Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Organic Turmeric?

A.E. Freeman
A.E. Freeman

Turmeric is a plant that grows in tropical areas of the world, such as India. Its roots are usually ground into a powder that is used as a spice in cooking. Some people believe that turmeric has medicinal properties as well. Organic turmeric is grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals or genetic modification.

A person can usually find organic turmeric in powdered form in the spice aisle of natural foods stores or at an online grocery store. It may be sold prepackaged in jars or in bulk, where a customer measures out the exact amount he wants and purchases the spice by weight. Depending on where a person lives, he may be able to find fresh organic turmeric, which resembles ginger. Organic turmeric also comes in capsule, paste, or liquid form for people who want to use it as a medicinal herb.

Turmeric powder.
Turmeric powder.

When used in cooking as a spice, organic turmeric gives foods a slightly peppery taste. Turmeric is usually mixed with other spices into curry powder, though it can also be used on its own. While its taste is subtle, the bright yellow color it gives food is not. It is often added to egg salad to brighten it and may be used in place of the more expensive saffron in some dishes. Turmeric is sometimes known as Indian Saffron because of its ability to dye foods.

Organic turmeric resembles ginger and can be found in capsule form.
Organic turmeric resembles ginger and can be found in capsule form.

Outside the kitchen, organic turmeric can provide health benefits as it may have anti-inflammatory properties. It might also be able to stop the growth of certain cancers, including prostate and breast cancer. Studies done on animals showed that curcumin, a pigment that gives organic turmeric its vibrant color, has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Turmeric is a common ingredient in spice blends used to make Indian and South Asian curries.
Turmeric is a common ingredient in spice blends used to make Indian and South Asian curries.

The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric may also help people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and arthritis. Curcumin may help to produce bilirubin, which can help to protect the brain from oxidization that can lead to Alzheimer's. It may also help break down amyloid proteins that build up in the brain. Amyloid proteins that are not broken down harden into plaques and prevent the brain from operating properly.

Although organic turmeric is safe to use as a spice and as a supplement under most circumstances, it can present risks to certain people. If a person has gallbladder problems, he should avoid using turmeric as a dietary supplement. Additionally, taking too much turmeric can cause a person to experience digestion problems.

Discussion Comments

burcinc

My family is from India and we always have a ton of organic turmeric at home and my family uses it for everything. We buy the turmeric powder from the Indian grocery store in large bags and we use it up very quickly.

My grandmother forces anyone who is ill or tired to have milk with turmeric before going to bed. My mom puts turmeric in everything she cooks and my sister puts turmeric cream on her face as a facial mask!

In India, it's also a tradition for a bride to bathe with turmeric paste before the wedding. Apparently, it gives skin a nice glow but I think it makes skin yellow.

serenesurface

@ZipLine-- I actually don't know the answer to your question but I can tell you how much I take. Cancer runs in my family so I'm taking turmeric for its cancer preventing benefits as well as anti-inflammatory effects. I take one teaspoon everyday. I usually have it with juice. It tastes very bad, but I think of it as medicine. I have not had any side effects at this dosage and I do believe it works.

You could also get your dad organic turmeric extract supplements or curcumin supplements. These are more potent and curcumin is the main beneficial ingredient in turmeric. I think the standard dose for the supplements is 500mg/day but always check the recommended dose on the label.

I think the quality and purity of the turmeric is more important than the dose. A small quantity of pure, fresh turmeric daily will certainly help. I hope your dad recovers soon!

ZipLine

How much organic turmeric needs to be taken everyday to prevent and treat cancer?

My dad is being treated for colon cancer. I've been researching natural remedies and turmeric is something that comes up all the time. I've ordered some organic turmeric for him but how much does he need to take?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Turmeric powder.
      By: Elena Moiseeva
      Turmeric powder.
    • Organic turmeric resembles ginger and can be found in capsule form.
      By: megdypro4im
      Organic turmeric resembles ginger and can be found in capsule form.
    • Turmeric is a common ingredient in spice blends used to make Indian and South Asian curries.
      By: Maris Kiselov
      Turmeric is a common ingredient in spice blends used to make Indian and South Asian curries.