Why Turmeric Should Be in Your Kitchen and Your Diet

Turmeric is a wonder herb, and definitely belongs in your kitchen. Known as Curcuma Longa, this herb of the ginger family is used for many different things, from flavoring up your favorite dish to its traditional use in India as a natural antiseptic for burns and cuts. Thousands of years ago it was used as a dye, and now it's becoming known as a wonder supplement proving beneficial to health conditions, from some forms of cancer to Alzheimer's.

Turmeric has long been known as a healing herb

India has long known the magical power of turmeric. It's used to flavor Indian cuisine, and has been added to mustards to punch up the flavor. More importantly though, turmeric has been used medicinally in Indian and Chinese culture to treat the whole body. Turmeric, which contains an active healing ingredient called curcumin, is a potent and natural anti-inflammatory herb that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs... without the side effects. The list of maladies turmeric can naturally treat is wondrous, indeed.

Just what benefits does turmeric offer?

Indian tradition has long known about turmeric's anti-inflammatory benefit, and Chinese physicians have used this wonder herb for liver cleansing and gallbladder ailments. And now in our modern age, turmeric is being studied and used for a vast array of human conditions and illnesses.

Turmeric is thought to reduce inflammation through its stimulation of our adrenal glands, which increases production of an anti-inflammatory hormone. So, turmeric is used to ease arthritic conditions by easing inflammation and joint pain.

Turmeric is used in treating burns, and is a natural disinfectant. Plus, this wonder herb is rich in anti-oxidents and helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, by improving blood circulation. Turmeric seems to naturally prevent the body from forming blood clots, and has a natural effect against the forming of antiplatelets.

And there are laboratory studies happening now that would indicate the curcumin in turmeric fights some types of cancer cells. More study is needed on turmeric and it's cancer-fighting abilities, but it has been shown to kill human leukemia cells. Saying turmeric is a wonder herb is an understatement, don't you think?

Downsides of turmeric

Turmeric is considered a safe herb, but there are certain individuals who should be cautious about ingesting it. It is recommended that people with congestive heart problems, liver disorders, and gallstones avoid using turmeric in their diets. Also, pregnant women or people with blood clotting issues should consult their doctors before using it.

Where can you buy turmeric?

There are many supplement companies that offer turmeric in pill form, and these are readily available online. However, our family takes the more traditional approach, and we buy it from our neighborhood grocer. Just find your grocer's spice section and buy a reputable line of turmeric, like Spice Islands for instance. Rice is a staple in our home, and we always blend in a generous portion of turmeric powder along with a favorite vegetable like chopped zucchini, broccoli florets or a crooked neck yellow squash. Turmeric is not only good for you, but it adds a zesty, very flavorful taste to rice and other foods we enjoy.

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