If you like eating Indian and spicy curried flavoured foods, you’ve probably been eating turmeric regularly as it’s a main ingredient in curry. Though if you’ve only considered it to be a simple spice that adds flavour to your favourite foods,think again. Closely related to ginger, turmeric has a bitter flavour, is used to give mustard its golden colour and more importantly is reputed to contain Bioactive compounds which has powerful medicinal properties.

Due to this, it has had a significant role in Eastern herbal medicine (Ayurveda) for thousands of years and modern evidence is growing on its popularity and in its ability to enhance our well-being, reducing inflammation and helping to relieve related conditions such as osteoarthritis.What’s more used in the traditional way, eating, drinking and applying turmeric to your skin comes with few risks and a heap of health benefits.

Benefits of Turmeric:

1 – Reduce Inflammation. Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin,a potent anti oxidant that help to protect the body from harmful free radicals and to vitalise the bodies own antioxidant defenses. It is also celebrated as a natural and effective alternative to easing pain as it is reputed to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

2 –Strengthen Bones. Certain forms of turmeric may even help preserve bone mass.

3 – Manage Cholesterol. Some experts already recommend turmeric for lowering unhealthy LDL cholesterol and increasing healthy HDL cholesterol. It’s especially helpful with a diet low in saturated fats and high in soluble fibre.

4 – Colds –. Do you have a cold that won’t go away? Turmeric as it is reputed to be high in anti-oxidant, may help to relieve symptoms such as runny noses and congestion.

5 – Treat Depression. Turmeric also shows promise for managing depression. That’s because mood disorders may involve inflammation as well as changes in brain chemicals.

6 – Memory Performance – It’s been rumoured to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, act as an anti-carcinogen and improve memory performance.

Usage

Whilst our bodies are not very effective at absorbing turmeric, you can boost and aid digestion by consuming it along with black pepper and oil.
* Add a pinch of the powder to salad dressings, and scrambled eggs to add flavour and a touch of spice.
* Sip in tinctures, teas on it’s own or blended with other health promoting fruits, roots and herbs.

The Glow Up… Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, turmeric could make your skin look and feel younger. Next time you’re out shopping for beauty products do a quick check for the ingredients as you can also find turmeric in soap and cosmetics or do an even quicker search online for recipes making your own products, such as an at home face masks. Be aware however, that even a little is highly staining.

Look out for… The common side effects which usually occur mostly in those who are sensitive to one or more varieties of curcumin or those who use turmeric in large amounts over a long period of time, nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach.There are also conditions that make it inadvisable to use turmeric. That includes:* Pregnancy* Breastfeeding* Gallbladder Issues* Surgery – If you are waiting to undergo surgery, stop taking turmeric at least two weeks in advance because it may interfere with blood clotting.

*As always it’s recommended that you consult with your GP (General Practitioner/ Physician), before using any alternative or supplemental products*

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