Turmeric

Turmeric: Ginger’s Cousin

Since I wrote about ginger in one of my last posts, I thought it would be appropriate to write a short post on its “cousin” turmeric. In my opinion, turmeric is more potent than ginger.

Turmeric is part of the ginger family. For thousands of years, this orange-colored spice has been a popular staple in the Middle East and Southeast Asia where it has been used mostly in cooking . 

I must confess I first heard of turmeric a few years ago. After I read about its many health benefits, I decided to incorporate it into my diet.

According to numerous studies on the turmeric, this popular spice is a powerful antioxidant that has been reported to help our bodies prevent and fight some health problems due to the potent healing effects of curcumin, which is the main component in turmeric.

Here is a list of some of the health benefits of turmeric:

1. Turmeric may help improve some forms of arthritis by reducing inflammation.

2. It may help improve digestion by preventing disorders such as stomach aches, excessive gas, and diarrhea.

3.  It may help prevent or improve the symptoms of the common cold, and other related ailments.

4. Turmeric may support your immune system.

5. It may also help maintain a healthy skin.

6. Last but not least, it has been reported that turmeric may help prevent and treat some types of cancer.

Finally, it is recommended that turmeric be taken in its raw form if you want to take advantage of its many healthy benefits, which is why I usually take it in capsules.

Probiotics

If you have ever eaten yogurt, miso, saurkraut, or any other fermented food, you must have ingested some type of probiotic without even knowing it. Who would have thought that their yogurt was teeming with microscopic critters? 

The idea of taking live bacteria with your food may seem disgusting or strange when you first hear of it, but not only are these organisms present in some fermented or cultured foods, but they are also present in our bodies where they are naturally found by the millions, especially in the digestive tract.

According to some sources that I have come across, the digestive system is home to about 500 hundred different types of bacteria. They help keep the intestines healthy and assist in digesting food. They are also believed to help the immune system. However, you should also be aware of the fact that just as there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. The good guys are called friendly bacteria. In other words, they are our friends. Our friends must coexist with the enemies in our bodies: the bad or harmful bacteria. 

 Researchers have discovered that some health problems occur when the balance of friendly bacteria and unfriendly bacteria in the intestines is disturbed.  This can happen after contracting an infection or after taking antibiotics. This is the moment when taking probiotics may help correct the imbalance and improve your health.

Here is a list of some of the health benefits that probiotics may provide:

1.     Probiotics can improve intestinal function and maintain the integrity of the lining of the intestines.

2.     They may help maintain a strong immune system.

3.     They may prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea and infectious diarrhea.

4.      They may lower the risk of common childhood illnesses such as ear infections, strep throat, and colds.

     In conclusion, taking probiotics has been proven to be a safe practice for hundreds of years, especially in some Asian and European countries.  Nowadays, they have also gained some popularity in America where they are also available in supplemental form.  However, I suggest doing your own research before introducing anything new into your diet, especially if you suffer from any allergies or any other disease.

Ginger

Ginger is one of my favorite spices. Some call ginger a wonder spice because it has so many curative properties. Ginger has been grown as a root for hundreds of years, especially in Asia where it has enjoyed widespread popularity due to its many uses. Ginger is so flexible that it can be consumed as a spice in cooking, in drinks such as tea, beer, or ale. It can be used to make foods spicy and even as a food preservative.  In addition, ginger can be taken in capsules as a supplement.

Ginger is perhaps best-known for its digestive-friendly properties since it may help treat stomach disorders. This healthful root may also help prevent or cure other health problems.

Here is short list of the health benefits of ginger that I have read about in books and on the internet:

1.   Ginger may help you get rid of nausea.

2.   It may also help you get rid of throat and nose congestion.

3.   It can relieve joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties.

4.   Ginger is also good for your sex drive.

Finally, I suggest you do your own research before you begin using ginger in your diet. You should also bear in mind that moderation is the key in any new undertaking.