What is turmeric?
Turmeric, the source of a special polyphenol called curcumin is a root which is commonly used as a spice in South Asian cooking to add colour and enhance the nutritional benefits of a meal. Turmeric has a strong flavour and an amazing yellow-orange colour that stains everything from utensils to fingers.
What is turmeric good for?
Just like every fruit and vegetable, turmeric possesses amazingly potent compounds that are anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant. These properties help to aid in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with many different common ailments, Tumeric has been known for its positive impact on mental health, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, research has shown even a small dose every day can lower the rate of dementia.
People living with arthritis and joint pain know all too well, that throbbing stiffness, pain and heat that can arise. Those symptoms would be considered inflammation, however, due to Turmeric's anti-oxidant chemicals, this culinary root can combat these uncomfortable symptoms.
Turmeric's anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant helps the brain not get inflamed and damaged, according to researchers leader Professor Glenn Schafe and research at UCLA and many more researchers around the world, there are no nasty side effects to taking Tumeric. Not only is turmeric shown to have extraordinary effects on physical ailments it also contributes to the health of the mind, our mental state can be improved with regular intake of this spices. Turmeric has been known by researches around the world to help rebuild new brain cells (neurons) especially in the hippocampus and other brain areas that are essential for learning, memory and mood. Turmeric also increase the level of BDNF in the brain. Which we know promotes connections to other brain cells and protects brain cells from damages.
Low BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which is a brain protein, part of the neurotrophin family. connected to nerve growth) are linked to serious brain illnesses such as major depression, OCD, Post- traumatic disorder and other psychological illness, schizophrenia, bipolar, and dementia, Turmeric have shown to help prevent these.
Turmeric also helps combat depression and other mood mental health because it does the same job anti-depressants does like prozac, it boost and encourages neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are needed for positive moods, clear thinking, a healthy sex drive and good focus. It also helps destroys monoamine oxidase enzymes that kills neurotransmitters from our brain.
In plain English, it encourages and charges up our happy mood and the enzymes in the brain that makes us feel sad is destroyed by Turmeric, it also helps make healthy brain cells that will be stronger and more resilient to damages. Research that proved this was a few years ago when a group was given Prozac and a group was given Turmeric, at the end of the six week, the two groups felt better, their brain cells looked more charged, neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine were more engaged, releaseing positive moods.
Taking turmeric means that not only will your body become more nourished and healthy but your mind and emotional health will also see improvements. A perfect spice for your body, mind and soul.
Ways to take turmeric
Turmeric can be taken in a variety of ways for health and medicinal purposes. Some may opt to take it in:
Capsule form - In which the dried turmeric powder is encapsulated.
Tincture form - In which the turmeric root is extracted into a liquid medium. So it is easy to have a few drops a couple of times a day.
Powder form - Add a few teaspoons to your food
Tea - Many herbal tea companies are adding this amazing root to boost their herbal combinations.
Root - You can cut up the root and add to cooking or juices
Turmeric Gold Milk Recipe
With sunny days but cold nights, it is comforting to have a warm turmeric drink before bed which will ease you into a sound slumber.
Ingredients
A nub of fresh Turmeric Root/powder
A nub of fresh Ginger Root/powder
A teaspoon of cinnamon powder
A cup of almond milk or coconut milk
Coconut sugar (optional)
Black pepper
The body does not absorb Turmeric well, and black pepper helps that absorption. A study done on human and animals showed that when 2g of turmeric got ingested, its absorption into the digestive system and blood was low. However, when 20mg black pepper was added to turmeric, the bioavailability (absorption) increased by 2000%.
Pour milk into a saucepan and leave to simmer for 2 minute
Cut the turmeric and ginger into small fine pieces and add to the simmering milk.
Once the golden milk has boiled, pour the milk into a cup and add coconut sugar to your taste.
Sprinkle top with cinnamon powder