Wonder spice can make you relaxed, happy, and beautiful!
Purists say you pronounce the first “r.” Others swear it’s silent. Regardless of your ‘r’ feelings, there’s no controversy surrounding the health and beauty benefits of this wonder spice from India. Turmeric, the golden yellow-orange spice commonly found in curries, has some serious happiness-boosting powers. A member of the ginger family (remember how much we love ginger?!), turmeric has a bitter, earthy flavor that isn’t overpowering when mixed in drinks or food, and can be taken as a supplement.
Dr. Mercola summarizes 13 ways turmeric can benefit your body:
- Boosts your antioxidant protection against free radicals
- Helps promote healthy skin
- Supports overall eye health
- Provides immune system support
- Aids your skeletal system and joint health
- Encourages healthy liver function
- Helps you maintain healthy cells with support against free radicals
- Balances the health of your digestive system
- Aids you in support of healthy blood and your circulatory system
- Helps you maintain normal cholesterol levels to support your cardiovascular system
- Assists your neurological system’s healthy response to stress
- Promotes a healthy female reproductive system
- Helps you maintain blood sugar levels already within the normal range
What Makes Turmeric So Special?
The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has demonstrated antitumor, antioxidant, antiarthritic, antiamyloid, anti-ischemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcuminoids support important blood and liver functions, healthy joints, and overall well-being.
Sneak in Your Turmeric
It’s easy to tuck in your turmeric treatments. Here are five ways:
- Throw a dash of turmeric into smoothies, sprinkle it on eggs, slip it into sauces—the possibilities are endless for sneaking the spice into your food.
- Muscles sore? Sip a Turmeric tonic: 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric stirred into a glass of water with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- To combat burns: Mix 1 tsp of turmeric with 1 tsp of aloe and rub it on the burn.
- To fight skin irritations: To treat acne, eczema or other skin inflammations, add a few tablespoons of turmeric to a bowl of milk and mix it into a paste. Spread the paste on the area to be treated, let it dry for 30 minutes then wash it off. Use liquid toner to remove any color left behind.
- For glowing skin, add turmeric in your face mask.
Prefer prepared turmeric? Turmeric juices are becoming more and more popular; NYC-based TumericAlive bottles four flavors while cleanse experts Organic Avenue make a Turmeric Tonic and LA-based Moon Juice makes a Turmeric Gold juice. No matter how you get it in, the health and happiness benefits of turmeric are too good to ignore!
Image: Some rights reserved by William Ismael | Willpower LifeForce