The Benefits of Turmeric

                                         
If you have visited this blog before you have hopefully viewed my post:  Facial mask for Him! Coconut oil and Turmeric face mask.
In the video I mentioned some of  Turmeric 's benefits for Skin care:

• Protects form UV radiation. It is actually used in many suncreens. As well as in the production of some packaged goods to protect from sunlight
• Protects the skin against acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skins conditions.
• It's used as an hair growth inhibitor for arms, legs and in a mask it will help with facial hair.

In India where it is known as Haldi, turmeric is very important both for cooking as well as for beauty. It's used the morning of a wedding day as a body scrub mixed with gram flour, for a glowing and smooth skin.
Well, with this being said I wanted to elaborate about Turmeric because so few people are aware of its amazing health benefits.
Turmeric is a member of the Ginger family and it's scientific name is Curcuma Longa. 
Turmeric is also known as Indian saffron. In Medieval Europe it was a cheaper substitute for saffron. It's mainly produced in India and is also grown in parts of China and Peru.Turmeric is the ingredient known for giving curry and mustard  their yellow-orange color.
 The Rhizomes, the root-like extensions from the stem of the plant, are the parts used to make the turmeric powder.

Among the many health benefits of turmeric:

Turmeric contains important vitamins and minerals such as iron, manganese, potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Curcumin is a phytochemical found in turmeric that has strong antioxidant properties and that has been well researched for its cancer fighting properties.

• Turmeric is a natural liver detoxifier.
• Provides protection from liver disease.
• It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
• It helps in healing wounds. It speeds up wound healing and assist in remodeling damaged skin. Prevents bacterial infection in wounds.
• Helps with poison ivy, mosquito bites etc.
• It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. Great for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pains due to its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Turmeric helps lower cholesterol levels.
• It serves with the treatment of arteriosclerosis – may cause a reduction in bad cholesterol that can lead to blockage of the arteries.
• Turmeric is an antidepressant and helps your mood.  It has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
• Due to its antioxidants properties there are many ongoing researches on its powerful healing  and preventive benefits on various type of cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer and colon cancer.
• It has been researched for its preventive benefits and healing properties on Alzheimer and dementia.
• Turmeric helps in reducing activity of roundworms and intestinal worms
• Turmeric is also a possible (natural) treatment for uveitis, an eye disorder. Uveitis is a swelling and irritation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. The uvea provides most of the blood supply to the retina. Uveitis can affect one or both eyes and can also affects dogs as well as humans.
•  Turmeric can aid in weight loss. Curcumin in Turmeric powder has been found to help increase the flow of bile, an important component in the breakdown of dietary fat. Therefore, taking one teaspoon of Turmeric powder with every meal may be an effective weight loss aid when combined with a healthy diet and exercise program.
• Turmeric can also help in recovering from a cold or flu.
• Turmeric's anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal agents can help our body fight against colds, cough and flu. Therefore, when symptoms of these infections are present, simply mix one teaspoon of Turmeric powder into a glass of warm milk once per day. Also drink plenty of water throughout the day.

Ways to add it to your diet:

• Add it to your green tea for a powerful antioxidant drink.
• Mix and blend it into your smoothies
• Add it into your stews, fish dishes, soups, omelets, salads, rice etc.
• Sprinkle it over your popcorn for a yellow color without the butter

A little warning about turmeric. Just like with everything,moderation is important. 
Moderate use of Turmeric powder as part of regular diet is fairly safe, and recent studies have found that a dosage of 500mg capsules of Turmeric three times per day is safe. However, prolonged consumption of high doses of Turmeric extract may cause stomach or liver distress, as well as dehydration and constipation. Therefore, it should be avoided by people with gallstones or bile obstructions. If you are currently taking blood thinners (including Aspirin), you should consult your doctor before taking Turmeric since it is an anti-platelet (prevents blood clots).
Remember to keep it away from white clothes as it's also a dye.

Thanks for reading. I hope you will add turmeric to your diet if it's not already part of it. Please let me know how you benefit from it.