Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has is a large-leaved herb, closely related to ginger. It is cultivated in tropical countries for the thick, rounded, underground stems or rhizomes, which constitute the spice, turmeric. Turmeric contains an oil, which consists in part of curcumin, which on oxidation is changed into vanillin, the active principle in vanilla. Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric which gives curry dishes its yellow color and flavor.

Turmeric is the key spice in curry. Curcumin has been used in both the Indian (Ayurvedic) and Chinese Medicine systems for thousands of years. Curcumin studies have shown it to possess the following properties: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, cholesterol - lowering antibacterial and anti-fungal effects. It contains a mixture of powerful antioxidant phytonutrients known as curcuminoids.

Tumeric has been used for thousands of years by Indian Women to make their skin beautiful and blemish free.

Proponents say turmeric (Curcuma longa) may prevent colorectal, prostate, stomach, and other cancers, and could help destroy early-stage tumors. It may also protect against heart disease and arterial deposits.

Doctors are now using curcumin "turmeric" for inflammatory processes such as joint stress, acute infections, and for health conditions caused by free radical damage: cardiovascular, arterial and circulatory support. The interest in the plant's potential for preventing neurologic diseases, such as MS and even Alzheimer's, was spurred by the realization that elderly Indian populations that consume considerable amounts of turmeric in their diet are far less likely than their Western counterparts to develop such ailments.

Many studies have shown the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers of curcuminoids in the herb turmeric. In a double-blind test, people with rheumatoid arthritis who received curcumin extract benefited greatly without side effects. In another study, 10 people who received 500 mg of curcumin extract every day for a week had a measurable lowering of free radicals in their body. Still other medical studies have shown that curcumin, with its curcuminoids, can help maintain normal cell growth.

Use this to round out your raw creations. Make yourself a Plaintain Salad using Plaintain, red bell pepper, incan berries, shallots, lime juice, cilantro, turmeric powder and sea salt. Also use in smoothies and soups, goes great with kale.

Net wt.: 8 oz

Another powerful antioxidant is Raw Wildcrafted Camu Camu powder.