The anti inflammatory powerhouse of turmeric.jpg

Most of you have heard of that turmeric is a true powerhouse and can have a tremendous impact on your health. It’s been praised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidants properties among many others. Whether you’re consuming turmeric in a latte or in your smoothie, the point is to make it a daily if not weekly staple in your meals. You’ll be happy you did.

Benefits

The many incredible medicinal benefits of turmeric are never ending. It would be quicker to list the things it doesn’t do. Ok, are you sitting comfortably? Here we go.

Reduces inflammation (we could all use a little inflammation reduction)
Supports healthy and radiant skin
Improves mood
Boosts cognitive health
Helps reduce pain
Helps balance blood sugar levels
Helps support weight loss
Powerful anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Anti-microbial
Supports brain, heart, nervous and circulatory system
Supports liver detoxification by boosting two antioxidants (glutathione and SOD)
Digestive aid
Cleansing effect on intestines
Relieves congestion, cold, flu, cough and sore throat symptoms
Activates over a dozen protective anti-inflammatory proteins in the skin cells.
Improves insulin resistance
Protects the beta cells of the pancreas that regulate insulin
I don’t think you need more convincing

Breast Health Benefits

One of the ways turmeric supports healthy breast tissue is in its ability to inhibit fibroadenomas, cysts and tumors. An example of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s also beneficial in preventing cancer and supports the liver in the detoxification process which in turn leads to a healthy hormonal balance. As women, we can always use a little boost to help support our hormones.

Tip

Combine a bit of turmeric with castor oil and apply to the affected area. Apply 3-5 times a week till you start seeing results.

Ancient Wisdom

It’s been used in Ayurveda and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for thousands of years. Ayurveda regards turmeric as a heating spice which can provide a balancing effect on all three doshas: vata, kapha and pitta. In TCM, turmeric has a particular relationship with the blood. It’s used to clear heat, invigorate and cool the blood. It’s also used to remove stagnation in the body. It’s nice to see science catching up to ancient wisdom.

Boosting Bioavailability

Add black pepper – a pinch will do. It’ll boost the absorption of turmeric by up to 2000%.
Heat (as in tea)
Consume it with fats, like coconut oil, olive oil or avocados

Emotional Support

What, turmeric has emotional support? Stay with me.

Anthony Williams, also known as the Medical Medium, describes the emotional support of turmeric as beneficial for those who have trouble with their self-worth, have trouble accepting compliments or downplay their contribution to relationships or projects. Turmeric will help you appreciate just how valuable you are. Aren’t you glad you stayed?

Active Ingredient

There are many known active ingredients in turmeric, however curcumin is one the most studied and believed to be of most importance. Many supplements on the market are just that, curcumin. This is a reductionist approach by pharmaceutical and supplement companies that think we can extract one active ingredient from its environment and still receive all its benefits even though it’s no longer supported by other important ingredients. Mother nature intended us to use the whole herb, that’s why it was created that way. If we were only meant to consume curcumin, nature would have created curcumin. Turmeric root is comprised of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, phytochemicals, fatty acids and naturals oils which work synergistically and help make turmeric the superfood it is.

For a more scientific perspective on this, check out Video #2 below. Dr. Gregor sheds light how how curcumin might not be as important as we’re led to believe and why eating the whole herb is key.

When buying turmeric or any supplements, for that matter, be mindful of it’s source. Find out where it’s grown, whether or not it’s organic, if it’s been sustainably harvested, the company’s ethos, etc. Choosing companies that work honestly and transparently with farmers and support the environment is one of the most important things we can do to support fair trade and sustainable consumerism. You vote with your dollar.

Did You Know

The people of Okinawa Japan (the world’s longest lived people) drink several cups of turmeric tea daily. The recipe is incredibly simple:

1 cup of water
1 tsp of turmeric
Lemon and honey to taste
Pink of black pepper

Recap

Add this powerhouse to your grocery list: powder or fresh
Don’t forget to add a pinch of pepper
Consume the whole herb

Travel Tip

I often travel with a small spice packet of turmeric and consume it frequently. If you’re traveling and not eating a diet that is supportive of your health, drinking some turmeric tea or water will help mitigate those effects. I add pepper to the turmeric packet before I go and if I remember, some cinnamon and ashwagandha to really provide my body with nourishment and support.

Tools

Articles

Learn about turmeric from an Ayurveda perspective over at Banyan Botanicals and with Dr. John Douillard.
Conscious Lifestyle magazine dives into the benefits of turmeric. One of my favorite magazines.
Discover Traditional Chinese Medicine’s perspective on turmeric.