Turmeric has become quite trendy in recent years, especially in the West. From lattes to face masks, many are starting to realize the benefits of this compound.

Within turmeric exists the extract, curcumin. This is the part that is not only responsible for the spice’s bright and vivacious gold color but also its healing properties. Proven through scientific studies, curcumin can prevent, treat, and cure a variety of ailments such as diabetes, heart attacks, and even certain types of cancer.

Curcumin comes from the plant’s rhizome. Also known as rootstalk, this is a form of the plant stem that lives underground and grows horizontally. Roots and shoots grow from here as well.

Standard turmeric has very little curcumin. Anything that you buy online or otherwise has at most only 5%! In other words, you would need to eat a whole LOT in order to receive any positive effects. So the next time you plan on adding turmeric to your diet, make sure to check how much curcumin is included.*

My mom is growing turmeric!

*Source: 1.McBarron J. “Curcumin The 21st Century Cure.” 2013.