The rich, golden-orange spice turmeric is well-known for enhancing food’s color, flavor, and nutritional value. Turmeric, a relative of ginger, has been used in cooking for hundreds of years. It is derived from the rhizome (root) of a native Asian plant. In China and India, it has also been utilized in Ayurveda and other traditional medical practices.
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Curry powders, mustards, kinds of butter, and cheeses are often flavored or colored with turmeric, which has a warm, bitter taste. Turmeric is frequently used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases because curcumin and other substances in it may reduce swelling.
Turmeric is frequently used by people with osteoarthritis. In addition, it is used to treat hay fever, depression, excessive cholesterol, a particular kind of liver illness, and itching; however, the majority of these uses lack solid scientific backing. Additionally, there isn’t enough proof to back up the use of turmeric for COVID-19.
Turmeric should not be confused with Javanese turmeric trees or roots. Additionally, it should not be confused with goldenseal or zedoary, two other plants that are occasionally referred to as turmeric.
What Is The Benefit Of Turmeric?
According to Brown, curcumin, a naturally occurring polyphenol with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities, is the active component of turmeric.
Not all of the biological actions of curcumin are known. Turmeric is abundant in phytonutrients, which, like other vibrant plant-based foods, may defend cells from harm and neutralize free radicals from the environment (sunlight, pollution, etc.).
Plant-based diets have been linked to the prevention of diseases like cancer and heart disease.
Turmeric is a useful ingredient for anyone attempting to reduce inflammation in their diet. Inflammatory ailments include colitis, allergies, infections, and various joint problems, including arthritis.
The Science of Turmeric
Numerous research has been conducted on turmeric and its constituents, such as curcumin.
According to certain study findings, using turmeric in recipes reduced joint discomfort in those with osteoarthritis. Further investigation is needed to determine whether turmeric has any positive effects on mood disorders, depression, or dementia. Studies on the subject have been limited.
Apart from these ailments, studies have indicated that turmeric may be beneficial for the following conditions:
- A flare-up
- retinopathy of the eyes
- metabolic disorder
- Rheumatism
- Hyperlipidemia, or elevated blood cholesterol
- Unease
- aching muscles after working out
- renal health
- Turmeric Additives
Supplements containing turmeric are probably not a smart idea. Even while turmeric has many health benefits, too much of it can be dangerous. Nevertheless, curcumin does not always equal more of anything.
For example, taking supplements containing turmeric may raise your chance of kidney stones, particularly if this condition runs in your family. Supplements containing curcumin have far higher quantities of the chemical than food flavored with spice or tea made with turmeric would.
One problem with turmeric is that it is not readily absorbed by the body due to the non-bioavailability of curcumin and other active components. Also, these advantageous molecules are broken down throughout the digestive process.
In light of this, you can safely increase your consumption by adding spice to your meals regularly. Turmeric has medicinal chemicals that your body can absorb better if you combine it with black pepper. It has been demonstrated that combining piperine, a component found in black pepper, with curcumin can enhance bioavailability by 2000%.
Rather than taking turmeric pills, tinctures, capsules, or gummies, it is preferable to obtain curcumin and the majority of other elements from whole food consumption.
Supplemental Turmeric and Drug Interactions
Concentrated turmeric pills include high quantities of curcumin, which may interfere with several drugs.
Pain relievers: Supplements containing turmeric may decrease the effects of acetaminophen, aspirin, indomethacin, or ibuprofen.
Chemotherapy: Consult your doctor before using turmeric supplements if you are undergoing chemotherapy. If you are taking any of the following chemotherapy medications, you should specifically avoid taking turmeric supplements:
- Totothecin
- Themethamine
- Cyclophosphamide with doxorubicin
Blood thinners: Supplements containing turmeric or curcumin may make warfarin users more likely to experience bleeding.
Immunosuppressive medications: Consuming large amounts of curcumin may aggravate the negative effects experienced by people on tacrolimus.
Effects of Turmeric Sides
While most individuals can safely consume turmeric in tea or food, if you have a turmeric allergy, consuming the spice may result in hives, a rash, or pain in your abdomen.
The majority of negative effects are linked to extremely high curcumin concentrations found in supplements (pills, capsules, and gummies).
How to Savour Ginger
Turmeric is an ingredient in curry powder and is used as a natural coloring for certain types of mustard. The earthy taste of turmeric on its own, as well as the way it enhances Thai and other Asian cuisine, stews, and chilis with a beautiful color and depth of flavor.Excellent with chicken soup.
Whole turmeric roots are available for purchase in the produce area. Turmeric root pieces can be frozen in freezer bags to maintain their freshness for up to six months.
Turmeric’s yellow pigment can leave stains on fabric and surfaces, so use caution while handling it. Many surfaces can be cleaned of the stains using chlorine-based cleansers or gentle abrasives.
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric root, like ginger, can be brewed into a pleasant and nutritious tea. This is Brown’s approach:
Two teaspoons of turmeric powder or two tablespoons of minced turmeric root
Bring 1-2 cups of water to a boil.
After five minutes of simmering, strain.
Brown suggests that you consume turmeric tea either warm or cold, and that you can alter the flavor by adding lemon or honey.
Recipe: Creamy Vegan Soup with Curried Pumpkin Butternut Squash Ingredients
Olive oil.
One pound of peeled and chopped butternut squash and pumpkin each
2-3 teaspoons of Thai red curry paste; two chopped shallots
Two teaspoons of turmeric powder or two tablespoons of grated turmeric root
Four cups of vegetable broth or stock
One can of unsweetened coconut milk (full or reduced fat options available)
Add pepper and salt.
Guidelines
For 10 to 15 minutes, roast butternut squash and pumpkin at 400 degrees with olive oil, salt, and pepper. When they are fork tender, they are finished.
Saute the shallot, red curry paste, and turmeric in olive oil for eight to ten minutes in a big, heavy stock pot or Dutch oven. Shallots ought to be tender and transparent.
Add the squash, roasted pumpkin, and vegetable broth.
Simmer for twenty minutes or longer.
Use red curry paste, salt, or pepper to taste and adjust.
Simmer after adding the coconut milk.
Use an immersion blender or a stand blender to blend.
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