Turmeric Health Benefits

Turmeric is responsible for giving curry its characteristic yellow colour and a member of the ginger family, turmeric (curcuma longa) influences the taste, colour and nature of the food its combined with.

Turmeric is also a rhizome that can be used fresh or dried. Useful in tofu dishes, beans (it aids in the digestion of proteins), vegetables and stews, it is relatively tridoshic, but will upset both Vata and Pitta in excess.

One tablespoon of ground turmeric powder contains approximately:

• 29 kcal/123 KJ
• 9g protein
• 4g carbohydrates
• 1g fibre
• 3g fat
• 196mg potassium
• 7mg iron

It helps boost your immune system.

Turmeric aids in making our immunity stronger, the main life-saving ingredient in turmeric is about 3-5 % of Curcumin; a phyto-derivative, which contains healing properties.

Turmeric can increase the antioxidant capacity of the body

It purifies both the blood and mind. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, slows bleeding, antiseptic and a natural antibiotic, it protects rather than destroys the intestinal flora, and it promotes the production of bile.

It is effective in the control of diabetes and several types of skin disease.

Arthritis Relief

Pain and joint dysfunction characterize osteoarthritis, and pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen are the most common treatment. However, a wide variety of studies document curcumin’s effectiveness in reducing joint inflammation and pain just as well, but without the gastrointestinal side effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).

Can you take too much?

Using turmeric as a spice in food is safe — the only danger being if you use too much, you might have an upset stomach.

Enjoy a Turmeric Latte:

Enjoy!