What makes mustard yellow? The familiar squiggle of bright yellow mustard that runs down a ballpark frank gets its color from turmeric, a bright yellow spice and cousin of ginger used in many Indian dishes. But it’s not just color that makes this spice shine: Turmeric has long been used for everything from curing digestive problems torelieving pain.
Turmeric, which is made from the root of the cucuma longa plant, gets its super powers from an antioxidant called cucumin. (No, it’s not related to cumin) Traditional Indian medicine Ayurveda (that’s sanskrit for “science of life”) — has used the spice for its medicinal powers for thousands of years to cure inflammation-based conditions ranging from irritable bowel syndrome and automimune disorders to arthritis and tendonitis . Chronic inflammation (no real flames involved, thankfully) is responsible for many serious illnesses, including heart disease and some cancers, so adding anti-inflammatory foods (like turmeric!) can help relieve the pain, swelling, and redness that may come with inflammation. Plus, it may help fight infections and help treat digestive problems .
Even more modern studies have found this magical compound can prevent the growth of cancer cells by decreasing swelling and inflammation]. Some research suggests turmeric’s antioxidant powers may also help slow cancer growth and, for those already suffering, make chemotherapy more therapy effective and help protect the body’s healthy cells from radiation damage[ Aside from its antioxidants, tumeric’s anti-estrogen compounds can help fight the growth of breast tissue tumors thought to be caused by estrogenic compounds found in food, pesticides, and other chemicals.
While the spice is typically used in its powder form, turmeric oil has some benefits of its own, working as an effective antifungal[ And some holistic medicine advocates believe tumeric oil (sold in health food stores) can also help relieve anxiety and stress through aromatherapy and rev up sex drive when added to food.
Mellow Yellow — Your Action Plan
In its bright yellow powder form, turmeric transfers that vibrant yellow tone to the foods it flavors. With an earthy taste (but not super spicy), turmeric adds a tang to curries and bean and rice dishes. Pair it with black pepper to pump up curcumin’s antioxidant benefits . If the plain yellow stuff is nowhere to be found, try curry powder — a blend of turmeric and other Indian spices like coriander, and cumin — as a stand-in.
And heat doesn’t break curcumin down, which means it retains its beneficial effects after it hits the skillet. Even better news, heating curcumin actually increases its bioavailability (or the body’s ability to absorb it
Though it can take the heat, turmeric can be used out of the kitchen. Apply apinch to minor cuts to help stop the bleeding and to help disinfect. Or make a mask out of the powder, some lemon juice, and honey for clear skin. Turmeric paste, a mixture of powder and water, can also take care of pesky pimples.
