turmeric is a powerful liver detoxifier. It helps to prevent cirrhosis of the liver. It aids the liver in its role of removing toxins from the body and purifying the blood.
Weight Loss
Although only its preliminary research stages, turmeric is showing positive results in being an aid to weight loss. It improves digestion and boosts the metabolism of fats. It is also showing that it increases metabolic rates.
In western cultures, turmeric is not eaten regularly as it is in Indian cultures. Turmeric is available in capsule form in health food shops usually under the name Curcumin. It is also available as a tea but may not be to everybody’s tastes. You can add turmeric powder to curries which will enhance the flavour and give the dish a deep yellow colour. You can also add a couple of teaspoons to salads. Turmeric can be added to rice dishes and is delicious added to apple desserts. Sprinkled on steamed cauliflower or broccoli adds a complimentary touch of flavour. You can also add it to lentil dishes.
In conclusion, turmeric is being touted as another super food. Scientific studies are continuing to unveil more health promoting properties of this miraculous spice each day. If you are suffering from any acute or chronic illness, consult your doctor before adding turmeric to your diet. This is a spice we should all be consuming more of, to be rewarded with its many health benefits.
Turmeric Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of almond milk
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (to taste)
Method:
- Pour the milk into a pan and heat on medium/high until it is hot but don’t brink it to the boil
- Remover from the heat and add the rest of the ingredients, stir well and try – adding more turmeric, cinnamon or syrup if needed
- You can use a milk frother if you wish
Author Bio: This is a guest post written by Clare Nicholas, Clare is a former Nanny of 14 years prior to having her own children, Emmy & Harry. Nowadays, she spends her time split between looking after her two whirlwinds, running them around to various school activities and after-school commitments as well as still finding time to work from home writing, not one but 3 blogs. You can read up on her family life and her popular blog series “Tips from a Former Nanny” over on her main blog www.emmysmummy.com, general non family adventures are found over on www.thismummysalwayswrite.com and lastly her space for all things non-children and planning for a milestone 40th birthday are found over at www.lifeoverthehill.com
