Newsletter for Turmeric & Health Information May 2025
- Alison Carroll
- May 1
- 6 min read
Welcome to my May Newsletter.
I hope that you are all feeling fine. The weather so far this month has really been all over the place, one minute lovely and sunny, the next lashing down with rain and blowing a hooley. Last weekend was a case in point, beautiful for Tuncurry market, not a chance for Pacific Palms market, which is such a shame as I love doing that market. So, for anyone who missed me at The Palms you can always order online or give me a ring and I can post your order down to you.
The weather is continuing to cause problems, with the cancellation of the last market before the winter shutdown of Blackhead Bazaar due to a very wet market site. I had hoped to go to the Blackhead Car boot, but they are fully booked, so my alternative is Kendall market. It’s ages since I have been there so it will be great to get back to this lovely little market. Again, if you usually see me at Blackhead, you can ring me or go online for your next lot of my wonderful turmeric.
On a different note, I am delighted to announce, especially, for those of you who live in South West Rocks, the wonderful Tahli at The Wholesome House (102 Gregory St, S.W.R.) is now a stockist for my range of turmeric products. They are open Tuesday – Saturday. So, for ease and convenience you can go and see her. She has an amazing range of healthy products for you to choose from as well as my turmeric. I am always happy to support another entrepreneur on their journey. So, when you have the opportunity go along and see all the great things she has in stock and buy local. 😊
Many of you know that I have a HiAce van that I use for work and to travel to markets. I love my HiAce, but as I want to travel more, I really wanted to have a van that I could stand up in. Well, I had the opportunity to buy a LDV Delivery9 and I couldn’t say no. So, that is my next project to get all the insulation done, remove the cargo barrier and the middle seat – if I can – and get it ready for everyday use. This means that my HiAce is now for sale. So, if you or anyone you know is interested in a great little Toyota van (2011, 250km, asking price 18K ono) then please let me know.
Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin on Metabolic Diseases: Evidence from Clinical Studies
Metabolic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have become pressing global health concerns. Current pharmaceutical treatments can cause side effects, prompting the exploration of natural alternatives. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from the Curcuma plant genus, has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in animal studies. This review consolidates and analyzes clinical trial evidence on curcumin's effectiveness in managing T2DM, obesity, and NAFLD.
Curcumin is mainly extracted from Curcuma longa (turmeric). It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective properties. Despite these benefits, curcumin’s oral bioavailability is low due to poor absorption and rapid metabolism. Modern extraction and delivery methods e.g., adding black pepper, coconut oil and digestive activators, as in Health2all turmeric, aim to address these challenges.
Effects on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM):
Clinical trials consistently show that curcumin can:
- Lower blood glucose - Improve insulin resistance (as measured by HOMA-IR).
- Alleviate dyslipidaemia by reducing triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and increasing HDL.
- Mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant levels.
Trials showed consistent improvement in metabolic markers with few mild side effects.
Effects on Obesity:
Curcumin's impact on obesity was evaluated through changes in:
- Anthropometric measures (weight, BMI, waist circumference).
- Glycemic control and lipid profiles.
- Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.
Results were mixed for weight reduction, with significant benefits mostly observed at doses ≥1000 mg/day over ≥8 weeks. (Our powder and capsules are 13,000mg of curcumin). Curcumin improved fasting glucose, HbA1c, and insulin sensitivity, and significantly reduced TG and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antioxidant capacity also improved.
Effects on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):
Curcumin showed promising effects in improving liver function and reducing hepatic steatosis:
- ALT and AST levels were significantly lowered.
- Ultrasound-confirmed steatosis severity was reduced.
- Lipid levels improved, including TG, TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation were alleviated and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Whilst Health2all turmeric is not a magic bullet for Metabolic Syndrome issues, from the evaluation of the clinical data, it appears that turmeric can help to play an important role in its improvement. Always check with a doctor before taking any supplement.
From a paper in the International Journal of Molecular Science by Y. Zeng et al. Published Feb 2023
Chicken & couscous one-pot
This one-pot meal is perfect for fuss free entertaining
INGREDIENTS:
8 skin on, bone in chicken thighs 2 tsp Health2all turmeric
1 tbsp. garam masala 2 tbsp. olive oil
2 onions finely sliced 3 garlic cloves sliced
500ml chicken stock (from a cube is fine)
large handful whole green olives zest and juice 1 lemon
250g couscous small bunch flat-leaved parsley chopped
Method:
Toss the chicken thighs in half the spices and a pinch of salt until completely coated. Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a large sauté pan with a lid. Fry chicken, skin-side down, for 10 mins until golden brown, turn over, then cook for 2 mins before removing from the pan. Pour the rest of the oil into the pan, then fry the onions and garlic for 8 mins until golden. Stir in the rest of the spices, (except the turmeric) then cook for 1 min longer. Pour over the chicken stock and scatter in the olives. Bring everything to the boil, turn down the heat, then sit the chicken, skin side up, in the stock.
Cover the pan with a lid, then simmer gently for 35-40 mins until the chicken is tender. Put the kettle on, then lift the chicken onto a plate and keep warm. Take the pan off the heat. Stir the lemon juice and couscous into the saucy onions in the pan and top up with enough boiling water just to cover the couscous if you need to. Place the lid back on the pan, then leave to stand for 5 mins until the couscous is cooked through. Fluff through half the parsley, the turmeric and the lemon zest, then sit the chicken on top. Scatter with the rest of the parsley and zest before serving.
Serves 4
Easy
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hr.
Enjoy. 😊
UPCOMING EVENTS
With school holidays and Easter now behind us, my markets get back to a more normal routine and flow. I hope to see you some time.
Saturday 3rd May – Kempsey Market – 8am – 1pm - Held up in the carpark between Coles and the River. We are up there until the work on the Boat ramp is finalised. Not sure where I will be, but my orange gazebo is a good lookout point.
Sunday 4th May – Blackhead Bazaar - 8am – 1pm – CANCELLED DUE TO WET GROUND. ALT PLAN – Kendall Market – 8am – 12pm Held in the Showground at Kendall. I’m not sure exactly where I will be but look out for my orange gazebo roof – I shouldn’t be too hard to find. 😊
Saturday 10th May - Gloucester Farmers Market - 9am – 1pm. Held at Billabong Park. Lots of great local produce and wines so, do come a long for a great day out.
Sunday 11th May – Forster Town Market – 8am – 1pm – Held on the green off Head Street. Don’t forget that it’s Mother’s Day today, so why not bring her along for the day out and get her some wonderful healthy turmeric.
Saturday – 17th May - Forster Farmers Market – 7am – 12pm Along the river by the Police Station. We are now back in our old spot where the Visitors Centre and the CWA used to be. Getting bigger and better all the time.
Sunday 18th May – Laurieton Market - 8am – 1pm down by the river on Short and Tunis Streets.
Saturday 24th May – Tuncurry Market – 8 am – 1pm See you over the bridge at the John Whiley Park.
Sunday 25th May – Pacific Palms Market - 8am – 1pm. At Elizabeth Beach, another great market for all the family and dog friendly, fingers crossed that the weather plays nice this month. Hope to see you there..
Saturday 31st May – Bonny Wingham Market – 9am - 4pm To be held at the Wingham Showground. I’m not sure exactly where I will be, but my bright orange gazebo makes me pretty easy to spot. Great day out for all the family, so do come along for the day. Note: this is a maybe as I’m on their waiting list. 😊
For those of you who can’t get to those markets all you need to do is ring me on 0406 036 845 or you can now go to my website – www.achealthysolutions.com.au and order from there, and I will arrange for it to be posted or delivered to you. The cost is the same as at the market and postage/delivery is free on all orders over $100 with a flat rate of $10 below that.
To your happiness & health,
To your happiness & health,
Alison Carroll
aka The Turmeric Lady
AC Healthy Solutions
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