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There are two main varieties of turmeric:

  • Alleppey turmeric, darker yellow in colour, contains 3.5 - 4 percent curcumin.

  • Madras turmeric, bright yellow in colour, contains 1.5 - 1.8 percent curcumin.

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Turmeric

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Turmeric is a powerful spice which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s unique health benefits come from two basic chemical compounds - curcumin and tumerone along with a wide range of curcuminoids and volatile oils.

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  • It’s best to use Alleppey turmeric as it contains more health promoting curcumin than Madras turmeric.

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  • There were some reported cases of turmeric that was mixed with toxic, cheaper agents such as lead oxide or metanil yellow. So make sure you buy turmeric from a reputable retailer.

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  • Fresh turmeric root (rhizome) can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks. It can also be frozen for more than 6 months. Wash and scrub turmeric root, slice and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

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  • In some traditional medicines, turmeric is used for coughs and colds. It’s also used as an antiseptic for cuts and bruises.

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  • Medicinal properties of turmeric have raised interest in scientists all over the world. Hundreds of studies conducted over several decades have shown that:

  1. Turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It can reduce the pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  2. Turmeric’s antioxidant activity prevents damage to cell components e.g. DNA.

  3. Turmeric reduces blood clotting, improves blood circulation, thus helps to prevent heart failure and stroke.

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  • Based on a review of many studies conducted, the University of Maryland Medical Centre, United States suggests that 1-3 grams of turmeric powder per day is needed to produce a health benefit.

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Side effects and cautions

3-6 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of turmeric per day in food and drink is considered safe for most adults. But high doses taken in the form of turmeric powder/oil extract, tablets or capsules may cause health problems.

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Recipe for a healthy drink

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Curcumin in turmeric has many health promoting properties. Pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin. Spices have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Honey is recommended as a cough medicine by the World Health Organisation. Enjoy this drink every night or when you have a cough or cold.

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Serves 2 

 

3 black peppercorns

3 cardamom pods

3 cloves

½ cm piece cinnamon

2 ¼ cup low fat milk

½ teaspoon ground turmeric or 2 slices of fresh turmeric root, crushed/grated

1 teaspoon honey

  1. Crush peppercorn, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon with a mortar and pestle.

  2. Place all ingredients except honey into a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

  3. Simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in honey. Turn off heat.

  4. Pour into 2 mugs through a strainer and serve hot.

 

Tips: 

  • Do not use fat free milk as curcumin dissolves only in fat.

  • Fresh turmeric root can be stored in the fridge for 4 weeks and in the freezer for 6 months. Wash and scrub turmeric root, wipe with a paper towel, slice and freeze in an airtight container.

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  1. Combine all ingredients and grind to a coarse powder or crush in a mortar and pestle.

  2. Store in an airtight container.

Spice mix for 4 cups turmeric milk

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6 cardamom

6 cloves

1 cm cinnamon stick

½ teaspoon black peppercorn

"Let food be thy medicine, medicine be thy food" 

Hippocrates (c.460 – c.370 BCE)

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