(Repeat from December 2008)
Most of us, unknowingly, come into contact with turmeric on a daily basis. It is a common coloring agent and is used in items like mustard, cheese, chicken broths, and butter or butter substitutes. Historically, turmeric has been used in countries like India and Japan, where it has found its way into foods and teas. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has gained the attention of Western scientists. Turmeric is making a new name for itself as it is being prized for its medicinal properties.
Turmeric’s properties may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease as it dissolves plaque typically found in the brains of those who battle the disease. These properties are elemental in better brain ability.
Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory properties, which is great news for individuals suffering from bone and joint disorders like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. For some, turmeric works just as well as pain and anti-inflammatory medications typically prescribed for these conditions but without the side effects.
Turmeric’s antioxidants may provide protection against breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancer, especially if it teams up with onions and cruciferous vegetables. It also assists the liver in its work, one of the many factors in prevention of cancer.
Turmeric may support cardiovascular function as it prevents cholesterol oxidation which leads to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels, which contributes to blood vessel damage. Turmeric also plays a part in lowering Homocysteine levels, a marker for heart disease.
Turmeric is rich in fiber, magnesium and iron. Turmeric is also reputed to be beneficial in the prevention or treatment of:
- Cuts, burns (antiseptic)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Leukemia
- Ulcerative Colitis
To benefit from turmeric, skip the commercial varieties. Instead, shop organic or ethnic markets for fresher, non-irradiated turmeric.
TAKE A TRIP DOWN CANDY CANE LANE™
If the scent of peppermint puts you more in the Christmas mood, consider Celestial Seasonings Candy Cane Lane™ tea instead of a trip to the candy shop. It has a hearty peppermint flavor, but thanks to the addition of ingredients like decaffeinated green tea, cinnamon, milk thistle, roasted carob, roasted chicory, and vanilla bean, it is a tea to savor. Only a drop of Stevia, a natural sweetener, may be needed. Enjoy!
Check out Celestial Seasonings at http://www.celestialseasonings.com/
GIVE ME FIVE
Five memory enhancers:
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants
- CoenzymeQ10
- Iron
- Vitamin B
