What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a culinary spice that spans its use across many different cultures. It is a relative of ginger. Here in the United States we use it for it is coloring to give mustard its yellow color. It is also a major component of Indian curries. Turmeric has been getting a lot of press lately due to research that is beginning to show its many benefits. Turmeric is mainly know for its anti-inflammatory properties in treating arthritis, heartburn, stomach aches, bloating, intestinal gas, along with possible connections in treating Alzheimer’s disease, gum disease, and gall bladder disease to name several. In short, turmeric might have many possible uses and that is why we need to give it our undivided attention.
What does research show?
Some research shows that taking turmeric extracts, alone and in combination with other herbal ingredients can reduce pain caused by osteoarthritis. Some research also showed it was just as effective as taking ibuprofen in reducing pain associated with arthritis. Turmeric contains more than two-dozen ant inflammatory compounds, and none more important than Curcumin. Curcumin is a component of turmeric and is a multi-faceted anti-inflammatory agent and is a main reason for many of the associated benefits in consuming turmeric. Other research has found a possible association between turmeric and Alzheimer’s disease. It is suggested that turmeric helps block the formation of beta-amyloids that form plaques in the brain obstructing cognitive brain function and possibly leading to Alzheimer’s. People with upset stomachs, gas, bloating, and heartburn may also find may also help relieve their symptoms by consuming turmeric.
How to get turmeric in your diet?
You can consume more foods with curries in them. There are also extracts in tablet and capsule form available in health food stores; look for extracts in dosages of 400 to 600 mg, and take three times daily or as directed on the product.