The golden magic of Turmeric – more than just colour and flavour!

Curcuma longa 

The golden magic of Turmeric – more than just colour and flavour! The brighter the colour, the higher number of antioxidants will be found in the fruit or vegetables. 

Whether you buy them fresh, or per bottle at your local grocery store – you should have this spice in your kitchen. If you buy it per bottle – it says – irradiated – which means it was heated to kill bacteria and extend the shelf life. “ 

Curcumin crosses the blood-brain barrier and stimulates BDNF gene expression in areas like the hippocampus, which is involved in memory and learning. 

Supplementing with Curcumin reliably reduces the markers of inflammation and substantially increases the levels of antioxidants in the body. It even has moderate benefits in the improvement of depression and anxiety, and the negative and painful side-effects of osteoarthritis. 

You can consume (500mg to 2,000mg) organic turmeric or take a supplement, or add 60mg to 100mg to a meal to spice it up. If you want to take a supplement, it’s best to get a turmeric supplement and not just curcumin. Turmeric refers to the root of the plant. CurcumSupplementing with Curcumin reliably reduces the markers of inflammation and substantially increases the levels of antioxidants in the body. It even has moderate benefits in the improvement of depression and anxiety, and the negative and painful side-effects of osteoarthritis.  

Black pepper or white pepper can help you increase the absorption of turmeric (Piperine, an extract of black pepper has shown to improve absorption by 2,000%). You can also consume a small amount of fat at the same time for better absorption. Keep in mind that the phytonutrients in turmeric are heat sensitive, so cooking with turmeric could make them less potent. 

The two main areas of research for turmeric are inflammation and cancer. A lot of the direct benefits of turmeric can lead to various other powerful effects, and turmeric also has virtually no side effects. I have seen studies in animal research done where the risk of lowering colon cancer with 58% success rate. Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. 

Potential health benefits of turmeric: 

The biggest benefit of Turmeric is lowering inflammation. 

1. It increases glutathione and other antioxidant networks 

2. It has potent effects on the brain and nervous system (mood improvement) 

3. It has powerful effects on the cardiovascular system 

4. It’s antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-candida, antifungal, anti-parasitic, and anti-H. pylori 

5. It shows great benefits for skin problems 

6. It helps protect the liver 

7. It helps stimulate phase-2 detoxification 

8. It inhibits pro-carcinogens 

9. It increases bile salts 

10. It supports the gut mucosal lining 

11. It helps protect the DNA and supports DNA repair and apoptosis 

12. It protects the cells during chemo or radiation therapy and may increase the effectiveness of the treatment 

13. It supports the endocrine system 

14. It’s a powerful adaptogen 
15. Arthritis support 

Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Take WITH food. May interact with medications like blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), so consult your doctor if you’re on meds. Replace your bottle with spice every six months.   

Go and google how to make Golden Milk. If you have a sore throat / persistent cough, take ½ cup hot water + 1 teaspoon Curcumin, 1 spoon full of raw honey – mix – and drink twice a day. 

Add to savory dishes: 
Curries & Stews 
Soup 
Scrambled Eggs (check your Aromat ingredients) 
Rice 
Roasted Vegetables 
Muffins & Pancakes (+Cinnamon)