In my first blog I mentioned some of the medicinal benefits of taking Turmeric. Here are some more benefits.
Curcumin may be able to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the body. In other words, it can help lower cholesterol. Since oxidized cholesterol is what damages blood vessels and builds up the plaques that can lead to heart attack or stroke, preventing the oxidation of new cholesterol may help to reduce the progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. In addition, turmeric is a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed to keep homocysteine levels from getting too high. Homocysteine, an intermediate product of an important cellular process that is directly damaging to blood vessel walls. High levels of homocysteine are considered a significant risk factor for blood vessel damage, atherosclerotic plaque build-up, and heart disease; while a high intake of vitamin B6 is associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
There’s growing evidence that suggests that turmeric may afford protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Epidemiological studies show that in elderly Indian populations, among whose diet turmeric is a common spice, levels of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's are very low. Concurrently, experimental research conducted recently found that curcumin does appear to slow the progression of Alzheimer's in mice. Preliminary studies in mice also suggest that curcumin may block the progression of multiple sclerosis. There are a lot of studies being conducted and hopefully one day soon, we’ll see a cure containing Turmeric that will help the fight against Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Here are a few quick serving ideas. Be sure to use proper Turmeric Powder and not Curry powder which is a mix of different spices. You only need to use a quarter to half teaspoonful.
- Add turmeric to egg salad to give it an even bolder yellow color.
- Mix brown rice with raisins and cashews and season with turmeric, cumin and coriander powder.
- Although turmeric is generally a staple ingredient in curry powder, some people like to add a little extra of this spice when preparing curries. This spice is delicious on healthy sautéed apples, and healthy steamed cauliflower and/or green beans and onions. Or, for a creamy, flavor-rich, low-calorie dip, try mixing some turmeric and dried onion with a little omega-3-rich mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Serve with raw cauliflower, celery, sweet pepper, jicama and broccoli florets.
- Turmeric is a great spice to complement recipes that feature lentils.
- Mix a quarter teaspoon of Turmeric into a glass of warm water and add a couple of shakes of black pepper and drink up.
- Give salad dressings an orange-yellow hue by adding some turmeric powder to them.
When I was young, I remember that I had bent my little right finger in a funny way when I was playing. It was really painful and swollen for days. My Mother took about a teaspoon of pure Turmeric powder and she made a thick paste by adding a few drops of water to it. Then she smeared it on my little finger and rolled a small white bandage around my finger. The next day, the swelling had completely gone and there was no pain. Turmeric is truly an amazing anti-inflammatory spice.
Turmeric helps keep your complexion clear of blemishes. In India, brides have their faces and bodies covered in a paste made of Turmeric and sandalwood oil before they shower so that they look beautiful on their big day.
I do caution that Turmeric can stain your clothes and skin so please be careful when handling it. Use soap and water to wash off hands immediately.
You can find Organic Turmeric Powder at www.esmeandsita.com
Be well
Rose