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Turmeric
Turmeric
Its flavor is sweet with a bitter and spicy touch
Turmeric (Curcuma domestica, Curcuma longa) is one of the most powerful spices Known. Originally from India, where it has been cultivated for at least 2,000 years ago, it has been known to man for some 4,000 years. Initially used in medicine, it was subsequently used for dyeing, in perfumes and cosmetics. It is one of the natural most common food colorings in the culinary traditions of many countries.
The plant is about 1m high, is similar to ginger, and is grown in tropical countries. Major exporters include India, China, Sri Lanka, Philippines.
Its flavor is sweet with a bitter and spicy touch. It should be used sparingly. Its taste is often confused with ginger (which is sometimes substituted by turmeric, owing to its lower cost). It is also a substitute for saffron, because of its yellow-orange color.
Turmeric is a stomach tonic and is recommended for liver and bile problems and indigestion, thanks to its major component, curcumin, which is powerful antioxidant and has been recognized as beneficial in cases of Alzheimer's disease.
Studies show that turmeric helps the body to produce anti-carcinogenic substances such as glutathione. It may also counter tumor growth (curcumin causes cancer cells to kill themselves).
Its antioxidant power is up to 300 times greater than vitamin E, making it a great anti-aging supplement when combined with other practices.
Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can also help alleviate pain: it’s good for arthritis, as it relieves pain and promotes the elimination of toxins. It also reduces harmful cholesterol. But above all, like so many other spices, it’s highly recommended for digestive problems (slow digestion, poor appetite, gas, excess or lack of gastric acid, etc.)..
In the East it is also often used for cold, flu, infections and diarrhea, and is usually consumed with boiled milk. People with asthma and excess bronchial mucus may benefit from its expectorant properties.
In the kitchen
Turmeric is one of the basic ingredients of curry, and probably has more medicinal properties than most other spices. In the kitchen, it is usually used for making sauces and vegetable or cereal based dishes.
It is sold as a dry root or powdered, and should be kept in a sealed glass jar in a cool and dry place.
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Amy 18.01.2013
Friend of mine let me know that turmeric is anti-cancer. His wife was cancer free 100 % by changing the way she was eating. Vegetables, fruits for a strict diet to clean-up all your system....most powerful is turmeric. I eat everyday vegetable, that help your system to fight any kind of desease.