This vibrant, golden-hued spice, derived from the Curcuma longa plant, has been cherished for centuries, particularly in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Beyond its culinary uses in curries and teas, turmeric boasts a remarkable array of health benefits that have captured the interest of scientists and health enthusiasts.
In Traditional Chinese medicine – we love turmeric so much we use 3 different forms of it! All 3 forms of them are used to improve blood circulation and relieve pain.
Let’s delve into the science-backed advantages that turmeric can offer us!
The spice known as turmeric could be one of the most effective nutritional supplements in existence. Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color and contains compounds with medicinal properties. These compounds are called curcuminoids – the most important one is curcumin which is the main active ingredient in turmeric.
Curcumin is a very powerful antioxidant with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
It can be useful to those with inflammatory arthritic pain, or poor circulation due to its ability to dilate blood vessels.
To experience the full benefits of curcumin, a very high dose is needed and unfortunately, this is impossible to be obtained from using turmeric as a spice due to its low absorption through the blood stream. Instead, a supplement would be preferable.
It’s important to note that while curcumin supplements can be highly beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those taking certain medications. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement regimen.
In conclusion, turmeric is more than just a culinary spice; it is a potent natural remedy with a plethora of health benefits. Whether used in traditional medicine, cooking, or as a supplement, turmeric has proven to be a valuable addition to our health and wellness routines. By understanding its properties and how to effectively use it, we can unlock the full potential of this golden wonder.
Liah Tsotros
Practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine
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