If we were to give an instinctive definition of turmeric this would be the powdered spice which we all know and more particularly present in curry.
But the turmeric also defines the name of the plant from which it is extracted. We use the rhizome of this plant, the underground part, to use it fresh or reduced to powder. Very popular in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines, it is a ancestral plant with many benefits, whether gustatory or curative.
The Turmeric is rich in polyphenols : the curcuminoids which are the origin of its very distinctive yellow color. In these curcuminoids we distinguish more particularly the curcumin.
It is this that interests us for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also taste very interesting in many dishes which it will color wonderfully. The turmeric can be used fresh, in juice for example, in powder, or as a food supplement. It is found mainly in South Asia but also in Africa, the West Indies, Japan.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
The curcuminoids, whose curcumin, have anti-oxidant properties very interesting which make turmeric one of the most powerful natural anti-inflammatories identified to date.
The cucurma has interesting effects on digestion because it stimulates bile secretions. It also acts on digestive disorders such as bloating, nausea, loss of appetite...
It is also useful in cosmetics for skin problems (psoriasis, eczema, etc.).
We lend him virtues in the context of certain cancers because it induces apoptosis (self-destruction) of cancer cells and inhibits angiogenesis (growth). Numerous studies are underway on the subject and some have demonstrated, in the laboratory, that it increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reduces the progression of tumors.
Whatever happens, it will always be necessary seek the advice of your medical team so as not to interfere with ongoing treatments.
How to choose it well?
You will find turmeric almost everywhere. Its color is not a quality criterion because it depends on the variety. I choose mine from a controlled and organic agriculture coming from India in the Kerala region.
The origin of rhizomes sold in bulk is more difficult to control. The bulb must be well rounded if you want to obtain its juice.
The turmeric powder Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. The rhizome can be kept in a cool place for several weeks.
Is it possible to use turmeric as an infusion?
Yes but not only because to be assimilated by the body, the turmeric must be combined with black pepper or ginger.
It can be used daily in the diet, in brew, as a poultice or as a more highly dosed food supplement.
Is turmeric a miracle food?
The studies are currently being carried out in the laboratory. There is still a long way to go.
My conclusion is that if we use it daily in our diet, it will only be able to provide us with benefits.
Recipe ideas with turmeric
I really like using fresh turmeric rhizomes for making juice. I find them very tasty.
For this I put a piece in the juice extractor, accompanied by two carrots, an orange, half a lemon anda piece of ginger
I also use it in my Curcunola recipes. A turmeric granola combined with ginger and coconut oil for better assimilation.
A few spoons of Curcunola in a coconut milk and banana smoothie and my breakfast is ready.
Our organic infusion based on turmeric
The organic recipe for happiness? Lemon, dragon fruit, ginger, turmeric and take care of yourself.
This box of a thousand colors contains a concentrate of happiness: theHappy Mind organic infusion.