Turmeric, One of the Healing Root Spices - Love That Spice

Adding a variety of super nutrient dense and vitamin rich spices, spice blends and fresh herbs to our diet ensures that we’re getting the laundry list of vitamins and minerals that the body needs for optimal health.

Consider adding spices that you haven’t yet added to your spice rack along with some ideas about how to put them to work in your favorite recipes. Turmeric has been a major player in Indian and Asian medicine for centuries.

Let's take a look at the great root spice, Turmeric of the ginger family, which originates in Eastern Asia and grown extensively in India and is the base for several mouth-watering curry spice blends. Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The healing component in turmeric is called curcumin which provides relief to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and can be compared to pharmaceuticals like hydrocortisone but does not have the toxic side effects. Turmeric is also known as a  top anti-cancer agent and powerful cancer fighter due in part to the curcumin, which is responsible for the beautiful golden color of turmeric. Turmeric even aids in the prevention of memory loss (Alzheimer's), heartburn, gallstones and psoriasis.

In the Kitchen - Turmeric has a mustardy, ginger and earthy flavor. It adds a beautiful yellow/orange color to any dish and is often used as a dye.

Vitamins & Minerals - Turmeric also has vitamins and minerals such as manganese, iron, vitamin B6, dietary fiber and potassium