Turmeric has been predominantly used in India and other southeast Asian countries. The bright yellow color with orange hues in Indian food comes from turmeric. Turmeric in India is called “Haldi”. It belongs to the Ginger family and is a rhizome. In its fresh form, it looks very much like ginger. The rhizome has short fingers and a peppery aroma. Turmeric is found widely in powder form.
In recent times it has been called the magic spice and an elixir of life. It has many anti-inflammatory properties when consumed. It cures colds and coughs. It helps heal infections in the body. It helps heal wounds and scars. The bioavailability of turmeric is enhanced by adding some black pepper which has a substance called piperine.
Turmeric is fat-soluble which means it breaks down and dissolves in fat. Curcumin is the main ingredient in Turmeric. Curcumin gives turmeric its anti-inflammatory properties and anti-oxidative properties. It helps in brain health by increasing the growth of new neurons and helps fights various degenerative processes in your brain.
TURMERIC HELPS IN HEART HEALTH:
It also helps in lowering your risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and
oxidation which can play a role in heart disease.
Curcumin in turmeric can reverse many steps in heart disease. Several studies show that turmeric can reduce inflammation and oxidation which play a major role in heart health.
TUMERIC IN PREVENTING CANCER:
Turmeric has been found to be beneficial in cancer patients. It contributes to the death of cancer cells, retards the spread of cancer, and prevents the growth of new tumors.
TURMERIC MAY BE USED IN TREATING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE:
Alzheimer’s disease is a common old-age disease. Dementia is a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric has helped in reversing the progression of dementia in people having Alzheimer’s disease.
TURMERIC HELPS PATIENTS WITH ARTHRITIS:
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and has been very helpful in reducing joint pain in some people.
TURMERIC HAS BENEFITS IN DEPRESSION:
Turmeric has helped many people with depression. In some patients, Turmeric helped them in alleviating the symptoms of Depression.
TURMERIC BENEFITS ON SKIN AND ANTI-AGING:
Turmeric has also been touted as a miracle spice. Turmeric benefits the skin and reduces any blemishes and helps the skin get smooth and supple.
Turmeric has many benefits and can truly be called a miracle spice. My hope is that in the future new studies will reveal more properties of this wonderful spice. I have tried to add turmeric to my daily diet. I sometimes make milk with turmeric called Golden Milk.
The recipe is given below.
Golden Milk
1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 tsp turmeric
3/4 tsp dried ginger powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp honey
Combine all the ingredients in a pot. Next, bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat until the milk simmers.
Pass the milk through a sieve and then pour into a glass and drink the golden milk. Golden Milk will remain in the refrigerator for 5 days.
Note: You can use grated ginger instead of dry ginger if you like.
Turmeric comes in many forms and is available in the market as pill form, turmeric powder, rhizome, turmeric granola, turmeric tea, turmeric latte, turmeric smoothie.