Why I Added Turmeric To My Diet
I Started Taking “Spice Pills”
I haven’t been aging as well as I’d hoped.
High blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, and eye problems have been plaguing me for the last decade. The medications I must take have had side effects. As a result, I have been trying to find the alternative solutions for these problems.
After seeing a late night episode of Dr. Oz with guest Dr. Weil, I was convinced that I should add turmeric to my diet, not just in the curries I already enjoy, but in supplement form.
World Flavors for Health
From the spice market
Turmeric …And?
Turmeric is best absorbed along with black pepper, and barberry is also helpful. A pill that combines them is convenient. I decided to add this to the vitamins and fish oil capsules I’m already taking.
More Spice For More Life
But diet is much more than pills, and I wanted a “whole life” regimen that would hold the line against the ravages of aging.
I found that Italian spices are especially helpful, too. Oregano, thyme, garlic, marjoram and others. It doesn’t seem so hard to improve health and nutrition when you just need to make your foods more flavorful. This is in addition to the extra amounts I am adding through the standardized supplements I am now taking.
It makes sense to explore Indian, Mediterranean, and similar cuisines that incorporate healthful herbs and spices. Now that researchers have found to them to have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, you will want recipes that bring them to your table.
The more research is coming out which touts the benefits of spice for health, the more I am convinced that nutrition is an important building block to better aging. Of course that is along with exercise, and a creative, social lifestyle. Don’t forget adding a good nights sleep to the list!
Turmeric Comes From A Plant Rhizome
Licensed under Creative Commons
What Supplements For What Health Benefit?
Blood Pressure
- Turmeric
- Black Pepper
- Garlic
- Barberry
Anti-Aging
- Sage
- Marjoram
- Ginger
- Jamaican Allspice
- Rosemary
Arthritis
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Tumeric
- Cayenne
- Black Pepper
- Ginger
Brain Health
- Turmeric
- Holy Basil
- Cloves
- Rosemary
Spice Up Your Brain
What Helps Your Brain Health?
Everyone wants better brain health, but most of us don’t bother to change our eating habits to improve. It sometimes takes the toll of age and health problems to finally jumpstart our motivation. That isn’t necessary.
Many of the dietary changes we make can increase our energy and help us function better, plus they can make food taste better. That is the beautiful thing about using these flavorings to aid our wellbeing. Our taste buds are happier!
Which spices are good for the brain and why?
TURMERIC
This has curcumin which will improve memory and reduce plaques in the brain.
THYME
Its volatile oils increase the levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which protects against dementia.
ROSEMARY
This will help against free-radical damage in the brain, it increases circulation in the brain. “Rosemary for remembrance†takes on new meaning.
SAGE
Cumin and sage have dementia-fighting power. It boosts brain performance, is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
Reduce Inflammation
New Chapter Zyflamend Whole Body, with Turmeric and Ginger – 120 ct
Zyflamend is a product made by the New Chapter company. Many reviewers applaud its effect on their joint pain.
I bought it since it combines numerous helpful herbs and spices into one capsule. According to the information on the box it contains:
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Holy Basil
- Organic Green Tea
- Hu Zhang
- Chinese goldthread
- Barberry
- Organic Oregano
- Chinese Skullcap
After reading the list of which spices and herbs are best for anti-aging and blood pressure regulation you can see why I chose this particular supplement.
About Turmeric
Turmeric was used in Ayervedic medicine for centuries to treat infections, wounds, respiratory problems, colds, and liver disease.
It is known as “Indian Saffron” due to its beautiful golden yellow color. Grown from the plant Curcuma longa, which is a member of the Ginger family. The spice is made from the rhizome (underground stem food storage).
The turmeric rhizome is dried and then ground into the yellow powder which is commonly sold in grocery stores.
The taste of this spice is described as a “slightly acrid, yet sweet”, and I would call it a warming, aromatic flavor, with a slightly lingering aftertaste.
Curcumin, the principle constituent of turmeric, reduces the body’s levels of inflammatory enzymes COX-2 and LOX.
- Studies show curcumin may reduce inflammation in the body. Curcumin is a compound in turmeric.
- Black pepper has anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Ginger is an inhibitor of COX-2, an enzyme that makes prostaglandins which cause inflammation.
- Cloves, which Dr. Mercola describes as “cinnamon on steroids†is good for many things including reducing inflammation.
- Spices are thermogenic, meaning they naturally increase your metabolism.
Inflammation and Why It Harms
Chronic inflammation has been seen to be the root of many of the health problems of heart disease, arthritis, and even some cancers.
Do You Have Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation speeds aging; it is a factor in Alzheimer’s and atherosclerosis.
Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, but when there is a persistent problem, it becomes chronic. This long lasting immune response can be very damaging to our bodies.
Beneficial Supplements
Blood Pressure | Brain Health | Anti-Aging |
|---|---|---|
Turmeric | Turmeric | Turmeric |
Garlic | Thyme | Sage |
Cardamom | Rosemary | Ginger |
Oregano | Sage | Cloves |
Interesting Study On Real Benefits Of Spices
Read More About The Good Effects Of Spices
- Turmeric, the Golden Spice – Herbal Medicine
Turmeric is a plant that has a long history of medicinal use, dating back nearly 4000 years. In Southeast Asia, turmeric is used not only as a principal spice but also as a component in religious ceremonies. Because of its brilliant yellow color - Rosemary Chicken Protects Your Brain From Free Radicals — ScienceDaily
Rosemary not only tastes good in culinary dishes, but scientists have now found it is also good for your brain. The herb rosemary contains an ingredient that fights off free radical damage in the brain, according to - Top 10 Anti-Aging Herbs and Spices
Ten common spices for anti-aging and what they do to help you.
The Road To Better Health
Since I just started taking Zyflamend I can’t report yet on what it is doing for me. I chose that particular product because it combines several spices together for the health benefits I am looking for, including the fact that black pepper increases the efficacy of Turmeric.
It becomes a good idea to reduce the number of pills when you want to become regular about adding them to your plan for better aging and well being.
The addition of more of these food flavors through new recipes and capsule supplements are just one of the changes I am making to my lifestyle, but one of the simpler ones.
Diet has been my biggest challenge, since up until my late forties I never had to consider it for my health! Spices are hopefully going to help me eat more of what is better for me and cut down on the carbs and sugars that I love.
Turmeric Flower
Purchase Easily Online
New Chapter Zyflamend Whole Body, with Turmeric and Ginger – 120 ct
Dr.Oz Weighs In
© 2014 Ilona Erwin
