Did you know that by eating your favorite curry dishes, or just by putting mustard on your hotdogs and burgers can be good to your health?

Turmeric, known as "luyang-dilaw" (yellow ginger) in the Philippines, is a common name for the perennial herb of the ginger family and for its dried rootstalk or rhizome. It can be used as a yellow dye and as food seasoning like in curry powders and mustards.

Turmeric grows wild in South and Southeast Asia. It is also known as "kalawag", yellow root or curcuma.

Turmeric is a great natural antibiotic. The active anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has gained an impressive reputation in the fight against many lethal forms of cancer. Turmeric is scientifically proven that it is effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, and fights cancer. It is also known as a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Curcumin, which creates the taste and smell of turmeric inhibit the growth of tumors. Therefore, people who consume large amounts of food that is seasoned with curry powder are less susceptible to cancer. It is also believed to reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Yellow ginger could be bought for as low as Php25.00 per kilo. Check out your local markets.