TurmericIf there is one spice which deserves the title superfood it has to be turmeric. This rhizome is related to ginger which family has many medicinal properties assigned to them. Turmeric has been is use for thousands of years in the East. In the West, most people are not so familiar with turmeric, although it’s often used to give the famous mustard its yellow colour.


Turmeric cutThese colouring properties of turmeric are widely used in the food industry. Turmeric is in Europe often mentioned in the ingredients on the packaging as colouring agent E100, an additive approved by the EU. A healthy E-number, even those exist!! Turmeric stains yellow in an acidic environment, and in a basic environment orange-red.


Turmeric is widely used in Asian cuisine. It’s one of the main ingredients of the famous curries. In India they also use turmeric as a preservative of all kinds of products, handy if you don’t have a fridge.


You can include turmeric as a base for your sauce / curry, cook it together with some oil and the rice or sprinkle it on your dish, for example potatoes before baking them. When you combine turmeric with pepper and a little fat, the turmeric will be used optimally by your body.


Turrmeric plantBeyond the preventive and protective effects against cancer, the applications of turmeric in the treatment of cancer have also been very promising, particularly with gastric and colon cancer. But as with all natural products that can’t be patented by big business, there is little large-scale research done.


Some health benefits summed up,

  • Turmeric supports the liver in detoxification.
  • Turmeric prevents cramping.
  • Turmeric promotes protein digestion and the absorption of fat.
  • Turmeric in nutrition reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
  • Turmeric lowers your cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption from the intestine and stimulates the conversion of cholesterol into bile acids.
  • Turmeric is effective against fungal infections and viruses.
  • Turmeric is an natural anti-bacterial agent, and can be used to disinfect cuts and burns.
  • Turmeric can stop the growth of prostate cancer and prevent it. Research shows that when turmeric is eaten with cabbage, this effect is optimal.
  • Turmeric prevents thrombosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation.
  • Turmeric may prevent the growth and spreading of cancer.
  • Turmeric appears to slow the deterioration with MS patients.
  • Turmeric is a natural painkiller.
  • Turmeric protect the vascular system.
  • Turmeric accelerates wound healing.
  • Turmeric is a powerful, yet safe anti-inflammatory, of which the effect can compared to drugs like for example hydrocortisone, but without the side effects.
  • Turmeric can help with certain skin conditions.
  • Turmeric protects against inflammation in the intestine, and it can help with diseases such as Crohn’s disease. This protective effect occurs already with amounts that you consume with a meal.
  • Turmeric is a good source of the vitamins B6 & C.Turmeric harvest
  • Turmeric is a good source of iron, manganese, magnesium and potassium.
  • Turmeric provides protection against Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Turmeric often brigs relief to people who suffer from rheumatism or arthritis. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and protects against the free radicals in your body that are main cause of the inflammation.
  • Turmeric is prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for depression.

Be cautious with turmeric when you suffer from gallstones because turmeric promotes bile secretion and when pregnant because turmeric could in large quantities (unlikely within a meal) have an stimulating effect on the uterus.