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Benefits

It is well known that the powerful active component of Turmeric is curcumin (from curcuminoids – a group of antioxidants that impart the characteristic golden colour). Studies show this compound is a natural anti-inflammatory with a strong antioxidant capacity. With chronic, low-level inflammation thought to play a part in almost every disease, the benefits of getting this important substance are many. Black pepper, more specifically its active constituent “piperine”, has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2000%.

Whilst a lot of studies focus on curcumin extract, it is important not to throw the baby out with the bath water as the whole Turmeric root has many benefits:

Immune booster

Turmeric has been found to increase the expression of perforin – a protein that plays an important role in immune response. It was shown to be twice as effective as curcumin alone in initiating immune responses.

Powerful antioxidant

Not only does turmeric contain powerful antioxidants which neutralise damaging free radicals, it also increases the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes – directly blocking, then stimulating the body’s own antioxidant mechanisms against free radicals.

Brain boosting

Turmeric is linked to improved brain function, especially in the areas of memory and attention span – curcumin has been shown to boost levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.

Heart health

Turmeric is linked to improved brain function, especially in the areas of memory and attention span – curcumin has been shown to boost levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.

Arthritis pain relief

Most cases of arthritis involve some kind of inflammation of the joints. Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric has been found to improve various symptoms including pain.

Weight loss

Thanks to modern-day factors like stress, pollution, and highly processed food, most of us have an ongoing hidden immune response inside our body that scientists call inflammation. Turmeric has been proven to reduce this inflammation by 59 percent. When you have less inflammation in your cells, it frees your metabolism, allowing it to burn calories faster.

Folklore and history

Powdered turmeric is often used as a colourant in foods, and is a staple in curry sauces. It is known as Indian Saffron. It has been used traditionally to dye cloth, the orange colour of monk’s robes comes from turmeric.

Turmeric is highly prized as a sacred plant in India. It is made into a paste and used to anoint and adorn the skin in religious and marriage ceremonies.

Traditional use

Known as the “Spice of Life” and “Queen of the Spices”, Turmeric is perhaps the most famous of Indian Superfoods. Whilst it is widely used in cooking – no curry is complete without the inclusion of this golden wonder spice – there is not a system in the body that isn’t supported by the powerful antioxidant qualities of Turmeric.

Typical use

Turmeric powder: Add to curries, encapsulate, add to smoothies or use to make Golden Milk.

Turmeric tincture: Take 1-2ml, 2-3 times per day.

Try adding this recipe for Golden Milk to your weight-loss regiment.
Replace your coffee with a cup of Golden Milk in the morning, it will help boost your energy throughout the day.

Golden Milk Recipe
2 cups of coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk of your choice)
2 tsp ground turmeric (you can grind the rhizome fresh or dry with a mortar and pestle)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp of cardamom
½ tsp of cinnamon
¼ tsp of nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch of black pepper
Honey or another natural sweetener

Heat all the ingredients in a saucepan until they are warm. Then transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until thick and frothy.

Precautions

Turmeric can cause heartburn, stomach cramps or nausea.