Turmeric
Turmeric has a peppery, warm and bitter flavor and a mild fragrance slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger. Its active ingredient is curcumin and it has a distinctly earthy, slightly bitter, slightly hot peppery flavor and a mustardy smell.
Benefits: Turmeric’s active ingredient curcumin is being investigated for its effect on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, allergies, arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
Epidemiological studies have linked the frequent use of turmeric to lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Laboratory experiments have shown curcumin can prevent tumors from forming; and research conducted at the University of Texas suggests that even when breast cancer is already present, curcumin can help slow the spread of breast cancer cells to the lungs in mice.
How it’s used: Turmeric is mostly used in savory dishes, but is added in some sweet foods too. It is found in canned beverages and baked goods, dairy products, ice cream, yogurt, yellow cakes, orange juice, biscuits, popcorn color, sweets, cake icings, cereals, sauces, gelatins, etc. It is a significant ingredient in most commercial curry powders.
