FIVE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC

Known as the Golden Spice, Turmeric was first discovered 4,000 years ago in India, which is still the world’s largest producer. Recognised for its vibrant yellow colour and warm bitter taste, it is a member of the ginger family. It is cultivated from the roots of the flowering turmeric plant (Curcuma Longa).

Turmeric has been used in Chinese, Japanese and Egyptian medicine for centuries, as well as popular in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. The term is derived from the Sanskrit language, literally meaning “knowledge” (veda) of “life” (ayur) and is the study of healthy living from the inside out.

The most active compound in Turmeric is “curcumin” and this is where its famous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties come from, which can support brain and gut health, promote a healthy immune system and benefit a range of inflammatory conditions. Turmeric’s top five benefits are:

  1. Supporting brain health

Curcumin may increase brain levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which means it can improve memory, attention span and even depression

  1. Promoting gut health

Curcumin can have positive effects on human gut microbiota, reducing intestinal inflammation, as well as supporting diverse gut bacteria which supports a strong immune system. 

  1. Reinforcing the immune system

Turmeric contains excellent anti-oxidant, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Research also shows it can help to regulate different signalling molecules which are essential for the functioning of a healthy immune system.

  1. Relieving inflammatory conditions

Turmeric and curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties are reported to reduce joint pain and tenderness, cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. In particular, research has shown that curcumin can reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with arthritis. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory attributes
have also been used to prevent and treat chronic inflammation which can cause
diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer.

  1. Reducing skin inflammation

Long term chronic inflammation of the skin can lead to eczema and damage the skin.
Curcurmin can suppress pro-inflammatory signals, which gives it powerful anti-inflammatory effects which help alleviate the symptoms of eczema by reducing itchiness and scaling. Turmeric also helps wounds and burns to heal faster.

 It is useful to know that turmeric and curcurmin are poorly absorbed on their own in the human body. However, pairing turmeric with black pepper extract (Piperine) can increase the bioavailability and absorption by up to 2,000%. Our Blossom Honey Turmeric infusion contains black pepper to ensure the turmeric is more bio-available and to increase the suggested health benefits. You can shop here.

If you are looking to include more Turmeric in your diet, we have a few ideas for how you can use Blossom Honey Turmeric Infusion:

  • blend it into juices and smoothies (carrot and orange juice works well, as does a super green smoothie)
  • use to naturally sweeten herbal tea (it tastes great with lemon)
  • add it to curries
  • make yourself a turmeric latte (available in store at Times
    Square Center)
  • or try our delicious recipe idea: 

HONEY TURMERIC YOGURT DIP

 Ingredients

½ cup Blossom Honey Turmeric Infusion

½ teaspoon fresh ground turmeric for an extra kick

a pinch of black pepper

1 clove garlic

1 cup Greek yogurt 

Blend the ingredients together. We love this dip for mixed vegetables or on top of a cauliflower and falafel bowl with ancient grains.

You can also add olive oil to make a marinade for chicken or lamb. Or add water to get a looser consistency for a salad dressing. The options are endless! If you give it a try, make sure you tag us on Instagram @blossomhoneyuae.