Turmeric – The Wonder Spice!
Turmeric is a wonder spice used in cooking for thousands of years. Originating from the root portion of the plant (Curcuma longa) – you probably have this dried, bright orange, powdered spice sitting amongst your kitchen spice collection. You might also be lucky enough to find the fresh unprocessed form of turmeric and may be surprised by its appearance bearing such a strong resemblance to ginger root. Turmeric, ginger, and cardamom are plants all belonging to the ginger (Zingiberaceae) family.
Turmeric is often referred to as Indian saffron since its deep yellow-orange colour is similar to that of saffron. It is the spice responsible for the yellow colour of curry. You may also hear it being referred to as curcuma, after it’s best-studied polyphenolic component, namely, curcumin. Not only has turmeric been used throughout history as a culinary spice, it is also used as an herbal medicine and fabric dye!
Turmeric is one of the most frequently mentioned medicinal herbs in science, with over 6000+ studies researching the multitude of healing properties and quite remarkable set of potential wide-ranging health benefits of curcumin. It has very powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a strong antioxidant.
The list of health benefits if extensive (and below are just a few):
- anti-inflammatory benefits
- decreased cancer risk
- support of detoxification
- improving cognitive function
- balancing blood sugar levels
- regulation of blood fat levels
- improved kidney function
- easing arthritis condition
- assisting digestive disorders
Health benefits aside turmeric root has a lovely taste and aroma. It is can be described as peppery and warm, with a mild fragrance likened to orange and ginger. It is an amazing source of iron, manganese, vitamin B6, fibre, copper and potassium.
Make turmeric your friend and use it daily if you can:
- Eggless omelette
- Scrambled tofu
- Turmeric latte
- With any lentil dish or curry
- Dippy plant-based cheese
Turmeric is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease, and some even go as far as saying turmeric is the most effective nutritional supplement in existence.
