The Health Benefits of Turmeric

There are so many Health Benefits to turmeric, it is the natural "spice of life." Turmeric comes in many forms from the spice in a powder, tablets to take as a supplement, face creams and Turmeric Tea.

Turmeric

Turmeric, the spice that gives curry its distinctive flavor and coloring, also has plenty of pain-relief benefits. New research suggests that turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and also helps to improve circulation and prevent blood clotting.

Turmeric has been used in traditional medicines for easing the pain of sprains, strains, bruises and joint inflammation, as well as for treating skin and digestive issues. The healing power of turmeric comes from its active ingredient – curcumin, which lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation.


Turmeric Tea

Bring four cups of water to a boil.

Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric and reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.

Strain the tea through a fine sieve into a cup, add honey and/or lemon to taste

Turmeric Side Effects


Turmeric should be used with caution by people with gallstones, stomach ulcers, or bile duct obstruction as turmeric may exacerbate these conditions.
 
Turmeric can be a uterine stimulant, so pregnant women should consult with a doctor before taking turmeric during pregnancy.
  
People with serious liver or heart conditions should also consult with a doctor before taking turmeric supplements.

Summary:
There are so many more health benefits of turmeric, it is a natural liver detoxifier,  it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer. It has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and turmeric been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

Do not take any product or supplement without consulting your doctor or health care provider. Use the information you learn on the Dr Oz Show to start a dialogue with your doctor on what you should take. This is especially important if you have any medical condition and if you are currently taking any prescriptions or supplements.

TURMERIC RECIPES

Carrot & Sweet Potato and Turmeric Soup

Turmeric has been used for 100 of years in India; it has proven to increase levels of a protein that helps the immune system fight off bacteria and viruses. Turmeric has anti inflammatory and cancer fighting properties and is a good source of manganese and potassium.

Ingredients

• 1/2 sweet onion
• 2 lbs carrots
• 1/2 sweet potato
• 6 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
• 1 to 2 tsp ground turmeric and fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt,  parsley for garnish

Directions

Chop all of the vegetables. Combine the onion, carrots, sweet potato, turmeric and a pinch of salt with the veggie broth and bring to a boil.

 Reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes or until sweet potatoes and carrots are tender.   

Put into a blender with the ginger and blend until smooth. 

Garnish with little Greek yogurt and garnish with herb and freshly cracked pepper.