Turmeric (or turmeric) powder is used as a delicious spice in South Asian cuisine. It can have numerous health benefits, ranging from facilitating digestion to preventing dangerous degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. Although turmeric is a little bitter and has an unpleasant taste when fresh, there are many ways to incorporate this powerful antioxidant into your daily diet and health care.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Turmeric in Different Ways
Step 1. Use the root
Turmeric can be found in the root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is possible to eat this close relative of ginger in fresh form, although it has a bitter taste.
It is recommended to consume between 1, 5 and 3 g of this root per day
Step 2. Add turmeric powder to food and drink
Turmeric is usually found in powder form. Try to consume between 400 to 600 mg of the spice three times a day. Add it to sauces, soups or drinks like milk and tea.
- To make turmeric tea, boil a cup of water and dissolve two grams of turmeric powder in the water. Also add lemon, honey and ginger to improve the flavor of the tea.
- If this is not your favorite drink, you can also put a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk to add antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to it.
Step 3. Use turmeric tincture
All the benefits of turmeric root are gathered in it. It is possible to add 2-3 drops of turmeric tincture to water, teas, soups or any other liquid that you drink in your daily life with ease.
Turmeric tincture can be purchased at most health food stores or at the spice section of a local supermarket
Step 4. Make a turmeric paste
If you have cuts or burns, turmeric paste may be the best way to take advantage of the spice's benefits as it can be placed directly over the affected area.
- Mix water, turmeric powder and ginger powder and stir everything. Use a clean, sterilized spatula or brush to apply to the injured area. If you use your hands, they need to be clean before applying the paste. Leave the folder in place for a few hours.
- To treat minor burns, you can apply turmeric paste and Aloe vera. Mix equal portions of turmeric powder and Aloe vera to make the paste.
Step 5. Take turmeric tablets
Turmeric is also available in capsule form. The dose may vary depending on the package, but tablets are usually 350 mg. One to three tablets a day can be taken. If you have stomach discomfort, it is possible to take a larger dose (three tablets). They can be found at a local pharmacy or health food store.
Method 2 of 3: Understanding when not to use turmeric
Step 1. Adjust the doses
Even though turmeric has many benefits for most healthy people, you should not exceed the recommended dosage or you may get upset stomach. Consult a doctor to find out the correct amount to include in the diet.
Step 2. Do not use turmeric as a medicine if you are pregnant or nursing
Consuming normal portions added to food does not cause problems, but do not take additional doses in capsule or tincture form.
Step 3. Avoid turmeric if you are diabetic
Talk to your doctor before starting turmeric treatment if your blood sugar level is abnormal. Turmeric is known to lower blood sugar levels. If you suffer from hypoglycemia, you need to avoid using the spice medicinally.
In addition, turmeric can also interfere with medications prescribed to treat diabetes
Step 4. Do not use turmeric if you suffer from excessive stomach acid
Avoid it if you are taking medication to control stomach acid, such as Pepcid and Zantac, as there may be interaction.
Step 5. If you have gallbladder problems, avoid using turmeric
It can help regulate the amount of bile produced in a healthy gallbladder. However, using turmeric can be harmful if you have gallbladder problems, as it induces gallstones to form or even block the bile duct.
Method 3 of 3: Knowing the Benefits of Turmeric
Step 1. Relieve indigestion
Turmeric contains a powerful element called curcumin. Curcumin is proven to relieve indigestion through its effect on the gallbladder. By stimulating the gallbladder to produce more bile, curcumin improves digestion and relieves the feeling of bloating.
Step 2. Decrease inflammation
Curcumin is also an effective anti-inflammatory and as such can help with a variety of health problems, from arthritis and psoriasis to chronic back and neck pain.
Curcumin prevents the activation of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX 2) gene, which produces an enzyme that can generate painful inflammation
Step 3. Scarring cuts and wounds
Turmeric has a strong antibacterial property, which helps in healing cuts and protects them from infections.
Step 4. Prevent heart disease
Heart disease is usually caused by the build-up of plaque in the arteries of the heart. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties improve blood circulation and keep arteries free of plaque.
By using turmeric to maintain healthy blood circulation, you can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke
Step 5. Prevent cancer
Although there are no conclusive studies on turmeric's role in cancer inhibition, preliminary results indicate that it may delay or prevent the development of cancer cells in the colon, prostate and lungs.
- The population of India has one of the lowest incidence rates of cancer in these organs (13 times lower than that of the United States). Many researchers believe that spices such as turmeric in typical Indian dishes are responsible for these indices.
- Turmeric's potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are strongly believed to be helpful in preventing cancer. Inflammation is often a factor responsible for the development of cancer cells.
- Don't try to cure cancer using only natural and herbal supplements. You must have treatment with an oncologist if you are ill.
Tips
- Many doctors compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric to over-the-counter nonsteroidal pain relievers, except that turmeric offers far fewer risks and side effects than these drugs.
- Do not confuse turmeric (turmeric) with turmeric. They are completely different and turmeric does not offer the same benefits as turmeric.
