Curcumin is a magic component in foods. It can benefit inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, pain, anxiety and more, research says. It is found most in turmeric, which is one reason this humble kitchen staple from India is now being marketed as a superfood all over the world. Curcumin is a polyphenol that’s found in turmeric.

In India, of course, for centuries we have been using it on the skin, to cure infections and as an expectorant. In fact, everything with a high amount of curcumin seems to be available in the Indian kitchen.

Here are some good curcumin sources:

• Turmeric
Turmeric, a member of the ginger family, comes with the largest amount of curcumin. Curcumin is the chief compound in turmeric, but it also has other curcuminoids with their own unique properties. The useful part of turmeric is its rhizome or stem.

• Mango ginger
Mango ginger, another member of the ginger family, also contains curcumin. It is often pickled and used in preserves.

• Curry powder
Our kitchen mainstay of cumin, coriander, ginger, black pepper, chillis, cinnamon and cardamon is a wonder.

• Curry dishes
“Curry dishes” abroad are nothing but the curries that are cooked in Indian kitchens every day. Don’t ignore the healing powers of maachher jhol or mixed veg masala. Just don’t splurge on the oil.

Information courtesy: www.livestrong.com