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Turmeric is an ancient spice that originated in India and is quickly becoming popular in the West. It’s been particularly well-received thanks to its incredible anti-inflammatory powers and has been practically a miracle for people suffering from abdominal swelling, osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, or colds. It’s hard to miss this spice with its intense shade of orange and its distinct flavor. Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of this exotic spice.
Benefits of Turmeric:
- Anti-inflammatory: Turmeric consists of curcuminoids which stimulate the adrenal glands that produce anti-inflammatory hormones and reduces histamine levels. As a result, it can relieve joint pain, eliminate abdominal swelling, or combat pathologies such as the increasingly common Helicobacter Pylori or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Protects and purifies the liver: helps to expel bile and eliminate gallstones. Highly recommended for people suffering from fatty liver or cirrhosis of the liver.
- Improves Digestion: reduces gas, heartburn, and abdominal bloating.
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease: consuming Turmeric lowers cholesterol, stimulates the death of cancer cells, and blocks the formation of beta-amyloid, which is the substance responsible for the plaques that obstruct brain function in Alzheimer’s disease.
- Relieves colds: it helps rid mucus and opens up the respiratory tract.
- Helps improve your mood: it activates the nervous system, increases serotonin, and reduces stress levels… It has been proven to be very effective in the treatment of depression.
- Powerful antioxidant: protects cells from free radicals, which helps fight premature aging.
Types of Turmeric:
- Powder form: recommended for stews and doughs as it mixes in very easily. Many use turmeric as a substitute for saffron.
- Tablet form:a nutritional supplement for people who wish to obtain higher levels of Turmeric. Very useful for treating osteoarthritis and arthritis.
- The Root: after it is striped, it is the perfect addition in smoothies and teas. Its has an intense flavor and its aroma intoxicating.
Store Turmeric roots in a dark and dry places, as they are very sensitive to light
Interesting Facts:
- For the Curcumin in Turmeric to be released, it must be mixed with pepper. Otherwise, the body cannot absorb the compound.
- Curcumin is fat-soluble so it is best absorbed with fat-rich foods. I recommend mixing turmeric with butter, coconut oil or in recipes with eggs or salmon.
- Always add the Turmeric in after cooking, as heat reduces the anti-inflammatory properties of Turmeric by up to 80%!
- Eating or taking Tumeric while pregnant is not recommended as it can causes the muscles of the uterus to contract.
- In India it is very common for women to apply turmeric on their skin. It seems to be one of their beauty tricks on getting elastic, glowing skin.Also thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties it is also very good at combating those dreaded under-eye bags.
My Favorite Recipes with Turmeric:
Orange, Carrot and Tumeric Smoothie
