Turmeric is good for your health!
Turmeric is a grass plant related to ginger, the root of which produces a strong yellow, aromatic spice powder. Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in Indian and Chinese health traditions, including to nourish the liver and support the immune system. In India, people use up to 1.5-2 grams of turmeric per day. In Europe, turmeric has mainly been used as a spice in food. However, its health benefits are now better known and interest is growing rapidly.
Turmeric - the yellow gold
India is by far the largest producer of turmeric, but it's also grown in Asia and Africa.
Turmeric does not survive the northern winter, but the root stock can be stored in a cool, dark cellar to overwinter. Turmeric is a perennial plant related to ginger. The root of turmeric is used to make a strong yellowish spice powder that is used in curries and other spice mixtures. Turmeric has a very aromatic flavour. Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medicine that sees turmeric as a plant that nourishes the liver and respiratory system and strengthens the immune system.
In Chinese tradition, turmeric has also been used to support the health of the liver. In Europe, the use of turmeric has been rather limited in the past. In recent years, interest has increased as Western scientists have highlighted turmeric's many potential health benefits.
Research on turmeric
Turmeric is attracting interest worldwide. In 2000-2013 alone, 5000 different studies were conducted on the subject.
Various studies of health claims are awaiting approval by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and the process is still ongoing.
Turmeric - raw, ground or extract?
Curcumin and curcuminoids are the active substances of the turmeric plant that contain the most important health benefits. However, in fresh or ground turmeric, the curcumin content is quite low and the effects can be quite limited. If you want to get the full effect, it is not enough to eat raw turmeric or use it as a dried powder. Raw or ground turmeric is fine but turmeric extract allows a better effect.
Turmeric has a low absorption capacity when taken orally, which is due to the fact that curcumin is rapidly metabolized and absorption into the circulation is poor. For this reason, there are extracts that have been processed using different methods to create the most effective preparation on the market. One method has proven to be particularly effective and is called BCM-95® extract. The patented BCM-95® turmeric extract has a very extensive research background.
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