Turmeric (Kunyit) - A powerful antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent

Familiar with turmeric? Scientifically known as Curcuma Longa, a relative of ginger .
In the Malay language it is called kunyit.

A root that is mainly used in dishes and medicinal purposes.
You can find it in powder form, but personally the real thing is more satisfying.

Turmeric has been used for ages to treat flatulence , menstrual irregularities and now in the western medication as a powerful antioxidant & anti-inflammatory agent. 

Here, in Malaysia , women in confinement are advised to take blended turmeric mixed with honey to hasten recovery.

The mixture may taste a bit unpleasant but it does really help to reduce inflamed tissues, and you need not much of it, less than half a glass of the mixture daily is good enough.

Curcumin, the special component of turmeric that is responsible for its anti-inflammatory capabilities.It is also said that the turmeric's antioxidant properties is equivalent to that of Vitamins C & E, beneficial in combating raging Free Radicals & protect tissues from unstable oxygen molecules attacks.

Studies suggest that turmeric may hold some strong anti-carcinogenic (cancer-preventing) properties & may lower blood cholesterol levels. It is also shown that it increases the production of liver enzymes, fortifying the liver's defense level against invading enemies.

You can take it either orally or applied topically to reduce inflamed wound and to curb infection. Turmeric is also known to have a positive effect on the gastrointestinal system and inhibit intestinal spasms.

(Source: Reader's Digest, Healing Supplements year 2006)

Additional info's on Turmeric

1. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of existing prostate cancer.
2. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
3. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
4. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
5. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
6. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
7. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
8. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
9. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
10. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
11. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
12. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
13. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

(Source: http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html)

So, don't forget to add this into your juices, curries & dishes. 

It's a whole pack of goodness and it's color is just smashing isn't it?