College of DuPage Nursing Student Irene Iwerebon commented that most of us buy our spices from the grocery store or Farmer’s market and usually ones that we are familiar with. Have you ever wondered the spice “Turmeric” is used for? Turmeric (Curcuma longa) spice is one of the world’s healthiest spices. It is is a bright yellow spice known for certain medicinal qualities. One major benefit is its effect on the brain. Because Curcumin crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier, it is thought to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.Turmeric is used as a culinary spice and herb in India and interestingly enough, India is known to have the lowest incidence of cognitive decline worldwide
Other benefits from the use of Turmeric include anti-inflammatory qualities that are effective in treating flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic. It has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which explains why people with joint disease such as rheumatoid arthritis find relief when they use this spice.
Turmeric needs to be used with caution since it can cause stains due to its deep color. If staining does occur, wash with soap and water and consider wearing disposable gloves while handling turmeric. When using fresh turmeric, allow it to first to dry and then grind it into a fine consistency, however, the organic powder can be found in local grocery stores such as Jewel and Whole Foods.
Enjoy turmeric by adding it to egg salad, or brown rice with raisins and cashews. Turmeric also tastes great with sautéed apples, and steamed cauliflower and/or green beans and onions. It can be added and served with raw cauliflower, celery, sweet pepper, jicama and broccoli florets. Try Turmeric spice and discover for yourself how it complements many recipes and salads while boasting your health and immune system.
Reference: Aggarwal B. Paper presented at the U.S. Defense Department’s ‘Era of Hope’ Breast Cancer Research Program meeting in Philadelphia, PA, October 5, 2005,. Reported in NUTRAingredients.com/Europe “Turmeric slows breast cancer spread in mice.”
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