Turmeric, Nature’s Root of Health

One taste of turmeric and you’ll know why this vivacious root vegetable has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to cleanse the liver, reduce arthritic inflammation, and improve energy levels. This powerful plant is a close cousin of ginger and has the same kind of super-concentrated flavor that has a strong yet delicious bite and leaves behind a warm, burning sensation on the tongue. Turmeric is the chief ingredient in masala curry and is responsible for that vibrant yellow color—you know the one that always ends up staining on your shirt!

This amazing spice has several other health benefits and is used in many different treatments, including:

• Inflammation
• Gallstone prevention
• Blood clot/atherosclerosis prevention
• Relief for indigestion and IBS symptoms

Turmeric owes all of these amazing health properties to one of its primary constituents, curcumin. This amazing phytochemical has been proven to have wonderful affects on the human body, and scientists right now aren’t completely sure why. Turmeric has been of increasing interest to the medical community as of late because of its alleged connection to the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that curcumin actually acts on the plaque build-up in the brain that contributes to the disease. Beyond the lab, some of the most supportive evidence comes from the simple fact that less than 1% of the elderly population in India, where the spice is consumed on a daily basis, develops the illness. So, even though the jury might still be out as to why and exactly how turmeric acts on the body in such a positive way, I feel confident that when I shout, “pass the turmeric, please!” I’m making a wise health decision.