Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India as a spice and medicinal herb.
Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.
Recently, science has started to back up what the Indians have known for a long time... it really does contain compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. Curcumin is also fat soluble, so it may be a good idea to take it with a fatty meal.
Inflammation is incredibly important.
It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage.
Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us.
Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body's own tissues.
It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's and various degenerative conditions.
Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.
It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
It helps the body fight foreign invaders and also has a role in repairing damage.
Without inflammation, pathogens like bacteria could easily take over our bodies and kill us.
Although acute (short-term) inflammation is beneficial, it can become a major problem when it is chronic (long-term) and inappropriately deployed against the body's own tissues.
It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. This includes heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's and various degenerative conditions.
Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases.
It turns out that curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, it is so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases.
It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons.
Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.
The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial, is that they protect our bodies from free radicals.
Curcumin happens to be a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure.
But curcumin also boosts the activity of the body's own antioxidant enzymes.
Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.
The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial, is that they protect our bodies from free radicals.
Curcumin happens to be a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure.
But curcumin also boosts the activity of the body's own antioxidant enzymes.
In that way, curcumin delivers a one-two punch against free radicals. It blocks them directly, then stimulates the body's own antioxidant mechanisms.
It's also suggested that these compounds are good for anti-aging, cancer fighting, Alzheimers preventative, and it might even help you sleep!
Okay, okay, it's great but how do I get it into my daily life??
I love curry but hey, I can't have curry every day, can you?
Solution! Turmeric tea!
Also, called a turmeric latte.
There are tons of recipes out there for turmeric tea but this is mine.
Lots of warm spices combined into a creamy, healthful afternoon or bedtime treat!
So, so easy and after you go buy some ground turmeric, or even better, grow it yourself!, you'll probably have all the other ingredients in your house already!
Turmeric Tea
Makes about 12 ounces.
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch ground ginger
pinch ground nutmeg
pinch ground black pepper (trust me.)
pinch ground cayenne pepper (again, trust.)
1 cup boiling water
1/3 cup canned coconut milk
Combine all in a tall mug and whisk to combine or use a frother. Enjoy steaming hot!
