Turmeric; The Gold of Spices.

Turmeric is the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant that is used in cooking and as medicine.

Turmeric has an orange flesh, brown skin  and earthy flavour. It has been used for thousands of years to treat many health conditions because of its numerous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, of which curcumin is the highest. Curcumin is responsible for the orange colour of turmeric and it is a powerful phytonutrient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is called ata ile pupa in Yoruba (coloured ginger).


Some nutrients in turmeric.

• Turmeric is high in dietary fiber which helps to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
• Turmeric is rich in vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin C.
• It contains minerals such as manganese, iron, copper, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

Turmeric has a lot of properties below, which give it the potential to combat chronic illnesses;

1. Antioxidant.
2. Anti-inflammatory.
3. Antiviral.
4. Antibacterial.
5. Antifungal.
6. Anticancer.

Some of the uses of turmeric are:

1. To treat gastrointestinal diseases and digestive disorders.
2. To treat arthritis and inflammatory conditions.
3. To improve liver function.
4. To treat cancer treatment.
5. To treat skin issues including acne, boils and abcesses.
6. For cardiovascular health and to lower cholesterol level.
7. For diabetes.
8. To treat cataracts.
9. To prevent allergies.
10. Used to treat and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Consumption of turmeric on a daily basis will go a long way in reducing the risk and preventing

many chronic illnesses and malignant diseases with no adverse side effects or toxicity. You can drink turmeric as tea or sprinkle some powder or grated root on your food. Or you can just use as a spice in cooking.

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