Let’s talk natural, organic, anti-inflammatories, yes, I already covered beets, but this is about the golden spice, Indian saffron, or what you may know better as turmeric! Yes, you have seen me write about this before, yes, this is part of what makes my golden milk “golden”, but it is a powerful spice.
This golden spice has inspired many different cultures to use it as a dye and is one of the major ingredients in curry powder. It can also be found in teas, powders, capsules, and extracts are some of the turmeric products available commercially.
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has powerful biological properties. Curcumin is one of 3 known curcuminoids found in turmeric, the other two being desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin. While there is still much research to be done, it is estimated that turmeric contains well over a hundred chemical compounds that are mainly located in the essential oil of this dynamic medicinal spice. Many cultures have used turmeric for hundreds of years, and within Western medicine more studies are being done using turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent for many illnesses. This powerful root is a member of the same family as ginger, which is also a super food
with healing properties.
Personally I have been using turmeric for almost two years. I started after my mother mentioned that I should try it, and that it was helping her. I bought capsules, but was never religious about taking them every day. Personally, I prefer to add it to my smoothies, meals, or of course, make golden milk.
It is said that turmeric may treat depression as well as Prozac. Now I don’t know about you, but I will choose the all-natural holistic way over Western medicine. It’s big pharma companies who don’t want this to be public knowledge, obviously most people would rather not pump themselves full of chemicals. There are also beneficial properties that help promote brain health, and fight or decrease Alzheimer’s disease. It may also decrease anxiety, which on some level we all deal with.
This golden spice also helps your skin! Yes, you heard it here, it protects against UVA damage for healthier, younger looking skin. It may also help in treating a variety of skin disorders.
The powerful spice also reduces the chance of colon cancer along with other types of cancer. It’s a natural antibiotic, and may be able to cure a cough, prevent stroke, and reduces the risk of blood clots. It’s well known in aiding with digestion, reducing bad cholesterol, purifying the blood, and of course, is an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. Being an anti-inflammatory makes this a viable option for those with arthritis, lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, and other illnesses that cause chronic pain in the joints.
Again, there are many ways to get turmeric into your diet, weather you choose to take a capsule, eat, or drink your turmeric, if you are on your own health and wellness journey, I’d suggest giving it a try (of course talk to your medical provider before starting any new supplements to make sure it’s right for you).