What it does… turmeric

What is it?

A spice related to ginger, whose main active ingredient is curcumin, which is behind turmeric’s rich yellowy-orange pigment. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

What does it do?

Eases arthritis: Several studies have shown turmeric eases swelling, pain and stiffness through its anti-inflammatory effects.

Reduces risk of dementia: More than 50 studies demonstrate that turmeric helps dissolve the dementia-causing plaques that build up in the brain.

Reduces cancer risk: Lab studies have shown turmeric has anticancer effects. In one small study of 25 patients with pre-cancerous changes in different organs, turmeric seemed to stop those changes developing into cancer. It has the best effects on breast, bowel, stomach and skin cancers.

When do I need it?

At any stage your life.

How do I get it?

Eat: fresh or dried, it can be added to any curry or other Asian dish. It’s available in root or powder form.

Take: Supplements in capsule or tablet form are sometimes combined with ginger for additional antioxidant and circulation-boosting benefits. It’s also available as a tea, again often combined with ginger.

Be careful if…

Most people are absolutely fine to consume turmeric.

Summary

Article Name

What it does... turmeric

Description

Apart from being a key ingredient of any curry and widely used throughout Indian and Asian cuisine, turmeric is known to have many health benefits

Author

Healthy magazine

Publisher Name

Healthy

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