This highly pigmented bright yellow Indian spice is a part of the ginger family and is used traditionally in curries and many other ancient Chinese and Indian remedies. There are many health benefits that go along with this super spice that is getting the attention of many people including holistic and western medical practitioners alike.
Health benefits of turmeric:
– Helps treat many digestive related issues such as, stomach cramps, diarrhea and stomach bloating
– Full of powerful antioxidants such as Curcumin, that help ward off cancer-causing free radicals, specifically in prostate and some types of blood cancer
– Aids in relieving menstrual cramps
– Very strong anti-inflammatory benefits
– Helps reduce inflammation and swelling associated with arthritis
– Used in remedies for the common cold, bronchitis and other various chest infections
– Reduces blood sugar in diabetics
– Supports healthy liver function
– Aids in preventing Alzheimer’s disease
– Used in topical treatments for wounds, infections, etc.
As you can see, there are endless benefits to this super spice. I personally like adding this spice to soups, stews, curries and chillies. Here are some vegan recipes that include turmeric:
Vegan Red Lentil Curry Recipe: http://www.yummly.com/recipe/external/Red-Lentil-Curry-Allrecipes
Golden Turmeric Latkes with Applesauce Recipe: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/turmeric_latkes_with_applesauce.html
Vegan Indian Mango Dal Recipe: http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/indian_mango_dal.html
This article is worth a read because its about recent studies done about turmeric that have shown turmeric’s cardiovascular benefits to be as “powerful as exercise” http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmerics-cardiovascular-benefits-found-be-powerful-exercise-a
Talk to your doctor but it is recommended that you do not eat turmeric in large quantities, if you are pregnant, taking blood thinning medications, undergoing chemotherapy or if you are having upcoming surgery.
Want to learn more the spice? Check out these sources:
http://www.spiceadvice.com/encyclopedia/Turmeric.html
http://myhealthbynature.com/turmeric-health-benefits-and-side-effects/
http://shine.yahoo.com/shine-food/miracle-super-spice-health-benefits-turmeric-5-amazing-145400330.html
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/the-amazing-health-benefits-of-turmeric
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/blog/turmerics-cardiovascular-benefits-found-be-powerful-exercise-a
http://blog.doctoroz.com/oz-experts/turmeric-golden-spice-better-healt
Photo credit: Steven Jackson Photography via photopin cc
*This blog is not intended to give professional medical advice and you should always check with your healthcare practitioners before trying anything new or regularly.
the peaceful teen 