Turmeric is most commonly used as a spice in cooking, particularly in curries. However, it is also used for medicinal purposes and is an ancient Indian natural remedy that has been used for years to boost the immune system and provide anti- inflammatory and antioxidants to the body.
Turmeric derives from the same family as Ginger, and is usually found ground into a powder. The West has recently started to recognise and embrace the wonderful benefits of Turmeric, so we thought it important to share the benefits with our readers.
The health benefits lie in the curcumin, a property which gives Turmeric it’s yellow pigment.
As we have already mentioned, Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties . Whilst inflammation in the short term can be beneficial by fighting foreign invaders, chronic inflammation (long term) results in the inflammation attacking the body’s tissues. So, anything that helps reduce chronic inflammation helps to reduce the risk of diseases.
Turmeric is also re-known for its anti oxidant benefits. Oxidative damage of DNA and proteins and free radicals are strongly considered to be associated with chronic diseases such as Cancer. Curcumin in particular, with its anti oxidant properties is thought to fight against the oxidative damage. Inflammation has also been closely linked to tumor growth and we have already identified that Turmeric has anti- inflammatory properties. So, this is why Turmeric has been widely promoted for cancer prevention. One of our customers also used to put a teaspoon of Turmeric powder in his fresh juices every morning, after his chemotherapy treatment.
Due to the multiple properties of Turmeric, including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, Turmeric is a fantastic boost to the immune system. In the build up to cold and flu season, from first hand experience, we have noticed it has helped to deter colds and flu from fully emerging. Every body and immune system will respond differently however, in frequent cases, Turmeric is a wonderful booster to a run down immune system, and as a preventative.
So, we hope you have enjoyed reading about Turmeric and its amazing benefits. In India, Turmeric is referred to as Haldi, and it is most often mixed as a ground powder and drunk in milk, however it can be taken in other ways as well, which we will cover in the near future.
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