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Why turmeric is the queen of spices

Have you used turmeric before? Perhaps for cooking? Turmeric is a popular spice used for cooking but I only started using it a few years ago when I discovered the flavour it can bring to a dish and the vibrant colour it adds.

Have you used turmeric before? Perhaps for cooking? Turmeric is a popular spice used for cooking but I only started using it a few years ago when I discovered the flavour it can bring to a dish and the vibrant colour it adds. I easily fell in love with Turmeric when I realized it has multiple purposes beyond even food! Once you understand the greatness of this spice, you will always look forward to including it in your cooking and for its other uses, which is why it is commonly referred to as The Queen of Spices!

As first aid
Every home should have a first aid kit and that kit should contain Turmeric powder because it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties so it is effective for treating wounds. What you need to do is mix Turmeric powder and water to form a paste then apply it to the affected area, or just sprinkle the powder on the wound. There has been a lot of discussion surrounding how Turmeric can help to heal and restructure skin, treat other inflammatory skin conditions, so give it a go!

For a glowing skin
Knowing that Turmeric can be used on skin because of its anti-inflammatory uses, it can also be used to brighten skin and reduce discoloration, lighten skin, dark knuckles and just give you a glow. If you want your skin to glow, mix ½ tablespoon of Turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of mashed banana and ½ tablespoon of honey. Apply the paste on your face and neck and leave for 30 minutes before you rinse off.  Apply a few drops of Argan Oil after rinsing off the mask. You can do this at least 3 times week and you will see a visible difference. Other beauty purposes of Turmeric include: treating dark circles, curing acne, lightening lips, whitening teeth, removal of blackheads, to fade pigmentation, to remove dandruff and more!

To reduces cancer risk
From research, Turmeric can help reduce the risk of breast, colon, skin and prostate cancer. Turmeric can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer by altering cancer cells because it contains a very potent antioxidant element that has helped to reduce the size of brain tumours in a number of cases. A combination of Turmeric and Cauliflower cooked together might prevent prostate cancer and can also reduce how fast skin cancer spreads. Turmeric has also been used in cancer treatment to aid the potency of some Chemotherapy drugs. It’s good to consult your doctor before using Turmeric so that you are aware of possible side effects when combining it with other medications.

Digestion
Turmeric is known to help aid digestion, which is why I like to drink it by making a Turmeric Tea. Never tried it? You should! Some of the elements in Turmeric helps to stimulate the gall bladder to produce bile which can help your digestion, bowel movement and consequently help to reduce bloating and gas. However, if you already have a gallbladder disease, it is best not to take Turmeric as it may make it worse.

Boosts Immunity
Any time I use Turmeric for cooking (it is wonderful when used to season Fried Rice), I always have a smile on my face because I know it’s not just for flavour, it is medicinal. Turmeric is known to have a compound called lipopolysaccharide (that’s a mouthful!) and this helps to stimulate and strengthen the immune system. When your immune system is down, you are prone to cold, flu and cough. One teaspoon of Turmeric powder in a glass of warm water will help if you already suffer from a cold. Drink it daily for three days and you will feel better.

You’re probably wondering how to include more Turmeric in your meals? Turmeric is great in chicken curries, stir fry, smoothies, salad, rice dishes, sautéing meat, in soups and stews, and even as tea. Turmeric contains a lot of antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties that you cannot ignore. It’s also rich in Vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, iron, vitamin C, E, niacin, zinc, magnesium and more. Turmeric is indeed aptly named the Queen of Spices!

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