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In cooking, herbs and spices are of tremendous benefit. They can provide not only amazing tastes, but also deliver health benefits that in some cases rival our strongest medications. Among spices, there is one that I personally consider the “Queen of Spices.” Turmeric is a spice derived from the dry ground root of Curcuma longa, typically found in India and Indonesia. It has a deep yellow-orange tinge, from which it derives one of its nicknames, “Indian saffron”. Health benefits of turmeric include antiinflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic, and antioxidant properties. In India and China it has been used medicinally for centuries. In the Western world, however, turmeric is best known for its culinary prowess. Turmeric gives American yellow mustard its bright yellow color. Also, it is one of the main ingredients in curry dishes. It has a bitter, peppery flavor and smells like a mixture of orange peel and ginger. Turmeric´s health benefits are well-known and documented, so let´s find out more on this amazing spice.
The history and the discovery of the benefits of turmeric are fascinating. Both India and China claim to have been the first to use it medicinally. Ancient Polynesians carried turmeric with them on their voyage across the Pacific Ocean to Hawaii. In 1280 AD, Marco Polo recorded information on the benefits of turmeric in his diary. “There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of true saffron, as well the smell and the color, and yet it is not really saffron.” Even in modern times, in Hawaii turmeric is still used, known to Hawaiians as “Olena”.
Undoubtedly, the most powerful ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color. It is a substance that is non-toxic and is found in turmeric along with other nutrients. These nutrients are included in the list below. The nutrients and quantities in 2 teaspoons (4.52 grams) of turmeric powder is as follows:
Dietary Fiber – 960 mg
Manganese – 0.36 mg
Vitamin B6 – 0.08 mg
Iron – 1.88 mg
Potassium – 114.48 mg
Turmeric has been used for centuries not only in cuisine, but also as a part of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research is beginning to back up many of these time-tested uses with scientific data. The most well-known benefit of turmeric is its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin has been shown to produce anti-inflammatory effects that rival those of ibuprofen and hydrocortisone. As an added benefit, curcumin does not have the potential toxicity that pharmaceutical drugs exhibit.
According to scientific studies, conditions for which turmeric may be beneficial are numerous. These include, but are not limited to the following conditions:
Alzheimer´s Disease
Psoriasis
Diabetes
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis
Cystic Fibrosis
Cancer (all types)
Heart Disease
Liver toxicity & disease
Multiple Sclerosis
When we have something that is natural, relatively inexpensive, delicious, readily available, and has medicinal properties that rival and in many cases even exceed many of our modern medicines, we must use it, enjoy its benefits, and share it with our friends and loved ones so that they too can achieve better health and wellness!
Even today, the health benefits of turmeric are still being researched. New ones are being discovered. With chronic disease on the rise, including this miraculous gift from Mother Nature in our cooking is a surefire way to stack the deck in our favor when attempting to protect ourselves and our loved ones from these afflictions. Good eats and good health to all!
I realize that I don´t have a lot of recipes that call for turmeric yet, but when I get back from vacation my goal will be to start using it a lot more. Here is one recipe to start Brazilian Chicken Stew
Hi, how does one use turmeric to reduce bags under one’s eyes? Do we need to apply it under the eyes, or take capsules of Turmeric? Thanks!
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Applying a mixture of honey and turmeric under the eyes improves circulation, diminishing the appearance of dark circles
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Thank you!! :-)))
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Denise, I found a good deal on organic turmeric powder..1 lb for only $8! Here’s the website:
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/search/search.php?refine=y&keywords=turmeric&x=0&y=0
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Thanks
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Can you take it in capsule form? If so were can u get it … thx u
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Before jumping into a bushel of turmeric, try very small culinary amounts. Not everyone tolerates it well. . .
Anything as powerful as turmeric is purported to be can have “side” effects. And allergies are possible, too.
Also, please, please, if you are going to refer to “scientific studies”, as you do above, please give the citation so we can check it out ourselves. I’m not particularly a disbeliever, but not all “scientific studies” are done well. . .
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Thanks sarah, pubmed has hundreds of studies about turmeric
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Very interesting. Sounds a bit miracle-like which, of course, gets my sceptical side working. So, I will be researching references, uses, best forms to provide benefit, any contraindications or reactions with medications, etc, etc. However, I am so pleased to have found this. Thanks for sharing.
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You are welcome Kerri, PubMed has a lot of credible articles about this
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*You can add a tsp. or two of tumeric in a big pot of any chicken noodle soup, stew or chicken and dumplings (Hey, I am a southern girl!) and it will give just a hint of tumeric flavor and great yellow color to broth.
*You can add a pinch of tumeric to the filling of deviled eggs.
*Most premade curry mixes have a fair amount of tumeric in them if you are looking to increase your tumeric intake.
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How do you make the lemonade?
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what lemonade?
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I seen it helps with psoriasis and ezcerma, how do one use it , making a paste or drinking it
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A relef from various disorders, while having turmeric in your daily life.
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It can be grown on the west coast.
Protect from freezing and let it dry out in the winter.
I personally wandered upon this stuff in the kitchen cabinet
prior to any internet research. Many of the claims are absolutely verified.
Check out ARRP info and stop buying Advil.
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Hello,
Instead of using the powder; are the Turmeric pills/capsules a good use as well?
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How many teaspoons daily can I take
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