Page 64 - South Mississippi Living - February, 2025

HEALTHY LIVING
THE
Wonderful WORLD OF
Tumeric story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the popularity
of herbal and supplemental trends in the medical field. Many people are
now focusing on incorporating holistic approaches into their long-term health goals. While some herbal remedies
have been utilized for centuries, their newly discovered medical properties are starting to gain attention.
Turmeric is a spice related to ginger that has been a staple in Asian cuisine for hundreds of years. This orangish spice has been used as a traditional medicine in India and China for just as long. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the medicinal properties of turmeric come from curcumin, which
has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Inflammation can be associated with various conditions, including
joint disorders, allergies, colitis, and infections.
Research has shown some benefits
of turmeric against eye degeneration, arthritis, high cholesterol, muscle soreness, and more. While it is beneficial to add turmeric to your meals, high- potency turmeric supplements may cause more harm than good. This
is because the body does not easily absorb the spice, and supplements contain much higher concentrations of the compound than you would drink
or eat. This can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, especially if
stones already run in your family. Turmeric has recently gained
popularity in skin care. Influencers and naturalists are widely promoting its use for various skin conditions. Researchers at Neutrogena Skin Care have published findings that highlight the benefits of
64 | February 2025
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