4 Health Benefits of Turmeric
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 6:10AM
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary spice, a major ingredient in Indian curries, and the source of American mustard's bright yellow color. Used as both medicine and food for centuries, accumulating evidence suggests that this relative of ginger is a promising preventive agent for a wide range of diseases, probably due largely to its anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is the chief active component of turmeric, and is usually taken as a supplement. Research indicates that:
1. Curcumin seems to delay liver damage in some instances that can eventually lead to cirrhosis.
2. Turmeric reduces levels of heterocyclic amines - carcinogenic compounds that are formed when meats are barbecued, boiled or fried - by up to 40 percent.
3. Curcumin inhibits the growth of a skin cancer (melanoma) and also slows the spread of breast cancer into the lungs.
4. Turmeric that is part of daily curries eaten in India may help explain the low rate of Alzheimer's disease in that country. Among people aged 70 to 79, the rate is less than one-quarter that of the United States.
Some Americans may find straight turmeric powder bitter or otherwise off-putting, but when a teaspoon or two is added to a pot of soup or stew, the flavor disperses and adds a subtle depth and complexity that most people find appealing. If even that's too much for you, both turmeric and curcumin supplements are now widely available - just take one along with your daily multivitamin. Note, however, that turmeric and curcumin are poorly absorbed from the G.I. tract. Absorption is enhanced in the presence of piperine, a constituent of black pepper. Indian cuisine commonly uses turmeric and pepper together. I suggest using only turmeric and curcumin supplements that contain piperine or black pepper extract.
Reader Comments (6)
I use turmeric in a "tea" make of about 10 oz. milk (warmed in microwave) to about 1 tsp. turmeric, 1 tsp. honey (or other sweetener such as agave nectar), and top with a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper. It seems to work to alleviate osteoarthritis pain or discomfort.
Turmeric milk is one of the first remedies we use for cold and fever, pain from arthritis etc. That has been already mentioned by the previous author. Another easy and yummy way is using them in some cooked dishes.
Oil- Half tsp
Cumin seeds- half tsp (Optional.)
Green chillies/ Jalapenos- 1 ( split into halves or chopped into fine pieces)
Ginger- A small piece
Grated coconut- Half cup ( optional)
Turmeric- 1 tsp ( not heap)
Cole Slaw- 1 pack
Heat the oil. Maintain the flame at low medium. Add the cumin seed. When it slightly browns and you can get the aroma add the grated coconut if you have. Add the Jalapenos and ginger. Mix it well. Add the turmeric- mix it such that the whole mixture is a pleasant yellow. Add the cole slaw. Stir well. Close it under low heat for 4 mins or so. Turn off the heat and it can be eaten as it is or in sandwiches or pitas or rice :-)
Coleslaw can be substituted with Beetroot, Brussels sprouts, Red cabbage, Ivy gourd etc :-)
Yummy!!!
Heat the oil. Add the cumin
Since childhood I have turmeric in every Indian food (sabzi, daal, even cooking yellow rice, etc.)...it is part of in the form of 1 or 2 spoons of yellow turmeric(we Indians call it "HALDI").......without turmeric, any Indian cooking is like a spring without roses or "chai"(tea) without chai leaves.....
It gives life to us human beings ...and in fact even more taste to every Indian curry or cooking.
In our family, every Indian -way cooked food has a turmeric 's few spoons.
Dr. Vijay BHATNAGAR
209 Dover Road
Cornwall,Ontario, K6J 1T7,Canada
e-mail: vbhatnagar@cogeco.ca
When in doubt, you can always sprinkle some Turmeric into a smoothie along with Cinnamon, Ginger Berries and freshly squeezed lemon juice for tasty anti-inflammatory tonic.
Another small tip- I have been told that turmeric should be taken with something a little fatty- like milk, butter, oil etc because it does not dissolve well in water :-)
Currently I take 2 Teaspoons per day as a supplement and have not experienced any ill effects.