Culture & Lifestyle /
Rediscover The Incredible Healing Powers Of Turmeric
It's time to tap into Turmeric's incredible healing powers!
Turmeric, the culinary spice that spans cultures, can be traced thousands of years back to originating in India where it was used in ancient Indian medicine known as Ayurveda. This aromatic, bright yellow powder comes from the ginger root family and has a distinctive earthy, peppery flavour and mustardy odor. It is commonly used in foods, such as curries, and is also used for skin and beauty treatments like in Indian traditional wedding ceremonies where turmeric is applied on the bride's face before the wedding day because it maintains elasticity and provides nourishment.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin (a curcuminoid) which gives turmeric its yellow colour and also gives American mustard its colour. Curcuminoids are rich in antioxidants which help neutralize free radicals that damage cells and organs. Turmeric is getting a lot of attention for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that relieve Alzheimer's symptoms, such as memory loss, that are caused by oxidation and inflammation. Curcumin also has anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and possibly anti-carcinogenic properties.
Photo credit: http://mefirstliving.com
Home Remedies
Skin: Turmeric’s antiseptic properties can help heal wounds and burns faster while cooling and soothing the affected area. It's also used for psoriasis and other anti-inflammatory skin disorders. To use on cuts and on inflamed skin, just mix with water and apply the paste on the affected area.
Cough, cold and flu: The antiviral and antibacterial properties of turmeric can aid with the common cough and cold. Try adding a pinch of turmeric to warm milk for relieving inflammation in the respiratory tract.
Natural painkiller: Turmeric has been compared to ibuprofen as it has similar anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial for joint pain and stiffness. It’s a great alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers.
General Well-Being
Controls diabetes: Turmeric helps control blood sugar by moderating insulin levels and decreasing insulin resistance which can help prevent type-2 diabetes. Always consult your healthcare professional if using other medications because turmeric can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with other strong medications.
Helps fat metabolism: Turmeric helps with diet and weight loss by reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. It also metabolizes and burns fat faster.
Detoxifies the liver: Turmeric removes toxins from the liver and prevents toxin buildup leading to overall improvement in health and wellbeing.
Helps with arthritis: The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric help with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the anti-oxidants in turmeric fight cell-damaging free radicals.
Helps slow the progression of Alzheimer’s: Turmeric reduces inflammation of the neural tissue and blocks the formation of beta-amyloid, the protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Helps prevent cancer: Ongoing research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can benefit with cancer treatment as inflammation plays a role in cancer.
What To Look For When Buying Turmeric
• Buy organic and in the raw form (root) whenever possible.
• In spice powder form, look for 100 per cent certified organic with at least 95 per cent curcuminoids.
• In capsule form, look for vegetable-based not gelatin-based.
Dr. Shireen Fernandez, M.D.
Author
Physician & Founder of Dr. Shireen's Wellness Living, Dr. Shireen's Health Wellness Program™ redefines the concept of wellness through prevention, nutrition and non-invasive natural remedies.
She’s also the founder & CEO of
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
The Coronation Of King Charles III Was A Global Desi Affair
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My In-Laws Introduces Our Kids As Their "Adopted" Grandkids
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Office Romance Wants To Keep Us A Secret
-
The Dishes That Asha Bhosle Wants You To Try At Her Resto Asha's In Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Rude Friend Is Mortifying!
-
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Is Just What India Needs
-
Tour The World At Dubai's Amazing Global Village
-
The Hunt For Amritpal Singh: What Exactly Is Happening In Punjab?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Had A Miscarriage And Our Family's "Be Grateful" Sentiments Really Hurt
-
Indiaspopup.com Hosts A NYC Power Summit Honouring 5 South Asian Women For IWD 2023
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Underage Nephew Expects Me To Buy Booze For Him
-
Warm Up To The Fusion Delights Of Ushna in Dubai
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Boyfriend Is Pressuring Me To Attend His Sister's Wedding But I Can't Afford It
-
IWD 2023: 11 Inspirational Quotes From Powerful South Asian Women
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My In-Laws Are Giving Me The Cold Shoulder
-
7 South Asian Female Fitness Pros Who Will Level Up Your Workouts
-
Why Seattle’s Anti-Caste Law Is An Historic Power Move For Human Rights
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: My Brother Doesn't Think My Aging Mom Should Stop Driving But I Do!
-
Zabardast Serves Up Delish Desi Delights
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! I Need To Move Out Of My Parents' House
-
We Tell You Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Invest
-
5 Ways To Build A Great Relationship With Yourself This Valentine's Day
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! I Can't Stop Shopping!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I Can't Say No To People Without Feeling Guilty
-
Let’s Talk … About Your Relationship with You!
-
This Is Why Amsterdam In The Winter Is Simply Wonderful
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani Being Back In The Office Is Giving Me Anxiety
-
Indian Afternoon Tea At Bobby's In Leicester UK? Yes Please!
-
Dear Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Ex Tells His Friends His Cheating Is My Fault
-
Travel The World With Tamarind Modern Indian Bistro's Global Cuisine
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Winter Depresses Me, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Parents I Don't Want To Go To Business School?
-
Fabulous Holiday Gifts For Kids
-
Why 'Heroin Chic' Is A Dangerous Trend For South Asians
-
Highlights From The South Asian Literature And Arts Festival (SALA)
-
Ask Dr Monica Vermani: Her 5 Break Up Rules You Should Know
-
Roti Chai Is The Perfect Eatery To Hit Up While Christmas Shopping
-
I Loved Visiting This Quaint Town Of Bath
-
Indian Alley Brings Delhi's Iconic Roadside Eats To Camden Market
-
This Is Why Mauritius Is A Traveller's Dream
-
"Making Happy" By Sheetal Seth Is The Book Kids Need When Their Parent Is Sick
-
International Day Of The Girl: How Women Of The Sundarbans Are Saving Their Girls
-
The Murder Of Mahsa Amini: Will The Global Outcry Make A Difference?
-
South Asian Literature And Art Festival Is Bringing Together The Biggest Names In SA Lit And Here's Why You Need To Go
-
Canada's Most Powerful Women Were Celebrated At The Women Empowerment Awards 2022
-
It's All About The Home Cooked Veg Goodness At London's Ananda Bhavan
-
What Exactly Is A NFT And Why We Need To Stop Ignoring It
-
TIFF 2022: Checking Out The Fabulous Bask-It-Style Gift Lounge
-
Gopal’s Corner Blend Malaysian And Tamil Cuisine Creating An Unforgettable Bite
-
We Celebrate National Wildlife Day With Our 5 Fave Sanctuaries In India
-
Canary Wharf Heats Up Your Palate With Chai Ki
-
Ready To Find Your Match? You'll Need These 4 Desi Dating Apps In Your Life
-
Where Does Hinduism, Islam & Sikhism Stand In The Abortion Issue?
-
Never Forget: 12 Movies & Books To Help You Continue The Partition Conversation
-
From North To South London's Award-Winning Bayleaf Restaurant Elevates Indian Cuisine At Whetstone
-
Here's Why I Fell In Love With The Sea Views Of Southampton and Portsmouth
