Turmeric leaves, stems or root while dried are available year-round.
Turmeric, an orange-colored spice imported from India, is part
of the ginger family and has been a staple in Middle Eastern and Southeast
Asian cooking for thousands of years.
In addition, ayurvedic and
Chinese medicines utilize turmeric to clear infections and inflammations on the
inside and outside of the body. But beyond the holistic health community,
Western medical practitioners have only recently come on board in recognizing
the health benefits of turmeric.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE WAYS TURMERIC MAY BENEFIT YOUR BODY.
Blocking cancer
The main component in turmeric “curcumin”, appears to block
an enzyme that
promotes the growth of head and neck cancer.
Studies shows that 21 subjects with head and neck cancers
chewed two tablets containing 1,000 milligrams of curcumin being evaluated,
found that the cancer-promoting enzymes in the patients’ mouths were inhibited
by the curcumin and thus prevented from advancing the spread of the malignant
cells.
Powerful antioxidant
Dr Jackie Ikeotuonye says that turmeric’s powerful
antioxidant properties fight cancer-causing free radicals, reducing or
preventing some of the damage they can cause.
While more research is necessary, early studies have
indicated that curcumin may help prevent or treat several types of cancer
including prostate, skin and colon.
Potent anti-inflammatory
Dr. Randy J. Horwitz, the medical director of the Arizona
Center for Integrative Medicine and an assistant professor of clinical medicine
at the University of Arizona College of
Medicine in Tucson, wrote a paper for the American Academy of Pain Management
in which he discussed the health benefits of turmeric.
“Turmeric is one of the most potent natural
anti-inflammatories available”.
Some research shows that curcumin might ease symptoms of
uveitis — long-term inflammation in the middle layer of the eye. Other research
shows that taking turmeric daily for several months may improve kidney function
for people with kidney inflammation.
Fresh Turmeric leaves are available in the spring through fall
Osteoarthritis pain
relief
Turmeric may
also be helpful with another type of arthritis. Some research has shown that
taking turmeric extract can ease the pain of osteoarthritis. In one study,
reports, turmeric worked about as well as ibuprofen for relieving
osteoarthritis pain.
Indigestion and
heartburn aid
Curcumin element in tumeric works with the gallbladder, stimulating it to make bile, which may help with
digestion. In Germany, turmeric can be prescribed for digestive problems. Some
research shows that turmeric may help upset stomach, bloating and gas. Turmeric
may also help reduce the occurrence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in people
who are otherwise healthy.
Heart disease
Studies have
suggested tumeric may help prevent the buildup of plaque that
can clog arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Impact on diabetes
Early studies
suggest that taking turmeric daily can cut down the number of people with
prediabetes who develop diabetes.
Raw is best
As an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiseptic,
it’s a very powerful plant.
Dr Jackie Ikeotuonye recommends it to clients for joint pain and says that when taken as
a supplement, it helps quickly. She advises adding turmeric to food whenever
possible and offers these easy tips. “Raw is best,” she said. “Sprinkling it on
vegetables or taken as tea with hot water is quick and effective.”
If you do
cook it, make sure to use a small amount of healthy fat like healthy coconut
oil to maximize flavor. Dr Jackie Ikeotuonye also recommends rubbing turmeric
on meat and putting it into curries and soups.
“It’s
inexpensive, mild in taste, and benefits every system in the body,” Dr Jackie says.
"Adding this powerful plant to your diet is one of the best things you can
do for long term health.”
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