Turmeric - yellow tuber with healing properties

Did you know? Turmeric is an important ingredient in curry powder and gives it its typical yellowish colour. But the root is much more than just a spice, because it contains valuable ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This is why turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years as a proven remedy for all kinds of health complaints.

Turmeric, also called turmeric, saffron root or yellow ginger, is a plant from the ginger family. It develops from a fleshy rhizome and several finger-shaped secondary rhizomes, which have a brown cork coating on the outside and are golden yellow to orange on the inside due to the curcuminoids they contain. Turmeric smells spicy-aromatic and tastes bitter-earthy. Fresh turmeric is available all year round in organic food shops and larger, well-stocked supermarkets. When shopping, make sure that the turmeric is organically produced, as conventionally produced and processed spices are often irradiated or otherwise treated.

Turmeric has both a preventive and an active healing effect against many complaints. Besides essential oils, resins and proteins, the root contains the main active ingredient curcumin. This secondary plant substance has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help our body fight free radicals, highly reactive oxygen compounds that are formed in the body and are caused by influences such as UV radiation, exhaust fumes, medicines or environmental toxins. Free radicals lead to premature ageing of the skin and promote the development of diseases such as cancer.

The ingredients in turmeric inhibit inflammation and oxidative processes that are associated with the development and progression of diabetes. They increase insulin sensitivity and improve pancreatic function. Therefore, the consumption of turmeric can help diabetics to regulate their blood sugar levels. It can also reduce secondary diseases, such as damage to blood vessel walls or heart cells. This minimises the risk of suffering a heart attack.

Turmeric also has a positive effect on intestinal health. The root's ingredients can relieve gastrointestinal discomfort or bloating after eating by stimulating the production of bile and gastric juices. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome can also benefit from these properties. In addition, turmeric is said to have a choleretic effect. For gum disease, gargling and rinsing with a turmeric mouthwash can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and reduce inflammation. Some people put compresses of turmeric paste on the skin to relieve ulcers, swelling, bruising, acne or other inflammatory skin conditions.

The bioavailability of curcumin is unfortunately very limited because it is poorly water-soluble. This means that only small amounts are absorbed by the body and transported into the cells. Most of it is excreted again via the intestines and the liver. If you want to enjoy the healing effect, you have to season your food with large amounts of turmeric or take the appropriate dietary supplements.

Turmeric is available in capsule or tablet form in pharmacies, drugstores and health food shops. The shell of the capsules dissolves in the intestine and unfolds its full effect there. Before buying, check the curcumin content of the product. This varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. In addition, the capsules should contain piperine (also called bioperine), an extract from black pepper that improves bioavailability, i.e. absorption into the bloodstream. This means that the ingredients of turmeric are absorbed up to 20 times better by the body. To avoid side effects, follow the intake recommendations on the packaging. Most manufacturers recommend a dose of 2 to 6 capsules per day.

Allergy sufferers and people who follow a vegan diet should read the list of ingredients of the food supplement particularly carefully. For vegans, the capsule shells are also available without animal ingredients. They are called "hydroxypropylmethylcellulose". A vegan seal of approval can also provide an indication of this. If you are allergic to ingredients such as black pepper or gelatine, you should refrain from taking it.

Side effects are not to be expected, but particularly sensitive people may experience stomach upsets, nausea, dizziness or diarrhoea. Those who suffer from a blood clotting disorder, gallstones or problems with the gallbladder should also only take turmeric after consulting their doctor. Since turmeric can slow down blood clotting, it should not be taken together with anticoagulant medicines. These include aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen and heparin.

Turmeric can be used fresh, but is mostly used in powder form. It goes well with almost all dishes, including vegetable pans, pasta or potato casseroles, pancakes, rice, quinoa and millet dishes, fruit salads, spreads or soups. But it can also be used to make teas, smoothies or a turmeric latte. In cow's milk or plant milk, the turmeric spice provides a particularly spicy note. If you have bought a fresh root, you should always store it in a dark and dry place and consume it as soon as possible. Otherwise it loses its flavour.

Curcumin is fat-soluble. In order for its effect to unfold in the body, foods containing curcuma should always be prepared with a little fat or drinks containing fat should be drunk with the meal. Heat, on the other hand, does not affect curcumin. Therefore, turmeric can be added to both cold and hot meals and drinks.

Turmeric is not only used in food but also in drinks. A classic is the so-called "golden milk", a hot milk mixed with a turmeric paste. It is also called "turmeric latte" or "golden milk" and can now also be found in cafés. The drink is said to have numerous positive effects on health. Due to its ingredients, it is said to boost the metabolism, improve blood circulation and promote digestion. This makes it a healthy alternative to soft drinks or hot chocolate for many people.

The basis for golden milk is usually cow's milk. However, vegans can also use almond milk or oat milk. The milk is seasoned with ginger, coconut oil and black pepper and sweetened with honey or agave syrup. Add turmeric, either fresh or in powder form. Furthermore, the golden milk can be spiced up with cinnamon, cardamom, aniseed or nutmeg. If you do not want to prepare the drink yourself, you can find ready-made pastes or powders in many specialist shops or online. The ready-made mixtures are mixed with warm milk.

Because of its yellow colour, which the root of the turmeric plant owes mainly to its high content of essential oils, it is often used by industry to colour cosmetics or foodstuffs such as mustard, butter or sausage. The dye from turmeric has the E number "E100". Since turmeric colours hands and textiles as well as food, gloves should be worn when processing fresh roots in the kitchen. It is also advisable to cover the cutting board with foil.

In many households, turmeric has a permanent place on the spice shelf. But medicine also appreciates its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect, especially for digestive complaints. Those who make sure to take in some additional fat when consuming it can soon convince themselves of the health-promoting effect of the yellow power root.