THE GOLDEN SPICE

Turmeric: The Golden Spice

MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RD

CURCUMA LONGA, also known as turmeric, is a plant in the ginger family. The active ingredient in turmeric root is curcumin, which gives the plant its deep yellow-orange color and its hot, peppery taste. Turmeric is widely used in South Asia and the Middle East in food preparation and is the primary ingredient in curry powder. While still wildly popular in Indian and Asian cuisine, recent interest in turmeric has shifted from its culinary use to its potential medicinal use. Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of curcumin. Here is a brief rundown of just of few of these benefits.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE. A clinical study found that turmeric may play a role in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s by reducing amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Another study showed that people with mild cognitive decline who took curcumin had improved memory and mood scores compared to those taking a placebo.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY. Turmeric is probably best known for its antiinflammatory action, which gives benefit across a broad range of people, including athletes and people with arthritis or heart disease. It can help reduce inflammation and pain, and does this without causing damage to the gastrointestinal tract. One study found that arthritis patients who took curcumin for 8 months had reduced pain and stiffness and improved physical function compared to those who took a placebo.

GI HEALTH. Turmeric has been used traditionally as a digestive agent, which makes sense given its relation to the ginger family. Research also suggests that curcumin may be effective against the activity and inflammatory burden of colitis and IBS. Currently, research is ongoing to learn how turmeric helps with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two factors that identify how efficient digestion is working.

HEART HEALTH. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of turmeric make it helpful for the heart and may have the ability to help reverse steps in the heart disease process. It also may help keep the lining of veins and arteries healthy and reduce cholesterol levels.

These are just a few of the many benefits of turmeric and curcumin. Research continues to come out on turmeric on other areas of health, including liver health, anxiety reduction, and even reducing risk for cancer. So get out there and eat some curry, drink some golden milk, and utilize turmeric for all its benefits!

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Powerful herbal antioxidant.* Supports healthy liver function & balances inflammation.* Potent herbal extract, standardized for 95% curcuminoids.

Sunfood Golden Milk Super Blend

Delicious organic herbal blend for joint & mobility support.* With turmeric, boswellia, goji, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, & more. Simply stir into milk or non-dairy milk alternative & let it go to work.*