The plant turmeric Curcuma Longa is very well known in India. The root is harvested, cleaned, dried, and powdered to be used as a spice (turmeric gives curry its beautiful golden yellow color) and as a medicine. Traditionally, Turmeric was used for nearly every health condition known – from smallpox to a sprained ankle. The reason for its health effects is the compound known as Curcumin. Just as oranges are a source of vitamin C, Turmeric is a source of Curcumin. But, a typical turmeric root contains about 2-5% curcumin, so taking an unstandardized, powdered turmeric root product means that very large amounts would be required to get a beneficial amount of curcumin. However, Curcumin is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the limitations of Curcumin, within this blog we will explore the healing abilities of Curcumin and Turmeric in a comparative manner.
Molecular Structure of Curcumin
Turmeric contains hundreds of compounds, each with its own unique properties. So far, Turmeric has been found to contain at least 20 compounds that are antibiotic, 14 known cancer preventatives, 12 that are anti-tumor, 12 anti-inflammatory, and at least 10 antioxidants. One of the major benefits of Turmeric (over Curcumin) as a healing agent, is it’s exceptional absorptive capacity. As an independent factor, Turmeric is excellent when used as a spice within food and drinks. Thereby providing health benefits while being pleasing to the taste.
Considering all the stated factors, an important question is: What should be your preference in order to obtain the greatest health benefit? According to recent studies Curcumin-free Turmeric powder demonstrated great healing effects against different types of cancer. As well, the scientists found out that Turmeric was more potent when compared with purified Curcumin. These finding suggest that components other than Curcumin also contribute to anti-cancer activities (please watch video with Dr. Michael Greger at: http://nutritionfacts.org/video/turmeric-curcumin-plants-vs-pills/).
Turmeric powder
Turmeric is extremely efficient to treat many health conditions, such as: allergies and asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, bacterial and viral Infections, cancer, depression, diabetes, digestive problems, cardiovascular diseases, psoriasis etc. It is like a pharmacy unto itself working harmoniously in many different ways.
To experience all the benefits of this magic natural product we would recommend to make a turmeric tea a part of your regular diet. The recipe is as simple, as well as tasty and assures maximum bioavailability due to the addition of coconut oil — one of our favourite healthy fats.
Liquid Gold Turmeric Tea
Ingredients
1/2 Cup water
1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric power
½ Cup coconut milk
1 Teaspoon coconut oil
Honey or stevia to taste
Process
Bring the water to a boil.
Add Turmeric power and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Add coconut milk and coconut oil.
Heat until warmed throughout.
Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste.
Enjoy and stay healthy!!!!