Turmeric

Turmeric belongs to the ginger family and is a native of tropical South Asia.

My first encounter with turmeric was as a spice to flavor our food. In Ilonggo, it is known as 'kalawag'. This is mostly use in cooking valenciana which is usually served during special occasions like birthdays and fiestas.

Recently, this comes in powder form which is capsulized and sold as herbal medicine. Studies have now shown the medicinal attributes of turmeric.

Let me just state the highlights http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

A Potent, Yet Safe Anti-Inflammatory

An Effective Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Relief for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Help for Cystic Fibrosis Sufferers

Cancer Prevention

Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Metastases

Turmeric and Onions May Help Prevent Colon Cancer

Turmeric Teams Up with Cauliflower to Halt Prostate Cancer

Reduce Risk of Childhood Leukemia

Improved Liver Function

Cardiovascular Protection

How Turmeric Lowers Cholesterol

Protection against Alzheimer's Disease

Curcumin Crosses Blood-Brain Barrier, May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Turmeric Boosts Amyloid Plaque Clearance in Human Alzheimer's Patients

Having read all those statement above, it is enough for me to prepare my turmeric tea by dropping a few slices of turmeric in 2-3 cups boiling water. Put out fire and let steep. In a few minutes you will have your freshly brewed turmeric tea.

My expectations proved me wrong. I was expecting a bitter taste. But no! it has a mild sweet flavor. Make your own brew and make your own statement.

a turmeric plant

someone is looking for the turmeric near the roots where they grow

see the turmeric?

Here are 20 reasons to add turmeric to your diet: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.

2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.

3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.

4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.

5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.

6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.

7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.

8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.

9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.

10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.

11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.

12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.

13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.

14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.

16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.

17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.

18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.

19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.

20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

To learn more about turmeric, click here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turmeric