Beverages
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There are two main varieties of turmeric:
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Alleppey turmeric, darker yellow in colour, contains 3.5 - 4 percent curcumin.
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Madras turmeric, bright yellow in colour, contains 1.5 - 1.8 percent curcumin.
Turmeric
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:
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Turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It can reduce the pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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Turmeric’s antioxidant activity prevents damage to cell components e.g. DNA.
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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.
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.
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
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Crush peppercorn, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon with a mortar and pestle.
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Place all ingredients except honey into a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
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Simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in honey. Turn off heat.
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Pour into 2 mugs through a strainer and serve hot.
Tips:
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Do not use fat free milk as curcumin dissolves only in fat.
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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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Combine all ingredients and grind to a coarse powder or crush in a mortar and pestle.
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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)