If you’ve only ever used turmeric as an occasional curry spice, your life’s about to change. Turmeric is a tasty yellow spice known in some circles as Indian saffron that’s often included in curry blends. But it’s just as tasty in other dishes, and what’s more, turmeric boasts a host of health benefits. The health benefits of turmeric are so numerous it’s hardly believable, but believe it — we’re ready to prove it to you!
Bear in mind that turmeric, like all spices, is best when used fresh; this goes not only for its flavor but for its health benefits as well. Keep turmeric in a closed jar in a dark cupboard, and try to use it within six months for the very best results.
1. Forget Me Not
Turmeric has been linked to helping people with debilitative Alzheimer’s Disease stop or even reverse their symptoms. According to a paper published in the annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, the spice’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and lipophilic qualities, as well as its power to decrease beta-amyloid plaques, delay degradation of neurons, and decrease microglia formation can and have improved cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s patients.
Additional evidence can be gleaned from the fact that in India, where turmeric is most commonly consumed, populations have the lowest prevalence of Alzheimer’s in the world. A mere gram of turmeric daily is all it takes in some cases for symptoms to be reversed.
2. Tummy Troubles Gone
Turmeric is particularly soothing when it comes to stomach troubles. But while turmeric can be simply soothing for stomach discomfort, like indigestion and dyspepsia, thanks to its stimulation of the gallbladder to produce bile and suppression of stomach acid, it also can be used to treat ulcerative colitis; this chronic disease’s symptoms tend to come and go, but turmeric tends to keep them at bay in many cases. The same is true for some cases of Crohn’s disease.
3. No More Pain
Turmeric can further be used to treat pain of a variety of sources. Turmeric has been proven to be a very effective pain reliever even in the most drastic of cases, soothing both joint pain and nerve pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It additionally boasts a modification of immune system responses.
Some doctors even claim that it’s the best way to treat arthritis, by blocking inflammatory pathways and therefore reducing swelling and pain in sufferers.
How to Use It
Now that you know what it’s for, learn how to use it! Serve up turmeric in some of these tasty remedies — or rather — recipes!
- Turmeric-roasted cauliflower and tomatoes is a simple veggie side bursting with color.
- Indian red lentil curry is a delicious dal that only gets better the next day.
- Turmeric brings out the flavors of pumpkin in this spicy roasted pumpkin soup.
- Try a vegan turmeric smoothie for breakfast or a snack.
- Sample a turmeric detox elixer first thing in the morning to get the full benefits of turmeric.
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Image: Simon A. Eugster
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