Turmeric, also known as the “Golden Spice of India” as well as “Indian saffron”for its yellow-orange colour, has become popular in the west the last few years. Today it is widely used to flavour foods, as a beauty aid, and as a medicine. It’s an all-in-one herb with amazing properties, even Buddhist monks have used it in the past to dye their robes.
While the exact origin of turmeric is not known, it is believed to be native to Southern India and Indonesia where it has been used in traditional dishes and for healing for thousands of years. Most of us know it well as a part of exotic curry dishes, but it is far more versatile than that when it comes to cooking (I personally add it to just about everything I make).
So, yes, I eat a lot of yellow things and all my white shirts are stained.
Although its fragrance is mild, turmeric has a peppery, warm, bitter flavour and a bright yellow colour that stains everything (but don't worry, it will come off your skin). It can be bought in a few different forms, such as the powdered variety most of us are familiar with. In its fresh form, turmeric is a root with tough brown skin and a deep orange flesh. It basically looks like an orange ginger, which makes sense because they are part of the same family.
It can also be bought in supplement form for therapeutic purposes sometimes under the name “curcumin”, which its primary pharmacological agent. Recent research has shown that absorption is greatly enhanced by the presence of piperine, a compound in black pepper.
While popularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is also a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, fibre, vitamin B6, iron, potassium and manganese; it definitely packs a punch on nutrients. It is also known to stimulate digestion, support the liver, and reduce intestinal permeability.
Turmeric is an essential ingredient in curry powder and used in mustard blends and relishes. In Okinawa, Japan, turmeric is served as a tea, while in India, it is made into a paste and applied over the face and arms of the bride and groom in wedding ceremonies, enriching the skin’s complexion.
This lovable spice seems to have it all! Whatever you use it for, its benefits are vast when it comes to health. Here are just a few of its very magical powers:
Anti-inflammatory
Chronic inflammation is known for being a key contributor to so many diseases. Curcumin has been known to be as effective as some anti-inflammatory drugs; it’s pretty powerful stuff! It actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level.
Alzheimer's disease
More and more scientific studies have found that extracts of turmeric contain a number of natural agents that block the formation of beta-amyloid, the substance that is responsible for the plaques that slowly obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer's disease. While there is no cure for this disease, this is good news and encouraging!
Heart disease
Heart disease is very complicated and has many contributing factors. Not only does curcumin improve the function of the endothelium (layers of cells that line the cavities of the heart) which plays a major role in regulating blood pressure and blood clotting to name a few. It’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant come in handy as well in the fight towards a healthy functioning heart.
Digestion
A proper working digestive tract means a healthy body! Turmeric stimulates the gallbladder to produce bile, which improves digestion and reduces feelings and symptoms of bloating and gas. Disclaimer: If suffering from any kind of gallbladder disease turmeric supplement may worsen your condition. Be sure to talk with your doctor.
Acne
Turmeric's antiseptic and antibacterial properties not only help combat pimples and acne but also help reduce oil secretion by sebaceous glands. Mix turmeric powder and sandalwood powder, add some lemon juice to the mixture and apply it on your face for 10 minutes and rinse off with lukewarm water.
Recipe: Golden Mylk
Ingredients
1-2 tbsp organic turmeric powder
2 cups coconut milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Honey to taste
Directions
• Heat on low to medium heat for 5-10 minutes while stirring.
• When it is heated and stirred to your liking add honey, pour into a mug and drink.
• It's a great rainy-day-with-a-book kind of drink!
