It’s a quintessential spice in Asian cookery, but did you know that this fragrant flavour actually packs some incredible powers?
Not only does Tumeric add an element of colour and sophistication to your plate, it can also heal your body in ways you perhaps never imagined.
From superficial benefits like reducing acne and scarring, to healing your body from the inside, we took a look at some of the many ways adding a touch of turmeric can improve your overall health.
Oh, but before we get started, we should mention that leaving a face mask on for an extended period of time made of predominantly turmeric might just result in a yellow tint to your skin.
Unfortunately, Star Wars’ Daisy Ridley learnt this one the hard way…
See the moment she realised her mistake in the video player below! Post continues…
Well! Now that that’s out of the way, let’s tune into turmeric!
Help reduce acne and scarring
Curcumin [the active ingredient of turmeric] is one of three curcuminoids present in turmeric. This component, also related to the ginger family, has antibacterial properties and works as an antiseptic on angry red spots.
You can prepare a spot cream using a dash of turmeric mixed with water or milk that can be left on for around 10 minutes. But please, don’t go crazy with the quantities! You know why…
Families and friends of Indian brides traditionally perform a Haldi Ceremony in preparation for their wedding day. A turmeric paste is applied all over the body to provide a natural glow. Image via: My Hindi Heart
Reduce fine lines and aging
Of course, an extrinsic application of turmeric in the form of a face mask will help to prevent dark circles, fine lines and give your skin a healthy glow, but the consumption of the spice will too take years off your face.
“As an antioxidant, it helps fight off free radicals, which add signs to skin aging,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., at Schweiger Dermatology Group. “Studies have also shown that ingestion of turmeric helps protect against the aging effects of sun-damage UV radiation and the formation of wrinkles and dark spots.”
Lighten stretch marks
The anti-inflammatory properties of the marigold-coloured powder can help to lighten and balance out the skin colour contrast those pesky stretch marks give.
Turmeric can be mixed with various creams, coconut oil and even plain yogurt to form a stretch mark reduction paste. Massage the paste into your skin and leave to soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off to lighten the overall appearance of the scars.
Top tip: Apply the formula the same way on areas affected by sunburn to reduce redness and inflammation.
For an easy, colourful dinner recipe, try this turmeric and coconut poached barramundi from our friends over at Food To Love!
Keep your mind sharp
Studies have shown that curcumin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may be strong enough to break down the amyloid plaques in the brain that have been deemed a known contributor to Alzheimer’s disease.
A diet rich in the spice can therefor help delay the onset and keep the mind sharp.
Maintain a healthy heart and body
As well as it’s many other proven benefits like liver and kidney support and reducing joint pain and inflammation, curcumin has also been discovered to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels by preventing the build-up of bad cholesterol in your blood vessels.
Adding turmeric to your dinnertime meals can help prevent blood platelets from sticking together and causing blocked arteries, which we all know can cause heart-attacks and stroke.
Impress dinner guests with these vietnamese coconut and turmeric pancakes!
