Turmeric is a spice with a long history of medicinal use in Ayurveda, the traditional health system of India, and in Chinese medicine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. It grows naturally in southeast Asia and is related to ginger. Although turmeric supplements are available, you might want to try adding more turmeric to your diet instead. Numerous tasty recipes are available on various websites for beef dishes and other foods you can spice up with turmeric.
Benefits
The active component of turmeric is curcumin, which is a powerful antioxidant, according to the UMMC. Antioxidants scavenge harmful substances in the body called free radicals that damage cells. Curcumin also reduces inflammation. The German Commission E, the official agency approving herbs in that country, has approved turmeric for treating numerous digestive disorders. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it may help relieve arthritis symptoms. Laboratory and animal research shows potential for preventing atherosclerosis, for lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, and for anti-cancer effects, explains the UMMC.
Features
People use the rhizomes, or underground stems, of turmeric in food and herbal remedies. The rhizome is yellow-brown with an orange interior that looks bright yellow when ground into powder. The Epicentre Encyclopedia of Spices describes the scent of turmeric as earthy and slightly acrid, and the flavor as warm and aromatic with a slight bitterness.
Usage
The rhizomes are boiled and dried before being powdered. Epicentre recommends buying moderate amounts because although turmeric retains its color, the flavor diminishes over time. Store turmeric in an airtight container away from sunlight. You can add the spice to meals, including beef dishes.
For an herbal remedy, include 1 to 3 g per day of the powdered root in your diet, advises the UMMC. Consult your physician before attempting such remedies, however.
Examples
Turmeric is primarily used in curries and curry powders, according to Epicentre. As you mix turmeric with other spices, you create your own curry. A beef and spinach curry recipe by Jane Gibralter published at AllRecipes.com, for instance, combines turmeric with cumin, chili powder, cloves, coriander, garam masala and garlic. A recipe for Bangladeshi beef curry supplied by Maishadewan at this website combines turmeric with cayenne pepper, coriander, cumin, garlic, ginger and other spices.
Caution
Turmeric may increase levels of acid in the stomach, which would be a problem for people with ulcers, notes the UMMC. Eating large amounts of turmeric may cause upset stomach in some individuals. If you have gallstones or any bile passage obstruction, consult your health care provider before adding turmeric to your diet.
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