Let’s Talk Turmeric

Let’s Talk Turmeric

Natural plant products have been used throughout history for their medicinal benefits. Many of these natural products have pharmacological or biological activity that can be used as a natural defence mechanism against disease and infection. The Indian system of holistic medicine known as “Ayurveda” uses mainly plant-based drugs or formulations to treat various ailments. One of these natural plant products includes Turmeric. 

Turmeric is an ancient spice that has been used in Asia for both culinary and medicinal applications for over 2,500 years. 

What is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a plant that has a very long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years. Turmeric is a product of Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the ginger family Zingiberaceae, which is native to tropical South Asia. Because of its brilliant yellow colour, Turmeric is also known as “Indian saffron.” Today, modern medicine and the food and beverage industry have begun to recognise its importance.

We're here to tell you some common myths and the true benefits of Turmeric:

Myth: Turmeric is just a simple culinary spice...FALSE

FACT: Turmeric is far from being just ‘simple’. Its vibrant colour and intense flavour compounds mould together to create a complex, rich flavour. Many of these compounds are responsible for the spice’s healing properties. In fact, Turmeric has been used in Asian medicine, such as Ayurveda, to treat various ailments such as stomach, liver, and dental problems, as well as diabetes and arthritis.

Turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties including strengthening the overall energy of the body, relieving gas, improving digestion, regulating menstruation and relieving arthritis.

Myth: Turmeric has no health benefit...FALSE

FACT: Ayurvedic medicine recommends turmeric for a variety of health conditions. These include chronic pain and inflammation. Western medicine has begun to study turmeric as a pain reliever and healing agent.

The beneficial effects of Turmeric are traditionally achieved through dietary consumption, even at low levels, over long periods of time. The activities of Turmeric include antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, digestive and many more. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Turmeric can contribute to healthy digestion.

Western medicine has begun to study how turmeric can help with gut inflammation and gut permeability, two measures of your digestive efficiency. Turmeric is even being explored as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

Myth: Turmeric has an astringent, bitter taste which makes it difficult to ingest...TRUE

Fact: Although it's true that Turmeric does have an astringent, slightly bitter taste, it can easily be coupled with other spices and foods that offset these qualities and bring out Turmeric's unique flavour. Especially when incorporated with sweet and delicious fruit and vegetable juices and soups. 

Myth: Turmeric is best when used from the raw fresh root rather than the dried and powdered form...FALSE

Fact: Using the fresh or dried form of Turmeric will provide the same health and culinary benefits. Only speciality stores carry the fresh root and it therefore may be hard to come by. As well as because of its rarity, some people may be inexperienced when using the root. 

Fear not, PRESS has a range of Turmeric containing juices and soups, which are not only readily available but shipped directly to your door. There is no fuss or worry about preparations or cooking. You can experience all the health benefits Turmeric has to offer as well as its unique flavour. 

With such an abundance of benefits offered by Turmeric, why not try our selection of Soups and Juices containing Turmeric to harness the power of this ancient root. 

Anna Garner-Currie, Nutritionist