COOK WITH TURMERIC TO TAME INFLAMMATION

 Today we turn to a spice to help us tame inflammation. This spice is Turmeric Curcumin, an antioxidant that gives turmeric is yellow color, is a potent inflammation fighter. Turmeric is easy to use in cooking as it is a good seasoning in soups, stews, sprinkle on cauliflower when roasting. You can also steep slices of fresh turmeric in hot water to make an inflammation-fighting tea.

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SUMMER TIME AND JOINT PAIN

 For those of us who suffer from joint pain, soreness and stiffness, Summer can bring on some real challenges. According to The Journal of Rheumatology, not just my opinion, hot, humid days spur the swelling of joints and surrounding tissue. This increases the odds of soreness and stiffness by 140%! As many sufferers know, OTC medicines are not always helpful. Here are some "kitchen" remedies that are suggested. Dr. Melinda Jampolis says, "Turmeric, black pepper and ginger are the triad of pain-r relieving spices." When black pepper is combined with turmeric, it boosts the absorption of turmeric's curcumin by 2,000%! Indian research has shown that curcumin cuts joint pain by 70% in six weeks. Ginger is also known to relieve joint swelling and stiffness.

Also, a study in the United Kingdon found that bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, can cut joint pain. You might want to add some fresh pineapple and/or pineapple juice to your summer menus.  Michelle Schoffro Cook, Ph.D. says bromelain breaks down protein-coated molecules responsible for pain.

TURMERIC FOR INFLAMMATION

Sorry, but I just keep going back to this inflammation thing.  Today I wanted to mention that turmeric is excellent for fighting inflammation.  Include some in your diet everyday if possible. Turmeric is a main ingredient in mustards so add those to your diet.  Anything to fight inflammation without drugs and steroids is a good thing!  Curcumin is so prevalent in turmeric that turmeric is sometimes known by that name.  This is the substance that gives mustards their yellow color and it is powerful against inflammation.

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THE IMPORTANCE OF CURCUMIN - TURMERIC - CURRY IN YOUR DIET

I am always suggesting that you 'spice up' your foods. Below are more reasons why I make that suggestion. According to laboratory studies, curcumin, the main ingredient in the spice turmeric, can fight against cancerous changes in healthy cells and slow the growth of malignant cells. There is also some evidence to suggest curcumin may offer protection against brain tumors. How do you get curcumin and thus turmeric into your diet on a regular basis? Learn to season foods with curry. Turmeric is what gives curry its yellow color. The bright yellow color of mustard also comes from turmeric.