30+ Turmeric

In 1995, US scientists patented turmeric as a wound-healing agent. The patent was successfully challenged by India where turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, for thousands of years, for many things including wound-healing. It was/is also used as dye (for monks' robes), as a cosmetic (face masks), in marriage ceremonies (purification ceremony) and as a spice.

The curcuma longa (turmeric) plant comes from the ginger family. Its leaves, stalks and flowers can all be used but it is the rhizomes that are cooked, dried and ground into turmeric powder.

Turmeric contains calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and traces of phosphorous, potassium, zinc and copper. Its phytonutrients include curcuminoids but also terpenes, phenols and carotenoids. These are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. They support joint, brain and heart health.

Studies show that turmeric can slow the COMT gene/enzyme which breaks down dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. I already have a slow COMT gene so I no longer consume turmeric regularly, despite its other benefits.