The Health Benefits of Turmeric

The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is one of those spices that many people have but not everyone uses. Often, its sitting in their spice rack, still in its plastic wrapping. Turmeric, however, has quite a few useful medicinal qualities. Some of these qualities have been known for millennia; some are still being discovered today.

Turmeric’s medicinal benefits have been known for generations in and around the Indian subcontinent, where to the plant is native. Although people thousands of years ago were not aware of it, many of the medicinal qualities in turmeric are due to the presence of the chemical curcumin.

For example, the chemical curcumin is responsible for many of turmeric’s digestive benefits. Curcumin stimulates bile production, which can help to ease the symptoms of bloating and indigestion.

The Health Benefits of Turmeric…more

Turmeric is also seems to offer some benefit in the prevention of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer, colon cancer, and skin cancer, all three of which are fairly common types of cancer. This is due to turmeric’s antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants can help to protect against cellular damage, which is one of the base causes of cancer cells appearing in the body.

While it has not been conclusively proven in human studies, turmeric has also helped to fight illness in animal tests. Both bacterial infections and viral infections can be killed by the chemical curcumin.

For those that have had Ulcerative Colitis in the past, turmeric may also stop its re-occurrence. Those with this chronic digestive illness have found that turmeric can help the condition stay in remission.

The chemicals in turmeric also help to stop the buildup of plaque in the arteries, one of the main causes of heart disease and stroke. It may also stop blood clots from forming on the walls of arteries, which can also cause heart disease.

Rasa in East Greenwich is your source for authentic Indian cuisine that is perfectly prepared with the use of Turmeric.  Here are some dishes that you can enjoy as well as benefiting from the health benefits of turmeric.

• Vegetable Kebab
  Rolled on Skewers/Turmeric/Garam Masala/Mango Chutney
• Paneer Cheese or Tofu with Green Pea
  Onion Sauce/Turmeric/Garam Masala
• Chicken Curry Select one of the following:
  Coconut/Mushroom • Onion/Tomato
  Madras Curry/Tamarind
• Lamb Curry
  Potato/Tomato/Star Anise/Cardamom
• And many more!