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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.

There are two main varieties of turmeric:

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  • 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.

  • 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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  1. Turmeric provides anti-inflammatory benefits. It can reduce the pain caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
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  2. ​Turmeric’s antioxidant activity prevents damage to cell components e.g. DNA.
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  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 in the United States, suggests that 1-3 grams of turmeric powder per day per person is needed to produce a health benefit.

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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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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.

 

Tip: 

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

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

Hippocrates (c.460 – c.370 BCE)

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