Turmeric- The Miracle Root

Turmeric Root, or curcumin, while relatively flavorless, is one of the most nutritious vegetables on the face of our planet. This remarkable tuber has a ORAC value of a remarkable 159,277! In this respect, it is approximately 120 times more nutritious than spinach in its ability to prevent cancer and slow the effects of aging. I add a pinch or two of this remarkable dried powder to nearly everything I cook. The nutritional value of turmeric root can be enhanced by adding dried black pepper at a ratio of one-part pepper to 100 parts turmeric powder to further enhance its nutritional value. If you peruse the internet web sites pertaining to the manufacture of turmeric powder you will find a lot of confusing and meaningless suggestions as to its production. First, you are led to believe that the turmeric root must be prepared by removing its outer layer (skin) before drying it and grinding it into a powder. This laborious task is usually performed with a spoon or a potato peeler. However, in truth, there is little or no difference in the end product if the root is simply sliced up thinly (into sections that are approximately 1/8 inches thick) , and placed in a dehydrator or other implement for drying. The outer skin of the tuber, whether removed or left intact, does not seem to have a significant effect on the taste or consistency of the end product. This tip alone will save you an incredible amount of needless work! An equally important question is, where can you purchase turmeric root? First, let me point out that this stuff is expensive, irrespective of where you buy it. Expect to pay at least $10.00 a pound for the bare root. The turmeric root that is most often sold at your local super market usually has been treated with a chemical to increase its shelf life. This chemical also inhibits its growth; thus, it is difficult or impossible to transplant a tuber purchased at a supermarket. The grocery clerk usually will have no clue as to whether or not their product has been so treated. In this respect, your best option is to try to locate a local produce market which sells fresh turmeric roots. Turmeric root is easy to grow if you can locate the untreated roots. Health Benefits of Turmeric Root Well, where to start? It is difficult to exaggerate the importance of a nutrient that has an Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity (ORAC) of 159,277, one of the highest ever recorded. In short, this stuff is one of the most potent nutrients known to mankind. Here are a few of the most important nutritional properties of this remarkable root. Anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic low level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic disease. These chronic, and potentially deadly inflammatory conditions, include heart disease, aging, Alzheimer's, and almost every degenerative disease you can think of. Most importantly, possibly, is the role that chronic inflammation of the endothelium (lining of the blood vessels) plays in the development of all forms of heart disease. As such, it is one of the most important factors in the ultimate demise of all human beings as well as our closest friends in the canine community. Antioxidant capacity. Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to many chronic diseases and, most importantly all forms of aging. Curcumin, the primary ingredient in Turmeric root, is a powerful antioxidant. It also stimulates the development of the body's own antioxidant enzymes. The ORAC primarily measures the antioxidant capacity of Turmeric root which is a whooping 159,277. I cannot emphasize this point often enough! Curcumin, the primary polyphenol of Turmeric root, is the pigment that gives the root its orange color. As mentioned above this remarkable compound has anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-arthritic, anti-amyloid, anti-ischemic and, most importantly, anti-inflammatory properties. These anti-oxidant properties also help control LDL or "bad cholesterol". Rich Source of Vitamins and minerals. Turmeric root is a rich source of vitamins, including Vitamins B and C and most of the other minerals that are associated with good health. Finally, to once again, emphasize the nutritional value of Turmeric root in our daily lives consider these facts.. The ORAC value of Turmeric is one of the highest known of any herb or spice. Just a few grams of Turmeric a day, irrespective of how you take it, will help prevent anemia, neuritis, memory problems and protect against cancer, infectious diseases, hypertension, strokes and Alzheimer's disease. How to grow it. Turmeric Root is easy to grow. As mentioned above, the main problem you will have reproducing this incredible tuber is to find a source that has not been treated with a chemical that prevents root growth. A trip to a local market specializing in produce may be your best bet. Once you have the roots they are easy to grow in pots or in the garden simply by transplanting them in the soil. Unfortunately, it will take about a year to produce sizable roots, so time is of the essence.