Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a root vegetable commonly used in cooking and is the main ingredient in most curry powders. Along with its delicious flavour, turmeric boasts a range of medicinal properties and health benefits.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. As chronic inflammation plays a huge part in diseases including cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's, compounds like curcumin that fight such inflammation at a molecular level are really important. Curcumin also boosts antioxidant properties in the body which help prevent a range of diseases and ageing. It can increase the level of growth hormones in the brain, lower risk of heart disease, and treat conditions from arthritis to depression!
