~ Turmeric Benefits ~

Turmeric Benefits :

Turmeric benefits your health in many ways, and is generating a lot of interest, as it has been discovered curcumin, an active component of turmeric, is ten times more effective as an antioxidant.

Turmeric comes from the Curcuma Plant, and is made by grinding the roots of the plant together.

You may be familiar with it in powder form, you can also buy it in its root form as well; it is very popular in curry’s.

It has for many centuries been used by the Chinese and Indians for various ailments. In Asia, fresh turmeric is often used in cooking, the rest of the world usually use it in powder form.

Turmeric Root.

In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is used to relieve arthritis, aid digestion, regulate menstruation, help and protect the liver, and can be applied directly to the skin for wounds and eczema.

Ayurvedic medicine is a system that originated in India, it is about the body, mind and spirit and working with all three to help prevent and treat disease.

Turmeric is an inexpensive and effective way of addressing so many health issues, and provides health enhancing benefits.

Turmeric Health Benefits

* heartburn
* stomach ulcers
* gallstones
* helping to prevent cancer
* reduce inflammation
* help lower LDL cholesterol, increases HDL cholesterol (the good stuff!)
* help lower blood glucose levels
* aids blood circulation and purifies blood
* reduces fat

There are many other ways to use turmeric, it can be taken as a supplement, in teas, liquid extracts, or made into a paste and used on the skin.

Not only is turmeric a powerful antioxidant, it also helps increase the way other antioxidants work, even those you obtain from your food.

If you don’t like the taste, but would like to enjoy the wonderful benefits of Turmeric, try taking it in capsule form.

How curcumin the active component of Turmeric works

Curcumin works in two ways, it helps fight free radicals thereby reducing the risk of cell damage, and it slows down neurological (nervous system) aging process, and helps with general well being.

When used as an anti inflammatory, curcumin is a non irritant, therefore has a calming and soothing effect to inflamed areas, as well as assisting healing. Unlike pharmaceutical anti inflammatory, which can have an irritant effect on the gastric tract.

Curcumin increases mucus secretion, thereby protecting the stomach and intestinal wall from inflammation and ulcers, which can be caused by other medications, alcohol or stress.

Cooking with Turmeric ;

The root is far better than the powder. You need to grate the root to release its active compounds. Three tablespoons of grated root is equivalent to one tablespoon of powder. Turmeric can stain your cook ware, so use stainless steel or non porous materials.

Turmeric Side Effects ;

People with gall bladder conditions, as turmeric will stimulate bile acid secretion. People with gall stones should be careful, if you want to use it try a 500mg capsule daily.

Turmeric benefits your health in many ways and is a wonderful herb to use in many turmeric recipes.