My first introduction to Turmeric was when I met my husband and started experiencing Persian Cuisine. Turmeric “zardchobeh” (in Farsi), along with Saffron are used in several Persian dishes. Once I started cooking with these flavorful and colorful ingredients they became a staple in my kitchen.
Since, then I have learned and experience Turmeric’s amazing health benefits.
The exact origin of turmeric is not known, but it has been used in Southern India and Indonesia for over 4,000 years in foods, for traditional medicine and as a beauty aid. Buddhist monks used it to dye their robes. Chinese have used it as a medicine for over 1,000 years. Although Turmeric has been an important part of Ayurvedic system, our western world herbalists did not recognize it and all its qualities until the 20th century.
Here are a few of the amazing health benefits of Turmeric
- Curcumin an active ingredient in turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant. (Black pepper is known to assist in the absorption).
- Curcumin can be an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease. It’s well tolerated and effective for several types of IBD.
- Clinical studies have shown that it helps relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis.
- Helps suffers of Cystic Fibrosis.
- Can prevent Cancer, curcumin’s antioxidant actions help it to protect the colon cells from free radicals. It does this by enhancing liver function.
- Turmeric and cauliflower have been known to stop Prostate cancer.
- Cardiovascular Protection; it is known to prevent oxidation of cholesterol.
- Studies have shown it has amazing benefits fighting depression.
- Studies show Curcumin boosts the brain’s neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.
- Research has also linked Curcumin to prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Can help in fat metabolism and weight management.
- Natural pain killer.
- Has been known to stop growth of new blood cells in tumors.
Suggestions for how to begin adding turmeric to your routine
Cook with it; add to rice, poultry, eggs, salad, potato salad, deviled eggs, soups, meats, and fish
Drink as a tea or add it to your tea. (I add it to my almond milk, matcha green tea daily), great as a tea with lemon and ginger.
Supplements; there are several turmeric supplements on the market.
Some mix it with oils like castor oil for skin detox.
You can get turmeric in powder form, extract, oil or the root itself.