Turmeric is a golden spice that has been used for centuries in Indian and Asian cuisine. It has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation, fighting depression, and helping to treat arthritis.
In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about turmeric! We will cover what it is, what the benefits are, and some delicious recipes that you can try using this amazing spice!
What Is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, a native to South Asia. It has been used in Indian cooking and medicine for centuries due to its bright yellow-orange color and distinctive smell.
Its active ingredient is curcumin. This compound gives turmeric its unique flavor and is also responsible for many of the health benefits it provides.
You can take turmeric supplements or make a tea out of fresh root powder mixed with milk (or non-dairy). You might want to add some black pepper powder to increase the absorption of curcumin into your bloodstream.
It can be found fresh or dried as well as ground into powder form. It’s also available in liquid extracts, capsules, or tablets with different concentrations (such as 95 percent curcuminoids).
If you want to know the best dose and type of turmeric to take (or if you can benefit from it), visit an urgent care facility and discuss your options with a GP.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory powerhouse, which means it can help reduce joint pain and stiffness due to arthritis or other inflammatory conditions like fibromyalgia.
Curcuminoids present in turmeric are antioxidants that scavenge free radicals (unstable molecules) from our body cells before they cause damage, thus fighting inflammation at its source.
Turmeric may also be useful for reducing joint swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis or other conditions like psoriatic disease where joints are inflamed due to an overactive immune system response. It can help alleviate these symptoms because it blocks NF-kB, a protein that signals inflammation in your body.
Another benefit of turmeric is its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease by helping lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure while reducing oxidative stress on arteries due to its antioxidant properties.
Curcumin also has been shown in studies to help reduce anxiety symptoms with people who take it regularly over time (e.g., daily doses).
This may be because curcumin inhibits an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). It breaks down certain neurotransmitters like serotonin or dopamine that regulate moods like happiness/depression.
Turmeric can even prevent cancer cells from multiplying as well as induce apoptosis or programmed cell death. Curcumins have anti-carcinogenic effects against multiple types of cancer including skin, breast, prostate, liver, and colon cancers.
This spice contains vitamins C and A, iron, potassium – all essential nutrients for good health.
Turmeric Recipes to Try
Now that you know all about the amazing health benefits of turmeric, it’s time to know how to incorporate it into your diet. Here are a few recipes:
1. Golden Milk
Golden milk is a great way to start your day and get the benefits of turmeric first thing in the morning. It’s also a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or before-bedtime drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or cow’s milk
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger powder
- Pinch of black pepper
Optional sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar
Instructions: Heat the milk on medium heat in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Add the spices and any desired sweeteners and whisk together well. Pour into a mug and enjoy!
If you find that the drink is too thick, add more liquid until desired consistency is reached. You can also try adding cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
2. Curry
Adding turmeric to your curry is a great way to get more of this powerful spice into your diet.
Ingredients:
- Curry powder (either store-bought or home-made)
- Turmeric powder
- Salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings
- Oil or ghee for cooking
Instructions: Start by heating the oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the spices and cook until fragrant. Add the protein and vegetables of choice and cook until tender. Serve with rice or another grain of choice and enjoy!
You can also try making a simple one-pot dish by combining all the ingredients in a pot and cooking until everything is tender.
For an extra boost of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and vitamins, try adding some fresh or dried herbs like basil leaves (or other leafy greens) to the curry. You can also use coconut milk instead of water if you prefer a creamier texture.
3. Golden Paste
Golden paste is a great way to get the benefits of turmeric in an easy-to-use form. It can be added to food or drinks or taken by mouth as a supplement.
Ingredients:
- Turmeric powder
- Coconut oil
- Black pepper
- Water (or other desired liquid)
Instructions: Start by heating the coconut oil in a pan over low heat until melted. Add the turmeric and black pepper and stir together well. Add water (or other desired liquid) until thick paste forms. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
To use, take one teaspoon per day (or more if desired). You can add it to food or drinks or take it by mouth.
Turmeric is a powerful spice that has amazing health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve moods, and prevent cancer. Try adding it to your curry or making golden milk for a delicious way to get its benefits.
