Turmeric is a super herb and has been cultivated and been in use since the origin of the human civilization, the origin of uses of this spice or herb go back to 6,000 years. Turmeric has the primary polyphenol, “Curcumin” that has over 580 proven health benefits. No wonder, turmeric grows freely on the earth and its potential health benefits pose a serious risk to the trillion-dollar plus pharmaceutical and medical industry. Turmeric, generally has no side effects when used in meals or with milk, there are many ways of adding turmeric into your daily meals and drinks.
Top proven health benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, so it does much more than just spicing up your food.
- Turmeric can prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease; the anti-inflammatory properties of Curcumin can break down the amyloid plaques in the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
- Curcumin may have anti-cancerous properties; many studies in the Western Medicine are showing that curcumin has anti-tumor properties. A study in 2006 showed that turmeric could reduce or inhibit Colon and prostate cancer, using it may help in preventing breast cancer.
- Curcumin has a positive effect on controlling the blood cholesterol, and preventing the buildup of LDL in blood vessels. It can stop the clogging of the arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes.
- Turmeric having antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial properties is used to cure flu, cough and viral infections in Asia. It helps in curing flu and cough, and other viral diseases such as hepatitis.
- Turmeric may help you lose weight, curcumin is known to stimulate the gall bladder that produces bile, bile helps in fat digestion, and therefore, this spice may help in controlling weight gain. It also aids in relieving indigestion, bloating and gas.
- Turmeric may assist diabetic patients to control the blood sugar levels, in many animal studies Turmeric caused blood sugar levels to drop; therefore, it may assist or monitor your blood sugar levels.
- Turmeric assists in alleviating arthritis pain, it strengthens the joints, drinking or eating it reduces pain and increases muscle flexibility.
- Turmeric is also a blood purifier, the antioxidants in turmeric improve blood circulation, cleanses the blood and the lymphatic system.
How do I use and eat Turmeric?
As turmeric grows naturally, there is no need to take this in supplement form; you can add it in your meals, smoothies and drinks. Sprinkle a little bit of this spice into your meals or smoothies, it tastes bitter, so there is no way you can use spoonfuls of it.
People in Asian cultures have been drinking turmeric milk for centuries; turmeric in warm milk is a quick home remedy for flu and cough. Just add a pinch of turmeric powder to a glass of milk, boil it for few minutes, let it cool down and drink when warm.
If you find it difficult to sleep for 7-8 hours, drink warm turmeric milk 1 hour before going to bed, turmeric relieves stress and induces sleep. Turmeric also provides relief from headaches and body pain due to fatigue.
In recent times, turmeric is added to smoothies and drinks, take two cups of kale, 2 cups coconut milk, 2 cups pineapple, mango, or both, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh ginger, and ½-tea spoon of turmeric powder, blend these ingredients and enjoy when cold. Use turmeric in your meals, milk or smoothies as you like, it is a great spice rich in antioxidants.
