[Just to be clear, I am not a purist when it comes to vegetarian cooking and my diet. For example, I don't have a different set of cookware and utensils reserved only for cooking vegetables. And last night's dish actually had chicken pieces which I took out so I won't forfeit the challenge.]
What gives yellow curry its distinct neon glow? The answer is turmeric, a member of the ginger family. According to this medical site, turmeric has been used in both Ayurvedic (traditional Indian medicine) and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory to treat digestive and liver problems, skin diseases, and wounds. Research suggests that turmeric may be helpful for indigestion or dyspepsia, ulcerative colitis (which can cause colon or rectum ulcers), stomach ulcers, osteoarthritis, heart disease, cancer, bacterial and viral infections, and uveitis (inflammation of the iris). In addition, curcumin (the yellow pigment in turmeric) lowers the levels of two enzymes in the body that cause inflammation, and it also stops platelets from clumping together to form blood clots.
Also, studies suggest that curcumin is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants are substances that may protect your cells against the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced when your body breaks down food, or by environmental exposures like tobacco smoke and radiation. Free radicals can damage cells, and may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases (from MedlinePlus).
It's great then that curry is not that hard to enjoy; it's such a delicious dish! I am almost tempted to eat curry everyday but then, everything should be taken in moderation (as long as it's the good kind).
Last Day 15
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| Sometimes bright colors in nature can signal health benefits, not danger. |
