What is turmeric used for? How to use turmeric?
Turmeric is a widely used spice in India and Southeast Asia, where the plant originates, although it is currently cultivated in many other warm and humid regions. It has been used for more than four thousand years in gastronomy and also in medicine for the treatment and relief of various diseases. Learn much more about turmeric in the following article.
Medicinal properties of turmeric
Turmeric is used to treat an infinity of ailments. Among its uses, the following can be highlighted:
For stomach problems
Like other spicy spices, turmeric is a good ally for some digestive disorders, as it stimulates secretions and aids digestion. It is recommended to people with dyspepsia, lack of appetite, gastritis or slow digestion. This is due to its active ingredients, which help to produce more gastric and pancreatic juices, serving, in turn, to balance the pH in these organs.
To avoid flatulence
This is because turmeric is carminative, helping to eliminate the gases that are lodged in the intestine. It is advised to avoid intestinal cramps and flatulence, also for stomach atony.
To treat liver problems
Turmeric is an excellent biliary tonic that protects liver functions. This is because of curcumin (a compound that gives it its characteristic orange-yellow color).
It also has other substances very good for this organ, it helps to eliminate the stones in the gallbladder, it is anti-inflammatory, it favors in the hepatic drainage and it is effective to be able to digest better the copious meals. It is recommended in patients with cirrhosis, jaundice, liver and gallbladder disorders.
To treat some types of cancer
Research shows that turmeric contains ten anti-cancer compounds, serving in cases of breast, duodenum, skin and colon cancer. It helps in the treatments and to overcome the side effects that the medicines have against this disease (like can be the chemotherapy).
For rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome
It is due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is an ally for patients suffering from rheumatism, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, which is very common today due to the excessive use of the keyboard.
To treat depression
For thousands of years, this spice has been used by traditional Chinese medicine to cure and treat depression and other psychological or affective disorders. Turmeric has many components that stimulate the nervous system and also has good effects on the immune system and moods. It also serves to mitigate the consequences of stress.
To protect the heart
Research has shown that consuming turmeric helps in cardiovascular health. In turn, it serves to lower cholesterol and blood triglyceride level naturally. Prevents heart attacks.
To increase immunity
This space has the capacity to increase the immunomodulatory capacity of the body, thanks to several of its nutrients (such as zinc, copper or polysaccharides). It is good for people with low defenses because of stress or before an exam or important event.
To treat respiratory problems
Turmeric is used in Asia to treat bronchitis naturally because of its anti-inflammatory action. It is suitable for the treatment of COPD, due to its antioxidant properties.
To protect the body from free radicals
This yellow spice helps to eliminate the harmful effects caused by so-called "free radicals", extracting from the body everything negative and what makes us sick.
For skin problems
Used in powder, turmeric is very good for conditions such as fungi or athlete's foot, also for psoriasis.
How turmeric is used in gastronomy
The scientific name is Curcuma longa, a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family. It comes from a bush up to one meter high with green leaves and yellow and white flowers. Given its intense color, it is used as food coloring, like rice. It is one of the main ingredients of sauces, stews and other dishes from East, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Curcuma7It is known as a saffron, present in the food of China, Tibet, Indonesia, and India. In the food industry today, it is called "E100", it serves as a colorant for butter, cheeses, mustards, and shakes, always in very small proportions, so that it is almost impossible to distinguish its flavor. It is one of the components of curry powder, which gives it that strong yellow color.
For any preparation in a pot, the right amount of turmeric is a dessert spoon and goes well with other spices like pepper or cumin. You can use it for all dishes with rice, pasta, soups, sauces, legumes, salads, boiled vegetables, etc. Also used for dishes with egg and fish and one of the best-known recipes is curried chicken or fish skewers.
It is an ideal substitute for saffron because turmeric is less expensive, but with a different taste. With a spoonful of this spice and mayonnaise, you can make a delicious sauce (also with cream).
Contraindications of turmeric
You need to consume turmeric in moderate amounts because its taste is very penetrating and not everyone likes it. But in addition to this, because it can bring as a consequence some side effects. It is advisable to avoid its intake in pregnant women and in people who have serious problems in the gallbladder.
