Sumac is a type of spice obtained from the fruits of the Rhus plant, also known as the sumac tree. Sumac, one of the indispensable foods of Mediterranean cuisine, is among the spices that do not end with counting. Because of the sour taste of sumac; It has an important place in Turkish cuisine. The sumac plant that grows on the sumac tree; It can be consumed in the form of grains, powder, meals and salads, as well as in the form of tea.
WHAT IS SUMAK?
Free radicals are molecules that can occur as a result of metabolic events in our body or with external factors, but can also cause many damage by interacting with many of our cells. External factors that increase free radicals are factors such as UV rays, smoking, drugs, packaged foods. Our body is able to scavenge these free radicals. Our cleaning natural preservatives are vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals and some enzymes. The occurrence of imbalances between this production and cleaning is called “oxidative stress”. Oxidative stress; It is associated with premature aging, heart diseases, diabetes formation, liver, lung and kidney diseases, some neurological diseases and cancers. Therefore, antioxidants are very important in the protection, development and treatment of health. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value is used to evaluate foods according to their antioxidant capacity. Sumac is the food with the highest ORAC value.
WHAT DOES SUMAK DO? DOES SUMAK WORK IN COVID?
With the pandemic process, immune strengthening has been a priority for many of us. Although there is no study of sumac on Covid-19 yet, the fact that it has protective antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects against many known infections brings sumac to the agenda. It would be the right approach to put sumac every day to strengthen immunity and support Covid treatments during the pandemic process. It has been proven by studies that the sumac plant, which does not end with counting health benefits, has a supportive effect on treatment in URTI (upper respiratory tract infection) and urinary tract infections, apart from Covid.
IS SUMAK GOOD FOR DIABETES?
“Oxidative stress” also causes an increase in inflammation. Insulin resistance is an important mechanism in the development of diabetes. Studies have shown that thanks to the high antioxidant content of sumac, it supports the treatment of prediabetes and diabetes and helps to balance blood sugar. Prediabetes, that is, insulin resistance, is a health problem for one out of every two people in our country. For this reason, sumac should be on our table.
IS SUMAK GOOD FOR HEART DISEASES?
Increased inflammation is also at the root of cardiovascular diseases. Sumac is used in the development of heart plaques, that is, in the prevention of vascular occlusions. Sumac should be included in the daily diet in order to prevent both heart diseases and support the treatment of the existing disease.
IS SUMAK PLANT GOOD FOR OBESITY?
The plague of our age, increasing waist circumference in obesity, and increasing fat mass are also closely related to inflammation. Sumac is indispensable in our lists, both to accelerate fat burning and to relieve edema in weight loss processes.
DOES SUMAK WORK IN A LIVER DETOX?
The liver is one of the most important organs. The high antioxidant capacity of sumac also makes detox programs more effective.
IN WHICH REGION DOES SUMAK GROW? WHERE DOES SUMAK GROW?
The sumac plant, which has an important place in Turkish cuisine due to its sour taste to dishes and salads, and is frequently used in cooking, especially in the eastern and southeastern regions; It grows in Iran, Afghanistan, Southern Europe, North Africa and the Mediterranean.
IN WHICH DISHES IS SUMAK USED? HOW IS SUMAK MADE?
You can add sumac as a seasoning to your meals, as a tea or as a spice in salads, in yogurt. You can benefit from its delicious and health-protective effect in many ways.
SUMAK SALAD SAUCE RECIPE (FOR SALAD FOR 4 PERSONS)
Half a small lemon
1 tablespoon fermented apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sumac
1 teaspoon of thyme
1 clove of grated garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
You can lighten while supporting your immunity with functional salad dressing for your salads that you will prepare with seasonal vegetables.
WHICH SEASON IS SUMAK?
Sumac, which is grown in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions of our country, also adds flavor to local dishes. It is collected in August and September and then dried and turned into a spice.
HOW TO MAKE SUMAK TEA?
Put 1 teaspoon of sumac, 1 stick of cinnamon and 2-3 cloves in 1 cup of boiled water and cook for 4-5 minutes. let it brew until You can drink up to 1 or 2 glasses a day. Between meals, it will both support immunity, relax the stomach and help you get rid of edema
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SUMAG?
Increasing breast milk is among the unknown benefits of sumac. In addition, its use is beneficial in gynecological diseases such as vaginal discharge.
Supports the Heart and Protects the Liver
Today, high cholesterol is the most well-known cause of heart and liver ailments. As a result of researches, it is shown that regular consumption of sumac reduces blood cholesterol levels. This result shows that sumac supports the heart and protects the liver.
Protects the Body with its Antioxidant Feature
Sumac is a spice with antioxidant properties. Thanks to this feature, it helps the person's body to be purified from toxins and prevents poisoning. In addition, it fights cancer cells and prevents cancer cells from spreading throughout the body.
Prevents Infectious Diseases
Sumac, which is consumed frequently, is used as a cure for many diseases such as inflammation, fever, skin inflammation, respiratory disorder, bronchitis. According to studies on sumac, sumac has good anti-inflammatory properties. It has turned out to be useful in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as colds and arthritis.
Skin Protective Feature
Along with its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, sumac also plays an important role in the treatment of skin problems. Consumption of sumac helps in the healing of wounds.
What are Sumac Juice Tea and Sumac Leaf Good For?
Today, sumac juice tea can be mixed with cold water and drunk, as well as added to meals in this way.
Preparation of Sumac Tea
Tea brewed by adding 100 g of sumac to 1 liter of water should be used regularly. In general, it is known that when consumed up to 3 tea glasses a day, sumac tea helps the body to be purified from toxins and protects people against many diseases. In addition, people who want to prepare a smaller amount and consume it fresh can be prepared by adding a teaspoon of sumac to a tea glass of boiled water.
What Is Sumac Tea Good For?
Sumac tea, which is of Lebanese origin, helps in addition to the treatment of many diseases. Some of those;
Effect on Menstrual Irregularity
It is known that sumac has an effect in reducing the pain experienced by women during their menstrual period. Women who have an irregular menstruation benefit from the sumac plant. It is known that if women regularly consume sumac tea before and during their menstrual periods, their pain decreases.
Diuretic Effect
Sumac, which has diuretic properties, helps the body to produce urine and ensures the removal of toxic substances that need to be removed from the body. It is a solution for people who have problems while urinating, and it is also good for painful urination or bladder infections.
Detox Effect
Today, the removal of harmful toxins in the body is always very important for human health. Thanks to the consumption of sumac tea, toxins and wastes that need to be removed from the body are facilitated.
Effect on Digestive and Circulatory System
The effect of sumac tea on the digestive and circulatory system is quite large. Sumac, which minimizes respiratory problems, is frequently used in the treatment of chest and respiratory diseases.