Turmeric

Turmeric is a golden spice obtained from the rhizome of the plant Curcuma longa.

Turmeric has long been considered an essential flavoring spice of Indian and other ethnic cuisines, providing the typical yellow color of curry and other dishes.

Traditionally, this spice has been used in Ayurveda and folk medicine for the treatment of such ailments as gynecological problems, gastric problems, hepatic disorders, infectious diseases, and blood disorders.

Turmeric has an important active substance called curcumin. Curcumin has been found to have liver protective qualities, stimulating the gall bladder and increasing bile secretion, detoxifying harmful carcinogens, and acting as a free radical scavenger.

Turmeric has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, can help metabolize fats, and has been shown to assist with weight loss.

* References

Multitargeting by turmeric, the golden spice: From kitchen to clinic.

Vitamins & Herbal Digest, By Dr. Kumar Pati