Turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa plant, which grows in India and other Southeast Asian countries. The dried root of the Curcuma longa plant is ground into the distinctive yellow turmeric powder, which gives curry it's distinctive colour and flavour. It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.

Turmeric is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. There are several chemical compounds found in turmeric, known as curcuminoids. The active substance in turmeric is curcumin. 

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Compound

It is now believed that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease. Luckily, curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory, in fact so powerful that it matches the effectiveness of some man-made chemical anti-inflammatory drugs.

Curcumin actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway, at the molecular level. It does this by blocking NF-kB, a molecule that travels into the nuclei of cells and turns on genes related to inflammation. NF-kB is believed to play a major role in many chronic diseases.

Antioxidant

Oxidative damage is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind aging and many diseases. It involves free radicals, highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons. Free radicals tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.

The main reason antioxidants are so beneficial, is that they protect our bodies from free radicals. Curcumin happens to be a potent antioxidant that can neutralize free radicals due to its chemical structure.

Not only that, but it also boosts the activity of the body's own antioxidant enzymes, so curcumin delivers a one-two punch against free radicals. It blocks them directly, then also stimulates the body's own antioxidant mechanisms.

Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

There are many factors which contribute to high risk of heart disease, the biggest killer in the world. One of the main benefits of curcumin in relation to heart disease, is that it helps to improve the lining of the blood vessels.

Versatility

Connect Foods Organic Turmeric powder is great for adding to a variety of different recipes. Add it to soups and curries for a warm flavour, or into your favourite smoothie for an interesting healthful twist. It is also great for creating your own simple superfood dressing.