Foods You Should be Eating - Turmeric

Turmeric is another Mediterranean spice that has many health benefits.  Here is a very comprehensive list from healthdiaries.com.

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

And speaking of skin - turmeric has some wonderful benefits for skin blemishes / freckles / acne - http://www.bewellbuzz.com/general/benefits-of-turmeric-for-skin-and-more/

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

More recommended reading: http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/turmeric-benefits.html

How to store?  Turmeric is very light sensitive - store in a dark glass container away from sunlight.  Spices purchased from the grocery store are usually potent for about 3 - 6 months depending on the spice - as well as the light and heat exposure. 


So... MANY good reasons to be using Turmeric in your cooking. 


Aloo Phujia (Spicy Potatoes, Tomatoes, and Onions): http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Aloo-Phujia/Detail.aspx
Barbequed Thai Style Chicken: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Barbequed-Thai-Style-Chicken/Detail.aspx
Easy Chicken Korma: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Easy-Chicken-Korma/Detail.aspx


Enjoy!!  E