TURMERIC – THE WONDER REMEDY

What Indians have known for centuries, the rest of the world is just getting to learn about  - that Turmeric has several curative properties that can elevate our health and wellbeing.

Science has reinforced recently that Turmeric really does contain compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Curcumin in Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory compound which helps your body fight invasion, while also playing a role in repairing the damage. Science now subscribes to the view that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic ailment like heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and various degenerative conditions. Therefore, anything that can help fight chronic inflammation is of potential importance in preventing and even treating these diseases. Curcumin is powerfully anti-inflammatory, to the point that it matches some anti-inflammatory drugs ineffectiveness, and that too without any of the related side effects.

Turmeric dramatically increases the antioxidant capacity of the body – which means it has an anti-aging effect! And guess what! It is linked to improved brain function and a lower risk of brain-related diseases. Curcumin plays a role in increasing the growth of new neurons and fights various degenerative processes in your brain. Curcumin has also been found to relieve depression!

In India, Turmeric is used in almost every kind of dish, so much so that we take it for granted without ever pondering its many benefits. Traditionally Turmeric is used as an antiseptic, to treat wounds, and is also used to enhance one’s complexion.  Added to milk it acts as a very effective home remedy for coughs and congested lungs. So keep adding a dash of turmeric to your cooking, but for a more concentrated version of curcumin, ask for a commercial preparation that is available as a ‘supplement’.