subject: Magical Yellow Indian Spice called Turmeric [print this page] Turmeric began being used in India about 2500 years ago, probably first as a dye because of its bright yellow color !
It is an important ingredient that is used in Indian cooking . It brings a yellowish hue to dishes in general. Turmeric isavailable in3 ways - As a root, dried and as apowder. Powder is how it's primarily used in culinary dishes. The root has many uses as well and is often eaten as it is since it is believed to have more benefits. I will be sharing some recipes for the same later.
Medicinal benefits : This is one spice that is loaded with all kinds of benefits for all kinds of purposes. Here are about 20 of them -
1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.
How to use it :
These days this is available in form of capsules. I personallyrecommend consuming it in following ways to reap it'sbenefits-
1) 1tbsp of Turmeric, mix it in a small glass of room-temp. water and drink
2) 1tbsp of Turmeric powder, mix it with 1 tsp of raw honey and eat the mixture. Drink a glass of water
3) if you have the root available, which you can buy at some Indian grocery stores. Peel the skin off, slice thin and leave it to marinate in fresh lemon juice. You can store this in the refrigerator for about a week. Eat some everyday.
