Turmeric - Curcuma Longa

Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a flowering plant in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. The root of Curcuma longa is where turmeric is derived from. It is a perennial, rhizomatous, herbaceous plant native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It thrives in temperatures between 20 and 30?C (68 and 86?F) and requires high annual rainfall. The plants are harvested annually for their rhizomes, some of which are used for propagation in the following season, while others are consumed. Numerous high-quality studies and research indicate that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties. These have significant benefits for the body and brain, and are beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Turmeric is also good for the liver and acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Many of these benefits are attributed to its main active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric is also the spice that gives curry its yellow color and has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb. This photo was taken in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on May 19, 2024. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)