Turmeric is a main ingredient used in Asian cuisine. It’s bright yellow colour makes it very distinctive and it’s taste is mild and not too over powering. Turmeric is also called curcumin as it heralds from a group of flavonoids called curcuminoids. Turmeric is top of the pile when it comes to natural remedies and recent research has shown it to have positive benefits on health and healing.

Here are just a few examples of the benefits of turmeric:

  • Antibacterial – turmeric had antibacterial properties and can aid in disinfecting cuts and burns
  • Fighting Infection – recent studies are showing that there are possibilities for turmeric to help combat certain viruses
  • Depression – research has shown that turmeric may work just as well as Prozac
  • Reduces blood sugar – including turmeric in the diet may be beneficial in reducing blood sugar and other complications of Type 2 Diabetes
  • Anti-ageing – Turmeric has shown potential to help DNA repair and prevent DNA damage, slowing the ageing process
  • Detoxing the Liver – turmeric may also help protect against alcohol- induced liver damage
  • Anti-inflammatory agent – Studies have shown that turmeric is effective at reducing joint inflammation and pain. It’s pain relieving properties and thought to be as effective as ibuprofen
  • Metastasis prevention – multiple studies have indicated that turmeric helps to prevent the spread of cancer from the primary site to other areas of the body
  • Weight loss – turmeric helps to lower insulin resistance, reduce leptin resistance, and activates fat burning gene signals, all of which can be a major influence in fighting obesity

Turmeric is widely available in supermarkets in ground powder form (is also called Haldi in the World Foods section), and can also be found in its whole root form at health food stores. The root should be peeled and then grated or sliced. Turmeric can be added to soup, smoothies, meat and vegetable dishes, tomato based sauces and a variety of dips and should be combined with black pepper to make it more bioavailable.

For health benefits include 1-3g of turmeric daily or take a supplement in the form of curcumin if regular fresh inclusion is not possible.