Most of us will recognise turmeric by its bright, golden colour, but few probably realise just how many health benefits this wonder herb has. Also known as curcuma longa, turmeric is a plant that is native to Asia and India and has a wide range of uses ranging from culinary to medicinal. In recent years there has been a growing interest in the herb due to the healing properties of its active ingredient, curcurmin.
For centuries, turmeric has been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, and these cultures sing the praises of this naturally occurring remedy, recognising the herb’s ability to act as an anti-inflammatory, provide joint health support, treat digestive disorders, assist with menstruation difficulties, speed up the recovery from colic, and treat wounds and infections. The applications are almost endless! With more and more research supporting claims of the healing properties of curcumin, turmeric is continuing to grow in popularity in western cultures.
So, you might be asking yourself, how exactly can you benefit from consuming turmeric, and how can you use it to improve your life?
Curcumin is the ingredient found in turmeric and has been shown to aid in the prevention of a wide range of inflammatory diseases including diabetes, cancer, Crohn’s disease and psoriasis. It has also been shown to provide joint health support, especially in cases of osteoarthritis. Those who use the herb for physical purposes often also report an improvement in mood. If that isn’t enough, curcumin has also been associated with a reduction in cholesterol, which can help to prevent heart disease. While research is still in the early stages, there has also been positive results suggesting that curcumin can help to lower the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.
So with all the evidence suggesting that turmeric is a wonder herb across so many areas of health and wellbeing, how exactly should you consume it? There are plenty of supplements available, such as bio-curcumin, which allow you to receive the direct benefits of ingesting regular amounts of curcumin daily. Alternatively, another way to gain the benefits of curcumin is to incorporate turmeric into your cooking. When used in food, turmeric is also a great detoxifier that helps to break down harmful enzymes in the body. Turmeric has a warm and slightly bitter flavour that goes great in a variety of dishes and adds a flare of colour to your meals.
Some meal ideas including turmeric:
- Add to your potato or egg salad for a golden colour.
- Turmeric tastes great with lentils and legumes, stir into your favourite curries.
- Put a little bit into your salad dressing for some added colour and flavour.
- Cauliflower and potato soak up turmeric’s rich aromas; add for a bit of variety in your vegetables.
These are just a few of the ways you can use turmeric to reap the health benefits that have been celebrated in eastern cultures for generations. Making a few small changes to your daily routine could add years to your life, so why not add a splash of gold today!