Wonders of Tumeric

Health Benefit of Tumeric:

1. Anti- Inflammation:

By the many challenges of modern life. Poor diet, high stress levels, lack of sleep and poor gut health can all contribute, so it's clear that we're in great need of anything that can help to balance and reduce inflammation.

2. It provides joint support

By reducing inflammation, turmeric in turn plays a huge role in providing joint support.

"It's this very anti-inflammatory activity that makes turmeric supportive for joint health. Joint pain and arthritis are among the most obvious signs of inflammation. And so anything that helps to balance inflammation may relieve symptoms – or even help prevent the problem occurring in the first place."

Indeed, studies have proven the spice to play an active role in reducing joint degradation and aid in joint maintenance. As a result, organisations such as Arthritis Research UK recommend turmeric as a complimentary medicine.

3. It supports digestion

Turmeric works as a 'cholagogue', which means it stimulates bile production in the liver, and encourages the gallbladder to release bile into the digestive tract. Bile helps to break down and digest the fats in our foods.

"If that doesn't sound like a good thing, then remember that we need fats in our body for a host of reasons, including keeping our brain, heart and eyes healthy, for making hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen, and for good skin health. We also need good digestion of fats in order to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, which is vital for our vision, skin and immunity. Bile also helps us to have normal bowel movements, and excretes toxins that have been filtered out of our blood by our liver."

Turmeric also works to protect the liver, which is responsible for converting food into energy - making it one of the most important organs in the body. It contains compounds that prevent the liver from damage and improve its ability to detoxify – perfect for a hangover

4. It's good for heart health

We already know that the anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin plays a role in protecting us from heart disease, but research suggests that the spice could also have other benefits for our tickers.

"It's thought that turmeric can help to reduce cholesterol, thin the blood to keep it flowing normally, and prevent abnormal blood clotting.Studies have also indicated that curcumin may help prevent the damage to blood vessels that can lead to atherosclerosis (plaque build-up in the arteries)."

5. It enhances our mood

Some animal studies and small humanclinical trials have suggested that turmeric possesses some anti-depressant qualities. Indeed, recent research published in February found the administration of curcumin to show a significant reduction in depression symptoms, particularly among middle-aged patients.

"This may work by increasing levels of serotonin – the 'happy hormone' – and dopamine, which is associated with feelings of reward and motivation."

In addition, Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties have also been proven to aid weight loss and improve the appearance of skin. Not only does this help us achieve a healthy lifestyle, but it may also have an indirect impact on our overall mood.

Increasing your turmeric intake is relatively easy, from simply adding an extra spoonful of powder to your meals, to eating it raw, to investing in turmeric supplements

"You do need to take a lot per day to get the full effects, as you need an extract that contains a significant amount of the curcumin. Add it to your food (you can add a pinch or two of ground turmeric to your smoothie, toss some fresh vegetables in turmeric and a dash of olive oil or smash an avocado with turmeric and chilli flakes and use it as a spread) and consider taking it in supplement form."

Ps: For intake I usually have a blend of garlic, ginger and turmeric added as spice to my meat before boiling.

Tumeric Can be easily purchased too.

Cheers to a healthy life!

Thank God it's Food Friday!!!

I would love to hear from you.

My humble self.

Linda.