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| Turmeric |
| A relative of ginger, this bright yellow spice is potently flavored and essential to mustards, curry powder, and relishes. |
| One compound in turmeric, called curcumin, acts like aspirin to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, the chemicals that make us experience pain. Turmeric also contains phytonutrients that may help prevent cancer, according to the National Institute of Nutrition in Indiathe country with the highest per capita turmeric consumption by far. |
| Try it in . . . Indian curries and rice dishes. |
| The Big Picture |
| Although culinary herbs and spices offer myriad benefits in and of themselves, they are also crucial to the bigger dietary picture. When you flavor dishes with them instead of the old standbys such as rich sauces, butter, and excess salt, you open up whole new vistas of healthy eating. |
| THE BOTTOM LINE |
| Herbs and spices are essential ingredients in any healthy kitchen, not only because they are brimming with healing properties, but alsoand just as importantlybecause their extraordinary flavor makes every good-for-you dish a great-tasting one as well. And that is no small thing; what you are eating may be ''good medicine," but it certainly should not taste that way! |
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