Turmeric is derived from the plant called rhizome, which comes from the ginger family. It is traditionally an Asian plant used in their cooking and was formerly a fabric dye because of its bright yellow aromatic powder which can stain.
Turmeric is one of the most powerful spices known to man. It contains the ingredient curcumin, which displays anti-inflammatory results (Mattai, 2020). According to Singletary (2020), there are numerous benefits which will be listed below:
Relieves Arthritic Pain: The anti-inflammatory properties within turmeric have been utilised to heal chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative osteoarthritis (Mattai, 2020). It also acts as cleanse, destroying all the free radicals within our bodies which damage cells.
Brain: This super food stimulates the repair of brain stem cells, moreover the very same cells which assist in the recovery of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and strokes.
Helps Digestion: Turmeric is known to help reduce bloating and gas, whilst also stimulating the gallbladder to produce bile to enable digestive systems to work more effectively.
Diabetes: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, are seen to slow down the beginnings of Type 2 Diabetes within individuals who have pre-diabetes. Plus assisting in controlling insulin levels while boosting the impacts of medications which treat diabetes.
Immunity Booster: Turmeric is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent known as Lipopolysaccharide. This ultimately aids in stimulating the human immune system.
Heart Health: If you were to take turmeric on a regular basis, it is extremely efficacious in warding off unhealthy heart functions due to the anti-oxidant properties. Further, aiding in the reduction of bad cholesterol and obesity.
Liver Health: Turmeric is recognised for increasing enzymes important in liver functioning, whilst detoxing the blood and removing them from the body. Not to mention, it improves blood circulation, essential for a well functioning and healthy liver.
Cancer Preventer: The active ingredient curcumin (found in turmeric) is known to aid in the prevention of many kinds of tumours and cancers. In fact it goes further than that, it suppresses the beginnings, progression, and even the metastasis of diverse cancers and tumours.
Reduces Menstrual Pain: Turmeric is known to reduce menstrual pain and premenstrual symptoms i.e. fluctuating moods.
Although it is known to be used predominantly in Asian cuisines, you can most definitely utilise it in Western recipes. I personally love using turmeric in sauté vegetables, pumpkin soup, green bread, oats as well as adding it to my collagen hot chocolates! Your palette may take a while to adjust to this new way of cooking however, the benefits outweigh the initial taste it may bring!* In other words, suck it up and enjoy the amazing goodness this superfood has to offer.
*Please note that if you are on medication or have certain health issues, it would be advised to speak with your general practitioner prior to commencing.
References:
Mattai, S.A. (2020). Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory Effects and Evidence for Use in Osteoarthritis. Proceedings of UCLA Health, 24, 1-4. Retrieved from https://proceedings.med.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Mattai-A200229SAM-edited-BLM-formatted.pdf
Singletary, K. (2020). Turmeric: Potential Health Benefits. Nutrition Today, 1, 45-56. doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000392
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