If you’ve never heard of turmeric or know what it looks like, you’re missing out. Tumeric is a plant that originates from India similar to ginger. In the U.S., you can find it as a yellow powder, which is what gives curry it’s bright yellow color. Turmeric is considered a superfood because it’s used for a variety of illnesses, including, arthritis, heartburn, gallbladder problems, bloating, diarrhea, headaches, bronchitis, colds, depression, Alzheimer’s & cancer prevention, and the list goes on.
What makes turmeric so powerful?
Turmeric’s main ingredient is curcumin, a highly therapeutic ingredient used in various prescription drugs because it has the ability to boost immune systems and has many anti-oxidant properties. Curcumin is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamin E and much stronger than vitamin C. It also regulates inflammatory factors preventing the development of diseases, such as liver damage and diabetes.
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Ways to eat turmeric
Turmeric can be found in your local grocery store or ethnic food stores. If you find it fresh, it looks like a root, similar to ginger. Dried turmeric can be found as a yellow powder and you can find it for as low as $2 a bag. If you’ve never tried it before, by itself it can taste bitter and have an earthy flavor. Once you mix it with other things, you can hardly taste it. Here are three ways you can begin to use turmeric:
Longevity tea: Boil 4 cups of water, 1 tsp. of turmeric and add ginger or honey for taste. This tea is very popular in Japan, which is home to the world’s longest life span, where they drink this tea on a daily basis.
Turmeric facemask: Combine honey, yoghurt, and turmeric. Apply to face and leave for 20 minutes before washing it off. You are guaranteed to have beautiful soft skin.
Sore throat & cough: Heat 2 cups of milk, 1 tsp. of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper, honey, and drink it warm.
There have been several studies on turmeric that have proved it’s medicinal powers and while there are little or no side-effects to taking it, make sure you tell your doctor you’re taking this if you’re on prescription drugs. Turmeric is quickly gaining popularity and you can find several products out in the market like teas, liquid extract, and beauty products that will help you reap the benefits.
