Tumeric-not just a tasty ingredient!!

How many of you see the new year as a new opportunity to decrease your waist?  I personally have been guilty of thinking the only time to start fresh and new is in a "New Year".  Recently, I turned my ankle, going downstairs causing a sprain. Just one week later I foud myself at the gym with my partner in blogging crime.  We spent an hour on the treadmill walking/running.  The workout felt great, but a few hours later my ankle and knees were on fire.  For a couple of days, I could not stop focusing on the discomfort I was having and became obsessed with finding an alternative to OTC (over the counter) medications for pain reduction.  I found some tumeric capsules in my medicine basket, which I had obviously taken once or twice, but never continuously. (Probably another one of my--I'm going to get healthy kicks.) I decided to start taking it again and can hardly believe the improvement I have exprencied.  I am a total believer!! This is a miracle herbal supplement for pain/inflammation reduction. 

A list of some of the many health benefits:

1. It is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial agent, useful in disinfecting cuts and burns.
2. When combined with cauliflower, it has shown to prevent prostate cancer and stop the growth of   existing prostate cancer.
3. Prevented breast cancer from spreading to the lungs in mice.
4. May prevent melanoma and cause existing melanoma cells to commit suicide.
5. Reduces the risk of childhood leukemia.
6. Is a natural liver detoxifier.
7. May prevent and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by removing amyloyd plaque buildup in the brain.
8. May prevent metastases from occurring in many different forms of cancer.
9. It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects.
10. Has shown promise in slowing the progression of multiple sclerosis in mice.
11. Is a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor.
12. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
13. Has long been used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
14. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it is a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
15. Boosts the effects of chemo drug paclitaxel and reduces its side effects.
16. Promising studies are underway on the effects of turmeric on pancreatic cancer.
17. Studies are ongoing in the positive effects of turmeric on multiple myeloma.
18. Has been shown to stop the growth of new blood vessels in tumors.
19. Speeds up wound healing and assists in remodeling of damaged skin.
20. May help in the treatment of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Turmeric can be taken in powder or pill form. It is available in pill form in most health food stores, usually in 250-500mg capsules 2-3 times daily. I have been taking 900mg  3x daily-not recommended for everyone.(I only absorb 80% of the nutrients I digest!!!

Once you start using turmeric on a regular basis, it's fun to find new ways to use it in recipes. My favorite way to use it is to add a pinch of it to egg salad. It adds a nice flavor and gives the egg salad a rich yellow hue.

Contraindications: Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction. Though turmeric is often used by pregnant women, it is important to consult with a doctor before doing so as turmeric can be a uterine stimulant.

http://tumericalive.com/

http://turmerichealthbenefits.org/

http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/20-health-benefits-of-turmeric.html