Turmeric has become the wellness industry’s new miracle supplement. Curcumin, found in Turmeric, has received worldwide attention for its multiple health benefits, which appear to act primarily through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. A large number of people experience inflammation-related health conditions and curcumin has become of the most researched supplements by scientist’s, to understand its true benefits
Top benefits:
A natural anti-inflammatory compound – Scientists now believe that chronic inflammation can play a role in diseases like Cancers, heart diseases and various degenerative systems. Curcumin a natural anti-inflammatory compound can help
Increase the antioxidant capacity of the body – Oxidative damage (free radicals harming our body) is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases. Curcumin is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals
Help prevent cancer – A key research has shown that curcumin reduces angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels in tumors). In a 30-day study in 44 men with lesions in the colon that sometimes turn cancerous, 4 grams of curcumin per day reduced the number of lesions by 40% (ref)
Alzheimer’s disease – Alzheimer’s disease can have protein tangles called amyloid plaques. Studies show that curcumin can help clear these plaques (ref)
Help increase brain functions – Curcumin boosts levels of the brain hormone BDNF, which increases the growth of new neurons and may help fight various degenerative processes in our brain
Arthritis – In a study in people with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was found a bit more effective than an anti-inflammatory drug
Delay Aging and fight age-related chronic diseases – The promise of slow down aging may come from curcumin (ref)
How to use:
Turmeric can be used in many different ways. It can be consumed in powder form, capsule form, or tincture form. It can also be added to foods such as soups, stews, curries, and rice dishes. Additionally, turmeric can be made into a tea by boiling the powder in water.
Ingesting curcumin by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability, which appears to be primarily due to poor absorption, rapid metabolism, and rapid elimination. There are several components that can increase bioavailability. For example, piperine is the major active component of black pepper and, when combined in a complex with curcumin, has been shown to increase bioavailability by 2000% (ref)
When using turmeric for medicinal purposes, it is important to consult with a healthcare practitioner to determine the best dosage. Generally, 1-3 grams of turmeric powder can be consumed daily. It is also important to note that turmeric can interact with certain medications, so it is always best to speak with a healthcare professional before adding it to diet
Turmeric Supplements:
There are many different turmeric supplements on the market. It is important to choose a supplement that is made from high-quality ingredients and that contains a minimum of 95% curcuminoids. Additionally, it is best to choose a supplement that has been standardized to contain a specific amount of curcuminoids. Some of the best turmeric supplements on the market include:
Swanson Ultra High Potency Curcumin Phytosome – The power lies in its unique phytonutrients called curcuminoids, which are not only antioxidants but also act in specific ways to nourish and defend the gastrointestinal system, the liver and more. Turmeric Phytosome with Meriva represents the pinnacle of turmeric science. Preliminary research shows that Meriva is absorbed up to 10 times better than standard, non-complexed turmeric.
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How to grow a Turmeric plant:
Turmeric is a tropical plant that thrives in warm, humid climates. It can be grown outdoors in these climates, or it can be grown indoors in pots. Turmeric requires well-drained, loamy soil and full sun to partial shade. The plants should be spaced about 1 foot apart.
Turmeric can be propagated from rhizomes, stem cuttings, or seed. However, it is best to propagate turmeric from rhizomes as this will produce the most vigorous plants. To propagate from rhizomes, simply plant the rhizomes in well-drained soil and water regularly.
To harvest turmeric, the plant should be at least 8 months old. The rhizomes can be harvested by digging up the plant and carefully removing them from the soil. The rhizomes can then be cleaned, dried, and stored for future use.
How to make turmeric powder from rhizomes:
1. Cut the rhizomes into small pieces using a sharp knife.
2. Place the rhizome pieces on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
3. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the rhizomes cool.
4. Once cooled, grind the roasted rhizomes into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor.
5. Store the turmeric powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.