Turmeric: benefits and properties
One of the foods most used to give food color and flavor is turmeric. Turmeric is an elongated plant with a yellow root.
This plant is usually used when preparing soups, rice with chicken or paella. Beyond just being used to season food, it can provide you with greater benefits than you think.
Therefore, this time I explain a little about the origin of turmeric and how you can use it, to make the most of all the benefits.
What is turmeric?
It is a plant native to India. It is from the families of Zingiberaceae.
Since 610 BC its use as a colorant has been established. Over time, the Hindu culture used it as a food coloring and a peculiar flavor was noticed in the preparation.
Even in those concentrates and preparations that they sell, in which he combines different powders, you can find a good portion of turmeric.
In countries like India it can be found by the name of saffron root. Healing properties are even attributed to it thanks to its medicinal properties.
From turmeric, you can also obtain oils that are loaded with proteins and sugars that are good for the body.
Turmeric properties
Turmeric is said to have medicinal properties thanks to curcuminoids as well as demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin.
It is also a good source of fiber and phytonutrients.
How long should turmeric be taken?
This plant is good to take for periods of three consecutive months, with periods of rest. The ideal is 8 grams of turmeric a day. This average is achieved with approximately one tablespoon of turmeric powder.
Considering all the benefits, having your own turmeric crop wouldn't hurt. If this is your intention, I will leave you the details below.
How long does turmeric take to grow?
The estimated time is 9 months so that it can grow through its rhizomes and that they have the necessary consistency to be used.
How should it be sown?
In order to plant turmeric, you must make a hole in the ground a little smaller than the size of the root.
Place the rhizome and cover with compost soil preferably. Make sure that the roots are covered, but not crushed and that the bud is exposed.
To choose a good specimen you must evaluate that both the stem and the leaves of the plant have turned brown. This occurs around the seventh month of planting. This stage is recognized as the latency period.
Turmeric benefits.
Turmeric and its benefits may surprise you when you feel:
The relief of intestinal colic, the release of flatulence without discomfort and absence of acidity.
Control of liver problems by acting as a bile tonic.
Leveling the body's pH thanks to the production of gastric juices.
Relief of joint pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
More mood and energy by controlling depression caused by serotonin production.
Better memory performance.
A better immune system, thanks to the antioxidants it provides.
How should turmeric be consumed?
As all food can be eaten in different ways, remember that each in its own way will provide you with certain benefits.
In drinks
Turmeric can be found in various forms, the most common being the powder. If you have it in powder, dissolve half a tablespoon in a glass of water. You can add fruit juice to give it a better flavor.
Infusion with leaves
Bring a pot to boil with 1 glass of water and 3 turmeric leaves. Let cook for 10 minutes, wait for it to warm up a bit and drink.
Turmeric root tea powder
Place ¾ cups of water over medium heat. When it has boiled, add a tablespoon of turmeric powder. Cover and wait about 15 minutes before drinking.
Like any drink you can add a little sweetener to accompany it, either stevia or the one of your preference.
As part of the meals
As a spice, it will give color, flavor and smell to food. Either to season meats or other types of dishes.
Including a little in your meals on a daily basis will allow you to obtain great results in maintaining your health. Which will make you more productive in your daily days.
Turmeric contraindication
If you have any condition or pathology, I recommend that you limit its use. These include biliary, hormonal or clotting disorders.
For minors, its effect could be very varied, so specific doses such as those taken in drinks are not recommended. The same applies to pregnant women.
Although you can add a little to the food to season it, it is not the same to ingest a detailed dose with fruits or with other foods.
With this in mind, you will already know how you can include this incredible food loaded with antioxidants that can help you prevent many diseases by strengthening your immune system.