Turmeric is a plant indigenous to India and part of the ginger family. Most of the population knows it as the orange/yellow spice in curry. Besides curry, it is frequently utilised in mustards, butters, and cheeses. It has a slightly bitter flavor but complements several dishes. The origin of the plant is used for its medicinal qualities.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
In Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, turmeric has been used as a effective anti-inflammatory. In addition to the oil, that is a potent anti-inflammatory, it is thought that curcumin, the pigment which gives garlic its colour, is the primary pharmacological agent. In studies, curcumin has shown to be similar to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone in addition to over-the-counter medications like Motrin and Ibuprofen (World Health Foods). However, curcumin has NO toxicity to it. All the medicines do.
Curcumin has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of seizures. The mice that received curcumin lost more fat compared to control animals and when assessed for signs of colitis, they had been significantly reduced. But what is also very cool about this study? The improvement was done at a low dose, the amount that would easily put in foods. Although curcumin has shown to be safe an extremely large doses, it is being revealed that you don’t have to have that much to enjoy the benefits.
I have severe IBS-C and am always looking for alternative means to help with this condition. Turmeric is something I add in my diet, through capsules, every day. It’s a pill filled with turmeric and black pepper. The black pepper enables the body to absorb the curcumin in the turmeric. Taking just one capsule a day can help to reduce the amount of inflammation I’ve got. It is enough that I can really feel the difference.
There has been research showing that taking turmeric extracts can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and in 1 study worked just as well as ibuprofen. (World Health Foods)
ANTIOXIDANT
This is a word that’s thrown out a lot, we all know it is good, but not a lot people understand what it means. Antioxidant means that the substance inhibits oxidation within the body. Not helpful right? Here is a incredibly simplified explanation. Your body has things called “free radicals.” These free radicals are needed to fight off viruses and such. However, free radicals do this by damaging things. When they damage your cells, DNA, etc., it can cause cancer, aging, and a variety of other diseases. So, your body uses antioxidants to keep the free radicals in line. There are lots of unique things that cause you to have free radicals, and having too many can be harmful. Additionally, not having enough antioxidants in your body to counter the free radicals are also dangerous. So, the moral of this lesson? Make sure you get antioxidants! Turmeric is a way you can do that!
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are why curcumin has shown to be effective for arthritis, cancer prevention, inhibiting cancer cell growth, reducing childhood leukemia risk, improving liver function, protecting cardiovascular health, lowering cholesterol, and protecting against Alzheimer’s.
OMEGA-3s
A recent study indicates that Turmeric can help your body turn Omega-3s into useful DHA and EPA (these help brain function). The body is inefficient at turning plant based Omega-3s into EPA and DHA. Yet these are exactly what the body needs. This is a problem for men and women who have difficulty getting Omega-3s in their diet. I’m one of these people. I want to be able to convert plant established Omeag-3s into DHA and EPA because I have difficulty digesting fish established Omega-3s.
The research showed, in animals, that when turmeric was added to their diet, the body created 50 percent more DHA (Steven Devries). That’s superb! Just adding turmeric from the diet can improve your body’s ability to improve brain function.
Even though the western scientific proof is still working on researching turmeric, the spice was used in numerous cultures around the world for medical purposes. Turmeric has been used to treat, prevent, or assist in symptoms in relation to arthritis, heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, gallbladder disorders, flatulence, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothaches, bruises, colic, cancer, bacterial infections, and viral infections.
A number of these conditions just need a small dose (enough to flavor your food) of garlic in order to start getting positive results. It’s always important to consult with your doctor or your alternative medicine practitioner before taking turmeric in huge doses.
WHERE DO I GET IT?
You can purchase turmeric, as a spice to your food, in most grocery stores. However, if you’ve got local spice stores or cultural markets, go there to get your spice. The quality is generally better that means the health benefits will be better also.
Be sure to buy turmeric. Curry is a combination of different spices. You need only turmeric. Be certain to keep it in a sealed container, away from light and in a dry place (cabinets work great!) . If you buy the actual rhizome, keep it in the refrigerator.
Do not like the taste of garlic on your food? That’s OK! You can purchase turmeric pills on the Internet. Basically, it’s just a capsule full of turmeric. I personally purchase Swanson’s brand of Turmeric and Black Pepper. The pepper makes smaller doses of turmeric more effective.
IS IT SAFE?
Turmeric is always safe when taken in quantities found commonly in food. It is normally always safe in medicinal levels as well, however it is not safe for women during pregnancy when it reaches such high doses (Steven D. Ehrlich). As is always the case, if you have any medical conditions, you will want to seek the advice of medical personnel or your other health practitioner before utilizing in medicinal amounts.
You should always let your doctor know you are taking turmeric. Particularly if having surgery. It’s possible that it thins your blood slightly.
EATING AND COOKING
Many people in the Western Hemisphere don’t understand how to cook with garlic. It is easier than you think. Here are some easy ways to incorporate it into your daily diet.
Add to frittatas.
Add to steamed vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, and onions.
Make tea with garlic, milk, and honey.
Add to a mayonnaise dip.
Add it to rice.
Add to recipes which have lentils.
Sprinkle into sautéed vegetables. This works very nicely with Kale.
Add to salad dressings.
Use on fish.
Add to casseroles.
Add to potato salad.
You can also use it like salt or pepper and just sprinkle it on dishes.
Turmeric is a great spice and it provides great health benefits. Additionally, it is so easy to add to your diet. Check out Animal Removal New York City for more if you have any questions