By Georgia Taylor
Haldi, manjal, yellow root, pita, Indian Saffron and Curcuma Longa (botanical name) are only a few names for what we know as Turmeric. Turmeric has approximately 53 different names that are inspired either by its colour, use, powder-form or smell.
Turmeric is a part of the ginger family, golden in colour and powerful in flavour. It is commonly known to be used for flavour in foods especially those of Indian culture. Over its existence it has been used for many things other than that of food. Religious ceremonies and health care are among the most popular.
Recently Turmeric has become something of a ‘trend’; perhaps you could call it ‘The Turmeric Trend’! We went from adding it as spice in a meal to drinking it as a latte, making it into cocktails, adding it to pressed juices and even having Turmeric juice shots to make sure we get our daily dose. We have skin and hair care products with Turmeric, nuts being coated in the spice, taking capsules daily and it can be found as an ingredient in our Inflammation Tea.
Why the sudden interest? Don’t get me wrong, there can be no harm in getting your daily dose of turmeric, but why is turmeric the new trend? What health benefits and uses does turmeric have?
Turmeric’s many uses have been long known and used in Southeast Asian culture. Over the last 25 years, Western science has released publications proving the health benefits and the medical uses of turmeric that have been touted for nearly 4000 years, causing a sudden spike and interest in modern medicine, initiating endorsements of the powerful powder. After new studies and research on the spice, we now know that Turmeric contains a compound called Curcum. This compound is what gives it its antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties and its medical effects. If after reading this you are on the lookout for turmeric powder or products, keep an eye out for those that are organic; you don’t want any hidden nasties while trying to improve your health.
Turmeric’s health benefits begin with the skin. People claim that taking turmeric daily has caused their skin to clear of blemishes, including acne, and acts as an anti-aging remedy, which is why the spice has been added to skin care products. On the first aid front the spice is believed help heal cuts, grazes and clear and prevent infections of the skin.
Brain function is another factor for the sudden popularity spike. Enhanced brain function, mental clarity and a positive effect against depression are at the top of the lists. Not only does it clear the mind and enhance brain function, it could also lower your risk of brain cancer and new studies have led researchers to believe it has the potential to slow down the effects of Alzheimer’s. Sadly there is still no known cure for Alzheimer’s, but could Turmeric lead the way? Only time will tell.
Turmeric can reduce the pain of arthritis and menstrual cycles and is good for those with endometriosis. It has the potential to lower the risk of heart disease due to its levels of curcum. It can also aid recovery and help in the fight against conjunctivitis, cold and flu, and infection. It can promote good digestion, relieve heartburn and help with IBS and related symptoms.
Of course all these benefits can only be seen if you are having Turmeric daily and consistently for a length of time. Although it would be nice if one tasty latte tomorrow could clear my skin, fix my poor digestion and minimise my chances of heart disease, the recommended amount is 500 – 1000 milligrams a day to activate its anti-inflammatory effect and provide your body the necessary nutrients. One teaspoon can give you 200 milligrams of the recommended 500 milligrams, I guess this is why we find ourselves taking capsules daily and downing juice shots. Many people also add black pepper to their Turmeric, this enhances the body’s ability to absorb the curcum and maximise the health benefits.
Although Turmeric seems to be the new ‘It’ ingredient. Take care when having the spice as overconsumption of Turmeric in powder form can cause an upset stomach but turmeric in capsule form may cause other trepidation, so be sure to consult with a health care professional before taking the supplements and read the information given. It’s important to stick to the recommended amount and do well by your body.
The big question is, will Turmeric be more than a passing trend? Will it grow to the level of green juice? Will this be the spice that changes your life? You can find turmeric lattes in trendy cafés, Turmeric products can be found almost anywhere, and you can get yourself Valley Tea’s Inflammation Tea with an option of three sizes by clicking here. Or grab a bag in store while visiting the trendiest café, Swan Valley Cafe, where you can get both Inflammation Tea and Turmeric Lattes.
Will you be a part of the Turmeric trend?
* Our tea is not designed to be a weight loss method or a cure for any medical conditions a person may have. If any serious medical conditions have occurred or continue, please seek medical advice. Results may be varied*
Sources:
https://www.rd.com/health/healthy-eating/turmeric-benefits-digestion/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/turmeric-side-effects#section3
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric#section1
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.abc.net.au/article/8579888
