The Magic Power of Spices
TURMERIC (Curcuma)
In some states of India the groom has to dip the previously blessed thread into the turmeric paste and then tight it on the bride’s neck. It is believed, that they will have a lot of healthy children.
In Malaysia, the paste made out of curcuma is smeared on the belly of the pregnant woman in labor, as well as on the umbilical cord. This is done not only to keep away evil spirits, but also for antiseptic purposes.
The ORIGIN:
Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia, southern China, the Indian Subcontinent, New Guinea and northern Australia. Some species are reportedly naturalized in other warm parts of the world such as tropical Africa, Central America, Florida, and various islands of the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans. Turmeric is next relative to Ginger; they look very much alike if you put them together, but the taste is very different. In India turmeric is one of the most used spices.
HOW IT’S USED:
Turmeric is one of them main spices in India. To give dishes a beautiful yellow or orange color it is used in marinades, sauces, soups, but most often in curry, rice, beans and lamb and fish dishes. In Europe curcuma is added to cheeses, mustards and butters. Don’t add this powder to green veggies! –They will lose their green color and may turn bitter.
Curcuma is also used to color fabric, but be careful – especially, when mixed with oil it is very difficult to wash off!
HOW TO CHOOSE:
Fresh turmeric root should be full, heavy with a shiny skin. When buying turmeric powder, pay attention to the smell. Old Curcuma loses aroma and taste, although the color stays bright for a long time. Turmeric also absorbs other smells very quickly, so keep it in a very tight container.
HEALTH BENEFITS:
Turmeric ‘s healing properties has been known for centuries. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is a powerful antioxidant and has strong anti-inflammatory qualities. The western drug Celebrex is based on turmeric’s synthetic analog.
Turmeric also cleanses the blood. In India, if you would injure yourself, you would drink a cup of hot milk with a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Paste from turmeric and sesame oil is used against acne and wrinkles and to keep the skin smooth and clean.
Curcumin has also been studied due to its possible anti-cancer properties. It may help treat Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, HIV and gastrointestinal issues.
Functional Medicine actively uses the healing powers of this root in many natural anti-inflammatory formulas. Of course, to reach the same dosage by simply eating it as a spice is impossible. So, for treating many systemic inflammatory conditions, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, for example, one should use the highest quality possible, nutritional supplements.
RECIPE OF THE DAY!
Scallops in turmeric butter sauce
Ingredients:
16 big fresh scallops
2 tbs of olive oil
1 lime
Salt, freshly grounded black pepper
Sauce:
400 ml fresh cream
5 big raw shrimp
2 garlic cloves
2 tbs of white dry wine
1 tsp butter
1 tsp grounded turmeric
salt, black, freshly grounded pepper
Preparation:
- Grate a lime and salt and pepper and mix it with your hands. Rub the mixture on the scallops, sprinkle some oil, cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for 1 hour.
- For the sauce. clean the shrimp, and chop them into very small pieces.
- Smash the garlic with the flat side of your knife and then chop into small pieces. In a big saucepan melt butter, add the garlic and sauté on a medium heat for 1 min. Add the white wine, cook for another 30 seconds, add cream, reducing the heat to minimum, cook for 7-10 min, mixing slowly.
- Slightly brown the curcuma on a dry hot pan for 20-30 sec. Add it to the cream, while mixing with a spoon and cook for another 20 seconds.
- Heat the dry pan-grill. Put the scallops and fry them 30 sec each side. Warm your plates (!) and put 2 tbs of the cream sauce, top it with 4 scallops. Serve right away!
Specials of the month: 10% off
Turmero-XL
This unique product includes a formula standardized to 95% curcuminoids in a micronized emulsification with syringe delivery to meet specific serving needs. It includes over 400 mg per serving of turmeric extract and black pepper extract. The formula is designed to support the immune system and the liver’s detoxication activity.* Turmeric has been used for around 4,000 years to support health and wellness, as it includes curcumin.* Also available in a 16 fl oz bottle (K109).
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During an infection, the body naturally produces pro-inflammatory cytokines as part of its defense mechanism. The healthy body balances pro-inflammatory cytokines with anti-inflammatory cytokines. However, if these pro-inflammatory cytokines continue in the “on position” and inflammation levels remain high, adverse health may be the result. CytoQuel™ has been developed to promote healthy cytokine activity. Based on the latest published research, CytoQuel™ offers you an effective new tool in the quest for healthy inflammation levels.
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