Useful properties of turmeric and its use for sports

Herbs and spices are used for thousands of years, not only as a seasoning for food, but also as a medicine. Today such folk recipes rarely resorted, and most are used as condiments or taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules or tinctures. Turmeric - one of those spices!

Story

Turmeric has been used as a drug, a food additive, and also in industrial applications as a natural colorant for textile and food industries. Of the many species, only three are used in cooking: turmeric, Curcuma aromatica and Curcuma Zedoaria. Also, these types of turmeric may be referred to as "Indian saffron" (not to be confused with the present saffron). In Europe, it came through Arab merchants in the Middle Ages and was called Indian saffron.

Useful Properties for runners

The turmeric contains curcumin, which is a very powerful antioxidant. Its main role - reducing inflammation.

If you are actively running around, you probably know that this inflammation, and are faced with this unpleasant physical phenomenon after challenging workouts almost every time. Usually, the inflammation is caused by release of free radicals. Causes - diet, lifestyle, digestive problems and cardiovascular system, diabetes and chronic diseases. Intense exercise also cause the production of free radicals. Free radicals have a negative impact on biological membranes, and it slows down the metabolism and reduces efficiency.

To resolve this problem, there are special medicines, which are powerful antioxidants, but they can be taken only in the event that you painted welcome your doctor or trainer. This is usually done with really heavy loads. If you run three times a week for 5-10 km, to drink these drugs is not necessary, in this case, you can resort to the curative properties of turmeric. If you are taking any medication, then before you decide on the appointment tablets turmeric, it is necessary to consult a doctor: in high doses, this spice is not so harmless!

Studies have shown that people with osteoarthritis of the knee, taking six weeks of turmeric extract, We were able to minimize the pain sensation to a degree that was previously achieved by intake of 800 mg of ibuprofen daily. This is due to all the same curcumin, which reduced the number of inflammatory compounds in the cells of cartilage. These pills are sold without a prescription, but if you are not sure that you have no contraindications, it is best to consult a doctor.

Another embodiment - tablets Turmeric extract from black pepper. Curcumin itself rather poorly absorbed by the body, and comes to the aid piperine contained in black pepper, which makes this material more active.

Contraindications

It is not necessary to use turmeric for medicinal purposes to those who have the stones in the gallbladder or bile duct clogged. It is also worth remembering that curcumin is a kind of amplifier and it can not be taken with certain medications, as it enhances their effect. For example, the already established effects of turmeric on diabetic drugs that lower blood sugar. The combined use can lead to dizziness, fainting and even coma.

Dishes, in which you can add turmeric

To be honest, it can be added as desired practically anywhere. The dough for buns, homemade noodles and lasagna. Just be sure to add in pilaf or rice with vegetables, soups with legumes (especially red or yellow lentils), in fish and meat dishes!

The following post will do special and very tasty recipe with the addition of turmeric. ;)