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

Hemorrhoids

Diet can play a major part in relieving hemorrhoids.  Countries that eat more roughage - vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains - have far fewer outbreaks than the United States.  People with food allergies that cause diarrhea or constipation are also contributing factors. 

http://www.hemaron.com/hemorrhoids-treatment/hemorrhoids-causes.htm

Prevention: make sure you are eating enough grains, leafy green vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains.  These foods help move wastes along the intestinal tract rather than allowing it to build up.  With the proper amount in your diet, you should have multiple bowel movements a day with minimal odor.  If you are prone to diarrhea, find out why (lactose intolerance is one possibility) and ensure that you are eating properly.  Drink enough water to aid in moving toxins and wastes out of your body.

Alternative measures to relieve symptoms: Obviously diet and water are key.  In addition there are some additional measures you can take.

Ensure you are comfortable in your clothing and that you are wearing cotton and natural fibers as much as you can - these will allow the body to breathe.  Loose comfortable clothing will be less binding and restrictive.

Sitz baths are recommended.  Add Epsom Salts to your warm bathing water and soak until water cools.  Everyone is affected differently by the amount of Epsom Salts in their bathwater, so you will need to experiment.  Another sitz bath option is to add a teaspoon of ginger into your water. 

Hot / Cold Compresses.  When applying heat and cold always remember to start and end with cold.  The heat brings blood to that area to help heal, and the cold draws out the toxins / acids in the muscles.  Apply each for about 10 minutes each.  Both moist and dry work with hemorrhoids.

Omegas.  Ensure you are getting your proper amounts of Omega 3/6/9 in your diet.  You may want to increase a bit if constipated, until bowel movements are returned to normal. 

Anti-inflammatory foods.  If your hemorrhoids are painful, ensure you are eating foods that are anti-inflammatory.