Turmeric - Wonder Spice

Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric plant. It is commonly used in Asian food. You probably know turmeric as the main spice in curry. It has a warm, bitter taste and is frequently used to flavour or colour curry powders, mustards, butters, and cheeses. But the root of turmeric is also used widely to make medicine. It contains a yellow-coloured chemical called curcumin, which is often used to colour foods and cosmetics.

Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. It has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant. 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.

The neurons are capable of forming new connections, but in certain areas of the brain, they can also multiply and increase in number. One of the main drivers of this process is Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is a type of growth hormone that functions in the brain, and Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in the brain.

Curcumin has beneficial effects on several factors known to play a role in heart disease. It improves the function of the endothelium and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant. Curcumin leads to several changes on the molecular level that may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer. Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to lead to various improvements in the pathological process of Alzheimer’s disease. Arthritis is a common disorder characterized by joint inflammation. Many studies show that curcumin can help treat symptoms of arthritis and is in some cases more effective than anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Turmeric lattes are steamed milk beverages flavoured with golden turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, and sometimes even ginger.  The resultant concoction is a soothing, immuno-boosting, caffeine-free hot drink.

Recipe for Turmeric Milk

·         Combine milk, honey, vanilla, turmeric, ginger and cinnamon in a pot.

·         Place over a low heat and whisk until combined.

·         Heat the milk and aromatics until hot.

·         Pour the milk into 2 serving cups and enjoy.

·         Additions: black pepper, cardamom.