TURMERIC. Is it the spice we all think it is?

The natural anti-inflammatory has been sweeping the shelves since 2016. But is it the spice of life or something we should be a bit more sceptical about?

Turmeric has many health benefits, it can help with arthritis, helps people recover from operations and can help those who suffer from digestive problems.

Barrow's Holland and Barrett supervisor, Kristy Powell, is a big fan of turmeric for many different reasons.

She said:"My son is autistic and can suffer from digestive and gut problems but turmeric helps settle him.

"I make my own paste, which I can then make into golden cups of sunshine."

Ms Powell suggests taking turmeric with a meal and to add black pepper too.

She said: "The two go well together; obviously don't go putting ground black pepper on your Weetabix but take it with a meal you are happy to add this to."

Anyone who starts to use turmeric is advised to allow four weeks for it to enter the system and for the benefits to start to show.

Turmeric is available in many different forms. It can be taken in tablet form, in a tea, through a paste and now a toothpaste is being produced which is said to help with inflammation of the gums.

Ms Powell said: "It is so easy to use and has so many benefits, it could be the new coconut oil."

This is a lot more concentrated than the turmeric spice you would get from the supermarket so bear this in mind when you come to use it.

Turmeric contains the chemical curcumin. Curcumin and other chemicals in turmeric might decrease swelling (inflammation). Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation.

Ms Powell said:"It makes me feel so good when I suggest turmeric to people to use and then they come back weeks later to tell me how beneficial it has been.

"I love it, the golden cups of sunshine really help me to relax at night and sleep."

Turmeric comes from the turmeric plant. The dried and ground rhizome of a plant belonging to the same family as ginger. Although it has been used in medicine for centuries, it is only in the last year that it has become increasingly popular.

It is a common ingredient in Asian food and because of this many people think it will taste like curry but this is not the case.

Turmeric is generally considered safe for use in medicinal amounts but it is important to talk to a doctor before using this or any substance medicinally as it can interact with several medications.

According to umm.edu turmeric can trigger side effects and long amounts of use for prolonged amounts of time can cause stomach upset or in severe cases ulcers.

Turmeric has been known to lower blood sugar levels so those who suffer this be careful, it can also act like a blood thinner so be careful when taking other blood thinning medications.

It is advised that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use turmeric.

Ms Powell's recipe for turmeric paste:

In a saucepan heat 1/2 cup turmeric, 1/4 cup water and 1/2 tsp ground black pepper. When this has thickened take it off the heat and add 1/2 tsp of coconut oil and store in the fridge for up to a week.