Benefits of Turmeric

I have been wanting to write this blog for a while.  Turmeric keeps coming up in conversations, and I have become very interested in discovering all there is to know about turmeric and its benefits.

Turmeric comes from the ginger family.  The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is not related to cumin.  It has a long history in ayurvedic and Chinese medicines.  Turmeric has been used as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory remedy inside and outside the body for centuries.  However, the benefits do not end there.  Turmeric is also a powerful anti-oxidant, immune booster and cancer blocker.  It has also been shown to help with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms and the list continues from there.

We use this delicious spice often.  It is supposedly most beneficial raw.  We add it to smoothies, fresh green vegetable juice and dressings.  We also cook with it, adding it to our eggs, gluten-free pancakes, chicken, mashed cauliflower (our version of mashed potatoes) and more.  This healthy and all-around great spice can also be combined with a little bit of water, made into a paste and put on cuts, bruises and sore/inflamed joints.

UPDATE: (6.1.13)  I had my first bout of Mastitis, and I made a turmeric paste and let it sit on red area of my breast for a very long time.  (I used gauze and taped it over the paste so I could walk around).  My Mastitis cleared up without having to go on antibiotics.  (Warning: it will stain your clothes)

Turmeric has a beautiful saffron color so get out there and turn your food yellow!!  Remember, a little goes a long way.

For more information please go to: http://www.turmericinfo.com/

As always healthy regards!!