Turmeric

Turmeric is a spice that has been used in India for over 2500 years, and once you learn about some of the health benefits of Turmeric, you won’t be too surprised it’s been used for so long!

Benefits

• May increase metabolism and aide in fat loss or weight management

• Naturally detoxifies the liver, which helps boost liver function

• The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin. A study in 2009 showed that the combination of curcumin and vitamin D helped the immune system to clear the brain of amyloid beta, which is a substance that forms the brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

• Natural Antiseptic and Antibacterial agent.

• A study done in 1992 has showed that Turmeric may be able to help reduce cholesterol level and fight atherosclerosis (which is when the artery wall thickens).

• Natural pain killer

• May help prevent Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer.

• Natural anti-inflammatory that works just as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs on the market – with less or no the side effects. Because of this, it can be used as a natural treatment for arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

• Early studies show promise that Turmeric can help slow the progression of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Intake

Dried – You can find Turmeric in a dried powder form to use in a variety of recipes. I typically find this spice used in Indian dishes, but you can be creative and use this however you want! Test it out, and have some fun!

If you prefer, you can usually find Turmeric in a pill at your local health food store. Just follow the suggestions on the bottle for use.

Precautions

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor first (by the way – I am pretty sure every spice and herb says this!).

Turmeric should not be used by people with gallstones or bile obstruction.

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Image Credit: FotoosVanRobin on Flickr®

Tags: Alzheimer's disease, Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, Antiseptic, cholesterol, culinary, curcumin, immune system, liver, melanoma, metabolism, Multiple Sclerosis, pain killer, spice, Turmeric, Vitamin D, Weight Loss

Drink more water!

Water is extremely good for you, especially considering that most of our body is made up of water. It’s hard for me to drink anything else (besides the occasional glass of home-made orange juice, of course).

Water linked to Weight loss

Water helps you lose weight, and helps you keep it off. Water is naturally 0 calories (that’s right, z-e-r-o), which is an obvious help to losing weight-especially since you don’t have harmful additives.

keep reading for some reasons why water will help you lose weight (and why you should throw out that soda…right now!)

Hungry?

A lot of times when you are feeling hungry, it is because you are actually thirsty. By making sure you are drinking your 8 glasses of water a day, you are not only curbing unnecessary food cravings, but quenching your thirst with something your body needs, which also helps to metabolize stored fat in your body.

Be creative!

Another way of adding water to  your daily routine is through fruits and vegetables. This doesn’t mean you get should skip your 8 glasses of water a day, but this is just another way to add water to your body!

Did you know that common fruits like apples, blueberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, and strawberries contain about 80% (or more) water? Some common vegetables like lettuce, carrots, spinach, zucchini, and cucumber are also about 80% (or more) water. Again, just another healthy way to add water to your body that you disparately need.

Got Water?

Water is beneficial for your overall health. It helps with your skin, kidneys, liver, metabolism, bladder, blood pressure, and helps your body just function better. It is important to keep hydrated year round to keep your body in full running order.

It’s best for your body to stay hydrated through water, and avoid sugar and caffeine filled drinks when you are thirsty. When you are showing signs of being thirsty, your body is begging for water, not the latest energy drink.

Keep updated on the latest & greatest health articles by joining the Skinny Twinkie community!

Tags: blood pressure, hydrated, kidneys, liver, low calorie, metabolism, necessity, quenches thirst, skin, Weight Loss, year round, zero calories