Turmeric has been used and well respected for 2,500 years in India as an Ayurvedic medicine. This brightly coloured spice, which gives curry its lovely orange-yellow colour has many outstanding health-boosting properties. Studies has found that curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, can increase CAMP (cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide), which is part of our immune system that helps prevent infection by fighting off a broad range of viruses, bacteria and fungi. Vitamin D also has this effect on CAMP.
Curcumin is also a highly effective anti-inflammatory as well as having strong antioxidant properties. Regular consumption of turmeric in the diet could protect you against infections, especially those of the digestive tract, as well as relieving arthritic conditions and help protect you from cancers and Alzheimer’s disease. Turmeric can be used directly from the root or in powdered form, for cooking, or as a herbal tincture. Cooking with curcumin and adding black pepper or fats such as coconut oil will help you digest turmeric’s curcumin’s.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lisa Guy - Art of Healing
Lisa Guy is a highly qualified Sydney based naturopath and author, with 10 years of clinical experience. Lisa runs a busy naturopathic clinic in Double Bay called ‘Art of Healing’. Lisa is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health and wellbeing, through good wholesome foods, nutritional supplementation, healing herbs and homeopathic remedies. Being a mum of two, Lisa has a particular interest in supporting women through pregnancy and beyond, and for children’s health and nutrition. Lisa is also the author of ‘My Goodness: all you need to know about children’s health and nutrition’, ‘Heal Yourself’, and ‘Pregnancy Essentials’. Lisa is an avid health writer, being the resident nutritionist for Body and Soul magazine, and regularly writing for a number of health and natural parenting magazines and websites.http://www.artofhealing.com.au
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