We know honey well because it is part of our culinary tradition, it also has antiseptic, calming, laxative, antibacterial and diuretic properties. It has the ability to relieve the symptoms of flu and cold, thus helping the respiratory system, strengthens the immune system, regulates the intestinal flora, prevents infections and helps the digestive system.
Turmeric instead has entered our diet only recently and has incredible qualities.
Indians discovered the benefits of turmeric and they used it as a spice, but also as a dye and anti-inflammatory.
It is also known as the saffron of the Indies, but to simplify its name it is shortened to turmeric.
First the root is boiled and then dried and finally crushed to obtain a fine yellow powder. On the market turmeric is also already shredded and in the form of seeds.
It is quite easily found in stores and it has a very affordable price.
Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin: it is this that gives the curcuma its color, so characteristic. Curcumin has excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities: it is perfect against pains and inflammations. It also counteracts aging by attacking free radicals.
Its benefits therefore go from fighting various types of pathogens to relieving muscle pains, from strengthening the immune system to protecting the liver, from combating arthritis to relieving menstrual pains.
If you happen to get yourself a wound or even an insect bite, spread a little bit of turmeric on it, because it is also an excellent cicatrizant.
Modern science continues to study the virtues of this spice, known for millennia, and it is understood that it can help to "eradicate" diabetes.
One of the first studies on the effectiveness of turmeric to understand how to prevent diabetes was conducted by researchers at the “National Center for Cell Science” in India and published in the journal "European Journal of Pharmacology" in 2007.
In this study, researchers using curcumin, the active ingredient, have demonstrated how it can save diseased areas without compromising the normal functioning of cellular structures.
Recent studies show that its active ingredients can be a powerful weapon against diabetes, it has proved effective at every stage of diabetes and pre-diabetes.
It is not only in the short term that turmeric offers protection against diabetes. A study published in the journal "Diabetes Care" in July 2012 found that turmeric can effectively prevent a pre-diabetes condition from developing fully into diabetes.
A 2012 study, at Harbin Medical University and the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Type II Diabetes Prevention, showed how by administering 300 mg of curcuminoids every day for three months to patients, it has been drastically lowered their glucose levels, as well as their levels of hemoglobin A1c and free fatty acids.
Its beneficial properties are possible thanks also to the elements it contains: (curcumin) potassium, vitamin C and starch.
In addition, turmeric is used to flavor every dish, from appetizers to main courses. Used very much in vegan and vegetarian diets, it has a very recognizable taste and it is excellent to add to sauces and cheeses. It is an excellent ingredient even when you are on a diet, because while it giving taste it does not make you fat. For example, you can add it to a light omelette with radicchio or to color vegan ravioli or to be added to an aperitif sauce.
Then we discove what are the properties and benefits of turmeric and honey, together they become a truly winning combination.
Let's see how to consume them, if they are useful also for other things and what are the possible contraindications.
Consumed together, turmeric and honey become a very strong anti-inflammatory, very useful against inflammation of the respiratory tract and the throat in particular (not by chance, it is recommended for cough). Honey has the ability to soften the mucous membranes, while turmeric extinguishes inflammation. At the same time, they strengthen the defenses of our body and they help it to defend itself against every kind of microorganism.
In short, they work like a natural antibiotic.
The basic recipe is a simple mixture consisting of the two ingredients. To make it happen a spoonful of turmeric and 100 grams of honey (possibly organic) will be enough.
After mixing them well, they should be kept in the fridge in a glass container with a lid. A pinch of pepper, a few drops of oil or milk: they will be used to help the body to metabolize turmeric better.
This mixture should be taken regularly: half a spoon every hour on the first day, every two hours on the second day, every third on the third day. This would be a real medical treatment for which, even if completely natural, it is always better to ask a doctor first.
To be able to enjoy this mix with more lightness, try to prepare a nice hot drink and stir in a teaspoon of your mixture: you can add it to tea, an infusion, milk or simple hot water. You will give a mix of flavor (and health) to your drink. Particularly suitable pairings are those with lemon, ginger and cinnamon: all natural ingredients with equally anti-inflammatory and beneficial powers.
If you buy fresh turmeric (for example in an organic shop) you can use it with honey to prepare a smoothie or a centrifuge, adding other seasonal fruit and perhaps almond milk. A true goodness.
Are turmeric and honey also useful for weight loss?
A compound based on turmeric and honey is not specifically indicated for weight loss, but it can be useful for this purpose thanks to the slimming properties of its ingredients.
Turmeric, in fact, acts on fat cells, pushing the body to use the accumulated fat. It also helps the liver to metabolize carbohydrates and sugars better. Not only that: it carries out an important purifying activity and it increases the sense of satiety.
It also fights the abdominal swelling and it helps to find the flat stomach, favoring the digestive processes.
Honey also has the important function of stimulating and activating the metabolism, promoting the disposal of fats: it also has 22% less calories than sugar and it is easier to assimilate.
Are there any contraindications for the consumption of turmeric and honey?
Turmeric and honey are a natural remedy without particular contraindications, except for those suffering from diseases of bile. Turmeric, in fact, causes a contraction of the gall bladder and can be dangerous. Furthermore, in the case of liver diseases it is always better to ask your doctor.
As for honey, however, unfortunately, it is not recommended for those suffering from diabetes, we recommended to take honey in very small quantities.
- Tags: Turmeric Honey immune system antiseptic calming laxative antibacterial and diuretic properties natural antibiotic
- Categories: Culture Healthy Living Parents
