Spice Up Your Health

Just at arm’s length may be a food that possesses incredible healing powers. In all my years of study, no single plant, vitamin, or nutrient has impressed me more than the traditional East Indian spice turmeric.  This amazing root extract of the Curcuma longa plant is known as “Indian Gold.” It is so rich in anti-oxidants it is used to give textiles their unique shimmering gold color and even acts as a natural food preservative.  If you’ve ever spilled this precious powder on your countertop or your own clothes, you’ll appreciate the richness of this nutritionally endowed flavor enhancer.

Have you tried curried soup or rice in a Thai or Indian restaurant? Well then, you’ve had turmeric, which largely accounts for the dish’s unique color and flavor. Turmeric tends to have a warming affect on your body, so it’s particularly useful in cooler weather to generate some inner heat. But turmeric can be enjoyed in the summertime recipes as well. Just take a look at some of the amazing benefits modern science has attributed to this wonder herb.

Toss out your Tylenol  Turmeric is shown to have significant anti-inflammatory abilities and it won’t stress your stomach, liver, or kidneys, as pain drugs may.

Step away from the burger  Turmeric is shown to lower cholesterol, providing a possible alternative (or at least an adjunct) to the common statin drugs, which come with significant side effects like muscle aches and elevated liver enzymes.

Got a light?  Turmeric may aid in the fight against cancer. It has actually been shown to shrink oral (mouth) tumors in smokers.

Detox for happy skin   Turmeric can give your liver the extra kick it needs to do the job as your body’s internal housekeeper (see http://toolstolife.com/article/Unhealthy-Skin-Look-Within---45).

Lighten up  Turmeric may help balance blood sugar which can in turn assist with diabetes, heart disease, and weight management (see http://toolstolife.com/article/Novel-Belly-Fat-Strategies-for-that-Beach-Body-You--ve-Always-Wanted-88)

Ouch!  For centuries, Turmeric has been applied to wounds to prevent infection and speed healing.

Now it is debatable whether you can consume enough turmeric on a daily basis to receive its deepest medicinal benefits. That’s why an extract called curcumin (the active ingredient of the plant) is readily available as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement and can easily be found in any health foods store. Sprinkle and enjoy!

Healthiest regards,