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If you have ever had a Thai or India curry, chances are you have had the delicious and somewhat spicy, golden, turmeric. Used at one time to replace the more expensive spice, saffron, turmeric is a spice you will definitely want to experiment with in your cooking.

Turmeric is a relative of ginger, and can be used in gravies, stir-fries, lentils, and of course, curries. It has also been used for centuries as part of the traditional Indian Ayurveda medicine. According to this culture, turmeric imparts three of the 6 essential tastes to food: bitter, astringent and pungent (the other three being salty, sour and sweet).

There are currently numerous studies being done in the United States on the medicinal properties of turmeric. Particular attention has been given to the low rate of Alzheimer's in India, which research studies attribute to this nation's high usage of turmeric. Turmeric is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer's disease, cancer, arthritis, and other clinical disorders. According to a 2005 article in the Wall Street Journal, research activity into curcumin, a special ingredient of turmeric, and turmeric is increasing with over 61 registered clinical trials completed or underway.

Given the rich taste and possible "good-for-you" benefits of this spice, thanks to Care2, here are a few ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.

•  Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a small pan. Tip in 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp turmeric, and a little sweet paprika. Take the pan off the stove as soon as the cumin seeds begin crackling, which will happen within a few seconds. Pour the spiced oil over steamed vegetables or soup.

•  When boiling rice, add a pinch of turmeric to it - gives a lovely hue to the rice. Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro leaves on top once the rice is done, and you have a pleasant, appetizing bowl of rice to enjoy.

•  Boil 1 cup of lentils with 1/4 tsp turmeric and salt to your taste. When done, stir in some crushed ginger-root and garlic. Squeeze lemon juice - as much or as little as you like, into your hot lentils.

•  A traditional skin-care recipe from India: mix 1/2 tsp turmeric powder into 3 tbsp plain yogurt, and rub all over face and neck. Wash off after a few minutes for a lovely dewy glow.