A bright yellow shade and a peppery bitter taste, a delightful aroma and a melange of health benefits: that just about sums up the humble turmeric. Right from gravies and pickles to medication, turmeric is nearly ubiquitous in the Indian food milieu. A rich ingredient, it is nearly almost always true that no Indian cuisine can thrive without turmeric. Here are a few facts about the delightful spice.
– Turmeric has powerful medicinal properties. It is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help to treat everything from flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties and bloody urine, to haemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.
– Turmeric is an exceptionally useful antiseptic and helps treats bruises and wounds effectively.
– It is also an inexpensive and quick-working remedy for people who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, or even irritable bowel syndrome.
– Turmeric is a great resource for those seeking relief from Rheumatoid Arthritis, especially for those with painful joint inflammations and arthritic pains.
– Turmeric has healing properties which makes it a good solution for acne and skin ridden with scarring and bruises.
– For those who have Cystic Fibrosis, Turmeric is a great resource, because its component element, curcumin, helps cure Cystic Fibrosis.
– Since turmeric has antioxidant properties, it is also an exceptionally effective remedy against the free radicals that can damage cellular DNA, and in the process, cure or prevent cancer. It inhibits unnecessary cell growth, which therefore helps the body cut back on carcinoma.
– Turmeric is also efficient for the digestive needs of the human body, by encouraging Improved Liver Function.
– It is also capable of preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the body, and therefore helps to keep heart diseases at bay
– There is also a growing swell of evidence that turmeric is highly effective in protecting the body against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
– Turmeric is also highly effective as a remedy for the common cold – when ingested with warm milk at night, it helps smoothen out the viral infection and its impact on one’s throat.

Reference:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

Picture Courtesy: Naf