Ten Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has long been one of the most popular and versatile spices. It is believed to be native to Southern Asia and India, where it has been used for thousands of years in cooking and traditional medicine. In India, it appears in worship practises as part of a purification process as well as a beauty aid. In Europe, it was originally used as a dye for fabric but after research was done on its healing properties in the early 20th Century, it started gaining in popularity, eventually becoming one of the most sought-after spices.

To grow, the curcuma longa plant, from which turmeric comes, needs warm temperatures and abundant rainfall. The plant, which is in the ginger family, is harvested for its rhizomes or roots.The rhizomes which are not used fresh, are boiled for half an hour to 45 minutes, dried in hot ovens and then ground into the deep orange-yellow powder that we know as turmeric. The active ingredient is curcumin and the taste is earthy, slightly bitter and astringent.

Ten Benefits of Turmeric

1) Turmeric is well-known for its natural antiseptic and anti-bacterial qualities. This makes it useful for disinfecting cuts and burns. It also facilitates the healing of wounds and damaged skin. It is very effective against inflammation.

2) It is great for detoxifying the liver.

3) Turmeric is believed to help prevent the spread of certain cancers such as breast cancer and melanoma. It also helps to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and leukemia. It stops growth of new blood vessels in tumors and helps destroy cancerous cells. It is especially effective against cancers of the digestive system.

4) Turmeric dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body which gives protection from many diseases, as well as slows the effects of ageing.

5) It has been applied to the skin and has relieved conditions such as ringworm, bruising and pain  and infected skin wounds.

6) Turmeric is well-known for its ability to relieve uncomfortable stomach conditions, such as intestinal gas and bloating, loss of appetite, heartburn and diarrhea.

7) Turmeric has been used effectively in cases of depression and can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

8) Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a good natural treatment for arthritis.

9) The curcumin in turmeric can increase levels of BDNF, which is a growth hormone functioning in the brain. Many brain disorders have been linked to decreased levels of this hormone so turmeric can help reduce the possibility of brain disease.

10) Curcumin has also been known to improve the lining in the blood vessels and contribute to reversing damage that could lead to heart disease.

How To Use Turmeric

To get the best out of turmeric, it is better to eat it with black pepper as this helps with absorption into the blood stream. Turmeric is most commonly added to food and is especially good with vegetables, eggs and meat dishes.

To enjoy it as a tea, boil the water and add a teaspoon of turmeric. Simmer for ten minutes and then strain the tea, adding honey and lemon for taste.

Turmeric can be taken as a supplement or mixed with castor oil as a skin detox.

Essential oil of turmeric is used in perfumes and its resin is used for the colouring and flavouring of foods.

Apart from its uses in cooking, turmeric has been used to whiten teeth. When added to soap, it is of benefit to the skin and can also be added to coconut oil and used to massage the scalp.

It can be mixed with salt and water and applied to relieve sprains.

Risks of Turmeric

Turmeric is generally considered safe and is not known to produce side effects when applied directly to the skin or taken internally. However, a few people have experienced upset stomachs and nausea after taking it.

Normal amounts of turmeric found in food, are considered safe during pregnancy but it should not be taken in medicinal amounts.

Turmeric can aggravate gall bladder problems so people with gall bladder symptoms should avoid it.

Turmeric could increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with blood disorders and may slow blood clotting. It should be avoided by people with blood disorders and by anyone preparing for surgery.

Care should also be taken by people who have iron deficiency if using turmeric as large amounts of it can interfere with absorption of iron.

Curcumin can decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes.

Curcumin acts like the estrogen hormone so turmeric could make some hormonal conditions worse, However, studies have shown that turmeric can also reduce the effects of estrogen in some hormone-sensitive cancer cells.

How To Store Fresh and Dried Turmeric

As always, it is better to purchase organic turmeric whether purchasing it fresh or dried. Fresh turmeric is less bitter than dried turmeric.

Store fresh turmeric in the fridge in a paper bag to prevent it from going mouldy. It is possible to freeze it and it is better to do so in small amounts, so that it is only necessary to thaw what is needed at the time. It will be mushy when it thaws out but fine to add to dishes. Turmeric root can also be peeled and stored in honey. This lasts for up to a year.

Dried turmeric should be stored in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and light, in a container with a tight-fitting lid. It can last three to four years but after this time, may lose its potency and cease to be effective. Freezing of dried turmeric is not recommended.