Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a flowering plant in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, the roots of which are used in cooking. The plant is native to tropical South Asia and needs temperatures between 20 and 30 C (68 and 86 F) and a considerable amount of annual rainfall to thrive. India is the largest producer of turmeric, and the spice has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Turmeric is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium.
