Turmeric: Color My World Yellow
February 17, 2008 by Tishia
Turmeric is an exotic spice often found in Indian or Asian foods. It is a member of the ginger family, it is bright yellow in appearance and it has an earthy, bitter flavor. Turmeric is what makes our American mustard bright yellow.
The health benefits of turmeric come from curcumin, which gives Indian food its strong yellow color. It has been used for generations to treat gastrointestinal and inflammatory issues. It is only recently that the medicinal study of turmeric has exploded. Over two hundred clinical papers studies turmeric and its health benefits in the last year, including its affect on cancer, Alzheimer’s and psoriasis.
Anti-inflammatory
Curcumin (a component of turmeric) and resveratol (a component of red wine) are among the most potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative agents. A recent study investigated the reduction of joint inflammation in rats. It appears that curcumin prevents a protein that controls when genes are switched on or off from being activated in the joint. This research could eventually include other inflammatory disorders, such as asthma and multiple sclerosis.
Turmeric is also considered to be a pain-relief agent. By relieving the inflammation in joints due to arthritis, the pain is also relieved.
Digestive Stimulant
Turmeric acts as a digestive stimulant and encourages the release of digestive enzymes that break down carbohydrates and fats. It helps with stomach ailments and is popular as a tea.
Other Healthy Benefits
Turmeric is only beginning to be studied at length for its medicinal and preventative uses. Just a few of the diseases and issues it appears to have an affect on include:
Prevention and treatment of cancer, particularly melanoma, breast cancer and colon cancer
Aids in digestion
Promotes proper metabolism
Used for stomach upset
Relieves menstrual discomfort
Promotes liver health
Reduces cholesterol levels
Lessens pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and tendonitis
Protects heart and brain
Lowers homocysteine levels, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease
Reverses early stages of Alzheimer’s
Stops progression of multiple sclerosis by reducing the production of the IL-s protein
Stops joint inflammation
Helps smokers quit
Used for healthy skin care
And it has four powerful Anti-properties: it is Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Antiseptic.
Turmeric is even used in many sunscreens and as a skin lightener. There is an ongoing project to extract and isolate tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) from turmeric to be used in cosmetics and towards treating skin inflammations. Antioxidant rich products are coveted in skin care products.
How to Add Turmeric to Your Diet
Turmeric is a strong flavor that can enhance many meals. Try several recipes using turmeric as a spice, broadening your horizons and adding health benefits as well. Most curries and many Indian dishes include liberal amounts of turmeric. The bright yellow appearance of food is a dead giveaway.
To sooth respiratory issues, such as a cough or asthma, add a teaspoon to a glass of warm milk. Turmeric can be added to baked goods, dry mixes, pickles, relishes, salad dressings, butters and broths. Color your world yellow with this versatile spice..
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This article was written by The Cravings Coach Diana Walker. (You may not reprint this article.)
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