I have started my journey with Turmeric this year. I have stomach issues and suffer from Barretts Esophagus and take medication, watch my diet and take probiotics. I always get a fresh turmeric shot at the farmers market and put fresh turmeric in my tea and water.
This is what I have learned from Turmeric: Turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa plant, which grows in India as well as Southeast Asian countries. This dried root of the Curcuma longa plant is ground into a yellow turmeric powder. The active substance in turmeric is curcumin. Turmeric is the yellow color in what you know as Curry!
This spice is also known as a medical herb due to it's powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
I was curious about adding a little black pepper to turmeric and why it was suggested. It seems turmeric doesn't absorb very well into our bloodstream therefore adding a little black pepper enhances the absorption. I now have a pepper mill where both peppercorns and turmeric is in together. Then I got both at once! It's actually perfect.
I found this list of turmeric benefits that help several medical conditions or treatments.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Antidepressants
- Chemotherapy
- Asprin
- Pain killers
- Diabetes drugs (Metformin)
- Arthritis medications
- Inflammatory bowel disease drugs
- Cholesterol drugs (Lipitor)
- Steroids
- Skin Care
- Obesity
6 Turmeric Benefits that impress me!
1. Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets
Medical intervention generally includes the following medications to slow and prevent blood clotting:
- Aspirin
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Diclofenac
- Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
- Naproxen
- Warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Did you know that there are no known side effects by taking extremely excessive amount of Turmeric!
2. Antidepressants
Although few studies have been conducted on humans, dozens of research trials have proven that turmeric benefits include being especially effective in correcting depression symptoms in laboratory animals.
3. Anti-inflammatories
Did you know.... the most powerful aspect of curcumin is its ability to control inflammation.
The journal Oncogene published the results of a study that evaluated several anti-inflammatory compounds and found that aspirin and ibuprofen areleast effective, while curcumin is among the most effective anti-inflammatory compounds in the world.
4. Skin Condition Treatments
Turmeric benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that have proven effective in treating skin conditions. Turmeric benefits for skin include speeding up wound healing; calming the pores to decrease acne and acne scarring; and controlling psoriasis flares.
I know what you are thinking... Turmeric stains.. Test a small area first.
5. Arthritis management
There have been many studies on the powerful anti--inflammatory and pain-reducing characteristics. If you are suffering from arthritis then google the studies and find out if curcumin is a choice for you.
6. Cancer treatment
Of all the various topics scientists have tackled in regards to curcumin and disease reversal, cancer (of various types) is one of the most thoroughly researched topics. My sister is battling Breast Cancer and I have sent her Turmeric and recipes to use during her treatments. Just look on the internet and you will find many studies that prove curcumin does have anticancer effects.
Recipes
Here are some recipes from my blog where I use Turmeric. However, I use it everyday on everything! It doesn't change the flavor of your meals. Also, I cut a piece off the root and keep in my tea cup all day. It is part of my daily routines! Stay healthy.....
Chicken and Turmeric Delight or my Grilled Turmeric Brick Chicken
Turmeric Paleo Yorkshire Pudding
Turmeric Healthy Water - Drink this everyday!!