Nowadays, turmeric is one of the most popular spices used throughout the world. What you may not have known is that it has been used for its medicinal properties for more than hundreds of years. What’s more, its healing potential has been backed up by 7000 studies done in different parts of the world.

In Ayurvedic medicine, it has been used for 2 millennia and it is known for its potent blood cleansing characteristics and healers used it when kings were poisoned. But, it took a much longer period for Western medicine to include turmeric to treatments. Namely, in the U.S., this amazing spice has been used in the last 3 decades only.

The Legend of Turmeric

According to the legend about turmeric, when baby Jesus was born, the Wise Men from the East brought him gold, frankincense, and myrrh. A lot of people believe that the gold actually stands for a commonly used spice of that time, i.e. turmeric. Besides being mentioned in the Bible, there are Chinese records of turmeric use older than 2000 years.

The Health Properties of Turmeric

Prevents cancer

According to experts from UCLA, curcumin, the main component of turmeric, can block an enzyme which is known to encourage the growth of neck and head cancer. Moreover, another independent lab located in Maryland assessed the results and concluded that curcumin destroyed the cancerous enzymes in the mouths of the patients, which prevented the growth of malignant cells.

It has anti-oxidative powers

According to the University of Maryland’s Medical Center, the potent antioxidant characteristics of turmeric can fight off free radicals. Even though additional research is needed, a lot of studies point out that curcumin may be able to prevent and treat prostate, colon, and skin cancer.

It has anti-inflammatory properties

According to the medical director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Randy J. Horwitz, turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents and he also added that one study done in 2006 showed that turmeric prevented rheumatoid arthritis in lab rats.

Further on, other research indicates that curcumin may alleviate uveitis symptoms like long-term inflammation in the middle ear and that turmeric can better the functioning of the kidneys in patients with inflamed kidneys.

Relieves osteoarthritis

Turmeric spice can be of great aid in alleviating the symptoms of any type of arthritis. Namely, a research points out that turmeric extract successfully lowered the pain and discomfort caused by osteoarthritis.

Treats heartburn and indigestion

Curcumin triggers the production of bile which aids the digestion process. According to research, this spice has the ability to soothe upset stomach, gas, and bloating. It can also prevent IBS in healthy individuals.

Heart disease

Some studies indicate that curcumin can prevent deposits of plaque that may clog the arteries and cause heart attacks and stroke.

Prevents diabetes

Several studies emphasize that taking turmeric on a daily basis can prevent pre-diabetes.

Betters the mental health

Since it can enhance the mental focus and clarity with its neuro- characteristics, turmeric can be very effective in treating epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, depression, etc.

How to Use Turmeric on a Daily Basis

Turmeric kefir

Add one tsp of turmeric spice to one cup of kefir.

Turmeric shot

You will need:

Half a lemon

A pinch of sea salt

A tsp of turmeric powder

Preparation: Squeeze the lemon and mix it with the salt and turmeric.

Turmeric soup

You will need:

4 cups of veggie broth

A knuckle of turmeric

A pinch of black pepper

Preparation:

Simmer the broth and the turmeric for 15 minutes and then strain it into a proper container. Add some black pepper to increase the bio-availability of turmeric.

Turmeric tea

You will need:

A squeeze of lime

Half a tsp of turmeric

A pinch of black pepper

A cup of boiling water

A bit of honey

Preparation:

Boil the water and then add the turmeric and leave it to simmer for 5 minutes. Then, remove it from the stove and strain it. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir well. Enjoy!

Golden milk

You will need:

Turmeric spice

¼ tsp of ginger powder

2 tsp of honey

¼ tsp of vanilla

A cup of almond milk

¼ cup of water

A pinch of cinnamon, clove, and cardamom

Preparation:

Put the ingredients in a pot and simmer them for a minute.

Turmeric omelet

Feel free to add turmeric to your scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Turmeric smoothie

You will need:

A tsp of turmeric powder

A tsp of maca root

Almond milk

2 tbsp of coconut flakes

A tsp of hemp seed hearts

1 ½ cups of frozen mango

A pinch of black pepper

Preparation: Blend all the ingredients in a blender for a few minutes and then transfer the mixture into a glass. Enjoy!

Source: WORLD INFO MAGAZINE / Pixabay