Turmeric

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a spice native to India. It’s a root, which looks a lot like ginger root and is a member of the same family.

Historically, turmeric has been used throughout India, China and Indonesia as a spice and medicinal agent. Turmeric is a mild spice that gives curry it’s yellow color, enhances the flavor of other spices and foods and is the base of most Indian curries.

Traditionally it has been used topically to heal and reduce bleeding associated with bruises, sprains, leech bites and inflamed joints.

Turmeric is also used internally and believed to:

Be an anti-inflammatory

Be an anti-oxidant

Increase and support brain function

Lower risk of heart disease

Prevent cancer

Treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease

Treat symptoms of Arthritis

Combat depression

Help fight age related diseases

The bottom line is that turmeric has many benefits and is easy to incorporate into your diet.

It has been found that heating turmeric will maximize its absorption by the body. Adding ground or grated turmeric in meal preparation (check out the link below for recipes) or having a cup of turmeric tea is easy. Grate a piece of turmeric root into a smoothie and if all else fails turmeric is also available in capsule form.