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The Superfood Diaries: Turmeric
The Fine Yellow Spice Once Used As Dye, Now Reveals Itself As A Natural Healthy Additive        

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Dear Diary,

 I’m still feeling a bit discouraged that I continue to go unnoticed. My radiant color, health benefits and robust flavor are just as worthy for main courses as my pals, rosemary, thyme and oregano. But, they get all the love! Hell, I mean, heck, I’ll even settle for a side dish. What should I do?

Sincerely,

Turmeric (not to be confused with saffron)

Take a chill pill, T-Bone. Maybe you should take some advice from your popular mates and learn to market yourself effectively. Only then will your wondrous possibilities get their real face time …Though it is not an essential nutrient, turmeric harbors a reputation as one of nature’s most powerful healers. Once used as a dye in Indian cultures and in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for treating digestive disorders, infection and arthritis, turmeric has really scored some buzz for supporting immune system function.
healing wounds and cuts
What is Turmeric? A natural herb part of the ginger family that has been traditionally used in curry powders to give them a distinct flavor and color. Turmeric thrives in exotic places such as India.

Turmeric to the Rescue. The active component of turmeric, curcumin, gives turmeric its vital ameliorative benefits, and has been proven to increase bile production, regulate digestive functions and positively affect liver health.

Top 10 Health Benefits:

  1. Turmeric is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
  2. Turmeric stimulates the immune system, helping prevent colds and flus
  3. Turmeric is a natural pain killer
  4. Turmeric can be used as a natural detoxifier, primarily for the liver
  5. Turmeric can speed up healing of wounds and cuts
  6. Turmeric acts as a digestive aid and can help settle the stomach
  7. Turmeric has been shown to have anti-cancer properties in all stages of cancer
  8. Turmeric houses anti-platelet activity, which assists in blood circulation and provides protection against heart attacks and strokes
  9. Turmeric acts as a natural anti-inflammatory (used as a treatment for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis)
  10. Turmeric helps digest fats by activating bile flow

Tips for Choosing (and Using) Turmeric.  This vibrant spice can be purchased in either a powder or pill supplement form. However, since turmeric is not an essential nutrient, you cannot suffer from a deficiency. Nonethless, its potential health benefits have encouraged many to occasionally take supplements for prophylactic reasons.

When buying, make sure to look at the label to ensure you are buying a brand that contains at least 95-percent curcumin (or greater) for the most benefits and flavor. Might also be a good time to add that turmeric is not recommended for people with gallstones, obstructive jaundice, toxic liver or blood-clotting disorders.

Turmeric can be purchased in the specialty section of most grocery stores and health specialty stores. *Supplements are usually available in 250 or 500 mg capsules. The usual dosage is to take one capsule three times a day.

roasted broccoli with turmericBONUS: SIDE DISH RECIPE!

Oven-Roasted Broccoli with Ginger and Turmeric

Ingredients:

1 head of broccoli cut into florets

1 tbsp. black mustard seeds

1 tbsp. fine ginger powder

1 tsp. fine turmeric powder

2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 pinch of salt and pepper

Preparation: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Whisk together the oil, mustard seeds, ginger and turmeric in a small bowl. Place broccoli in a medium baking dish and toss with either your hands or with tongs. Add  salt and pepper. Roast until lightly golden brown and just tender for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve hot.

-Annalisa