From cooking to fabric dye to Chinese medicine, turmeric has served many purposes all across Asia for thousands of years. Now, the whole world is beginning to recognise the health benefits this spice may contain. Statistics showing low rates of both Alzheimer’s and cancer in Asian countries have caught everyone’s interest. And preliminary research suggests that this may have to do with the use of turmeric in their diet.
So what amazing benefits are hidden in this yellow spice?
The short story:
– it is an anti-inflammatory
– it contains antioxidant properties
– it contains cancer-fighting properties
The long story:
Turmeric has an active ingredient called curcumin. It is said to help with the following…
May help lessen the likeliness of Alzheimer’s
This is due to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin. These properties, it is said, may help to break down amyloid plaques (the sticky buildup which accumulates in the brain around nerve cells or neurones) which are a contributing factor to Alzheimer’s disease.
Has anti-cancer properties
Although human studies supporting this claim have not been conducted, research on animals has shown that curcumin helps to prevent the growth of colon cancer and even treat prostate cancer. Please, note that these studies are not conclusive, or can even claim that the spice helps to cure cancer. However, the thought of these benefits definitely gives us more incentive to start sprinkling turmeric over our food!
Lessens inflammatory diseases
Preliminary research shows that sufferers of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis and multiple sclerosis may benefit from the addition of turmeric to their diet. This is due to the natural anti-inflammatory qualities of the spice.
Fights colds and flu
If you’re feeling a furry throat coming on you may want to turn to turmeric. Early studies have shown that it may reduce the severity of bacterial and viral infections.
Aids digestion and weight loss
Bile which is created by your gallbladder to help break down and digest fat is also suggested to improve digestion and in turn, control weight. Curcumin is known to stimulate the gallbladder- therefore aiding in the production of more bile and in therefore, better digestion.
Different types of turmeric
While most of us know turmeric in its powdered form, you can also buy it’s roots and bulbs which can be grated just like ginger. Or if you find it difficult to add turmeric to your diet you can also find it capsule form in some stores.
Why not test out the effects of turmeric in your home? Add it to your smoothie, curry or simply whip up an anti-inflammatory turmeric tea! We stock both organic ground and organic fresh turmeric. Make sure you pick up some from us by clicking here.
