Tale of Two Raws

This week we are doing a special using curry powder. If you look around where you live there may or not be an Indian restaurant. There is only one here in Sarasota, which leads me to believe that Indian food isn’t all that popular in this neck of the woods. Well, here’s the news folks, it’s really good for you, so cultivate a taste for it!

Don’t just take my word for it. When I Googled “curry health benefits” I got 328,000 pages. Come to find out there is a lot of research on Curcumin, a component of Turmeric, which is the major ingredient in curry powder.

If you should be aging (yes, we all are), have a bit of mental slowness, be occasionally seized up with arthritic pain or much of anything else you are not all that happy about Turmeric/Curcumin might be just the thing for you. And the good news is they are making it in capsules!

“Curcuminoids are the most studied and important substances in the spice turmeric root. Curcuminoids include curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxy-curcumin. Curcumin is the major important component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and extensive scientific research on curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its various mechanisms, curcumin supports colon health, exerts neuroprotective activity and helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system”. Dr Ray Sahelian’s site goes into greater detail about the effects and studies on curcumin, as well as many other health issues.

From an Ayurvedic standpoint Turmeric has been used for centuries.

“To Traditional Ayurvedics, Turmeric is seen as an excellent natural antibiotic, while at the same time it strengthens digestion and helps improve intestinal flora. As such it is a good anti-bacterial for those chronically weak or ill. It’s not only purifies the blood, but also warms it and stimulates formation of new blood tissue. Turmeric gives the energy of the divine mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for cleansing the chakras (nadi-shodhana), purifying thechannels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is, therefore, good for the practice of hatha yoga. Turmeric promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein. Externally, it can be used with honey for sprains, strains, bruise or itch. It is tonic to the skin, for which purpose it can be taken internally as a milk decoction. Turmeric is aromatic and a stimulant and has many helpful functions. It is bitter, slightly pungent and a good blood purifier, and works as a tonic to aid digestion and relieve congestion. It has a soothing action on respiratory ailments such as cough and asthma. It also is antiarthritic and acts as a natural anti-bacterial. Turmeric may be added to high-protein food to assist digestion and prevent the formation of gas. It is effectively used to maintain the flora of the large intestine.” Ram Traders.