Turmeric is an old Indian spice with powerful medicinal properties and distinctive yellow color. In fact, turmeric is one of the beneficial spices in the world and has been valued for centuries in many cultures......Read Full Article>>

In addition, turmeric has powerful antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, and anti-fungal properties. This amazing spice further treats inflammation, soothes the symptoms of arthritis, and provides high amounts of iron, copper, protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, niacin, dietary fiber, and vitamins K, E, and C.

Here are some extra health benefits of turmeric:

1. Boosts Immunity

Turmeric is high in lipopolysaccharide, which has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that assist strengthen the immune system.

2. Healthy Heart

You can lower the risk of heart diseases by using turmeric. Since, it lowers cholesterol levels and breaks down fats.

3. Protects The Liver

Turmeric cleans the toxins due to the high amounts of enzymes it contains. Therefore, it’s called a natural liver detoxifier.

4. Heals

With its strong antiseptic and antibacterial effects, turmeric can heal wounds, cuts, burns, and soothe various skin conditions.

5. Relieves Arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric are extremely beneficial for treating osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain.

6. Help Digestion

Turmeric has shown effective in treating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome.

7. Treats Depression

Turmeric is an excellent way that fights depression naturally. Its antioxidants make turmeric so fascinating spice that simply acts as an antidepressant.

8. Body Weight Control

If you are trying to lose some weight, then you should definitely include turmeric in your diet, as it keeps you full, and breaks down the bile.

Here are few turmeric recipes you can prepare to can change your life:

1. Turmeric Juice

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder or 1/2 inch turmeric root

1/2 a lemon

Sea salt

Preparations:

At first, squeeze the lemon.

Then, mix its juice with a pinch of sea salt and turmeric.

Lastly, use a blender to thoroughly mix these ingredients.

2. Turmeric Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups frozen pineapple or mango

1 teaspoon of turmeric powder/fresh turmeric

2 tablespoons of coconut flakes

1 teaspoon maca root

1/2 coconut or almond milk

1 teaspoon of hemp seed hearts dash of black pepper

Preparations:

Simply, combine all the ingredients in a blender thoroughly, then enjoy the delicious taste of your turmeric smoothie.

3. Golden Milk

Ingredients:

A dash of cinnamon

2 teaspoons of raw honey

A dash of cardamom

1/4 teaspoon of vanilla

A cup of almond or coconut milk

1/4 cup of water A dash of clove

1/4 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or ginger powder

A teaspoon of freshly grated turmeric or turmeric powder

Preparations:

In a suitable container, combine all the ingredients and simmer them for 1 min.

Then pour it into a cup. Enjoy!

4. Turmeric Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups veggie or organic bone broth

1 knuckle grated/chopped turmeric

Preparations:

Put the broth and turmeric in boiling water, then let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes.

Lastly, strain the mixture, and simply enjoy it.

5. Turmeric Tea

Ingredients:

A squeeze of lime

1/2 teaspoon fresh grated turmeric

Dash of black pepper

1 cup hot water

Raw honey to taste

Preparations:

Heat up the water till it boils and add the turmeric.

Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and add the rest of the ingredients.

Lastly, let it sits for 10 minutes, pour it into a cup, and enjoy.

6. Turmeric Kefir

Ingredients:

A cup of organic sugar

A gallon of spring or filtered water

1/3 cup of dried whole root or a cup of fresh turmeric

A cup of fresh ginger

1/2 a cup of water kefir grains

Preparations:

Peel and roughly chop the turmeric and ginger.

Next, pour the water into a pan, and when it starts boiling add in the ginger and turmeric.

Leave them to boil for an hour.

Remove it from heat, and when it cools, strain the mixture into a larger jar.

Afterward, add the kefir grains to sweeten the mixture.

Place the jar in your fridge.

You can start using it after 3-5 days.

7. Turmeric Scramble

Add some turmeric to your traditional eggs in the morning in order to get a healthy and scrumptious breakfast.

In our quest for health and resilience, bolstering the immune system stands at the forefront. A well-functioning immune system is essential to fend off infections, reduce recovery time, and maintain overall vitality. While lifestyle factors like adequate sleep, exercise, and stress management play a vital role, nature offers a wealth of nutrients and remedies that help to enhance immune function. Here’s a closer look at some of the top natural immune boosters that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines.....Read Full Article>>

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the most well-known immune-boosting nutrients. Found abundantly in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as in strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, it plays an essential role in supporting the function of immune cells and protecting them from free radical damage. Vitamin C also enhances the body’s ability to produce antibodies, which are proteins that help identify and neutralise pathogens.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is crucial in maintaining immune function. Found in nuts, seeds, chickpeas, and lean meats, zinc supports immune cell development and helps the body’s immune response. It’s particularly effective at combating respiratory infections and maintaining mucosal membranes, which serve as the body’s first line of defence.

Ginger

Ginger has long been revered in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It contains compounds like gingerol, which help to combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, both of which can have a positive impact on immune health. Fresh ginger tea, grated ginger in meals, or even ginger shots can be refreshing and immune-boosting options.

Garlic

Garlic is known for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. This kitchen staple contains allicin, a compound released when garlic is crushed or chopped, which boosts immune cell function and helps fight off colds and infections. Research suggests garlic can reduce the severity and frequency of colds when consumed regularly.

Turmeric

Turmeric, a golden spice commonly used in South Asian cuisine, contains curcumin, which has impressive anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin is known to help activate immune cells and increase the body’s antibody responses, which can help prevent infections and support immune health.

Hydration

Finally, staying well-hydrated is critical for overall health, including immune function. Water helps in the production of lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells throughout the body. Herbal teas, natural fruit-infused water, or a simple glass of water can make a big difference.

5 Nigerian Peppersoup Spices....Read Full Article>>

1. Calabash Nutmeg
Other names: African nutmeg

Botanical name: Monodora Myristica

Local Names: Erhe – Urhobo; Iwo – Itsekiri; Ehuru – Igbo; Ariwo – Yoruba; Gujiya dan miya – Hausa; Ukposa – Bini

Consists of: Shell and seed

Parts Used: Seed

Uses: condiment in soups, combined to make spice blends for peppersoup

2. Gbafilo
Other names: Rough-skinned/ Grey/ Guinea plum

Botanical name: Chrysobalanus icaco

Local Names: Gbafilo/ Gbafilor– Itsekiri And out of interest, in Brazil, it is known as Grageru or Abageru

Consists of: Sandpaper like shell and kernel

Parts Used: kernel

Uses: condiment in soups, combined to make spice blends for peppersoup

3. Grains of Selim
The fruits are narrow, slightly torulose, dark brown or black, about 2in. long, borne many (separate carpels) together on a stout peduncle (The Useful Plants of West Africa)

Other names: African/ Guinea/ Ethiopian Pepper

Botanical name: Xylopia Aethiopica

Local Names: Urheri – Urhobo; Unien – Bini; Atta – Ibibio/Efik; Uda – Igbo; Eeru – Yoruba

Consists of: Skin and seeds. The seeds are bitter

Parts Used: both – the skin is used more often, ground and added to soups or bruised and used whole

Uses: condiment in soups, combined to make spice blends for peppersoup, added to agbo (bitters), put in water to purify it, added to palm wine as a flavourer.

4. Uziza
Other names: Bush Pepper, Guinea cubebs, West African Black Peppers

Botanical name: Piper Guineense

Local Names: Edusa – Ibibio; Eti-nkeni – Efik; Uziza – Igbo; Iyere – Yoruba

Consists of: Dried black berries

Uses: condiment used in soups, rice, etc

5. Alligator Pepper
Other names: Grains of Paradise

Botanical name: Aframomum Melegueta

Local Names: Ehie ado – Bini; Ntuen – Efik; Ose oji/ okwa – Igbo; Oburo – Yoruba

Consists of: Skin and seeds. The seeds are aromatic and pungent, with some strains of cardamom flavour

Parts Used: the seeds are ground and added to soups, stews; also chewed with kolanuts