Let's Talk Turmeric!

If you want to help relieve aches and pains, reduce inflammation and heal your digestive tract, just head to the spice aisle in the grocery store. Today we’re talking TURMERIC. Turmeric, that bright yellow spice that gives curry its distinctive color, is a superhero spice that has been used for over 4000 years in India. Turmeric is actually a root, and looks very similar on the outside to ginger root. It’s rich in curcumin, a potent antioxidant that makes turmeric a powerful healing agent. 

You ready for 6 great reasons to pick up a jar of this powerful spice? Here ya go:

1. Ayurvedic healers used turmeric, long before there was aspirin, to help reduce pain and inflammation…In fact, turmeric has been used for thousands of years, and today, research is proving that turmeric is as effective as those popular over the counter meds that reduce aches and pains.
2. Turmeric is an immune booster and studies are showing that turmeric can actually help prevent cancerous tumors from forming and spreading. How amazing is that? 
3. Turmeric has been studied to lower blood sugar levels, help prevent type 2 diabetes…AND promote weight management. Since imbalanced blood sugar is a driver of all disease, this makes turmeric even more of a superhero. 
4. Turmeric improves digestion by stimulating the production of bile, which is needed for fat digestion. Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties can help heal inflammatory digestive conditions including IBS, Crohn’s and upset stomach. 
5. Although turmeric root itself looks pretty gnarly, it serves as a beauty aid because it makes your skin more radiant by helping to improve elasticity and reduce redness. 
6. And number six, curcumin, which gives turmeric its distinctive yellow-orange color, packs an antioxidant punch which helps mop up those dreaded free radicals and prevent cell damage. 

Practically speaking, here are some simple and delicious ways to incorporate turmeric into your meal planning:

Ever tried “golden milk?” You can Make a comforting turmeric-infused drink by mixing turmeric with warm milk, a dash of cinnamon, a pinch of black pepper, and a bit of honey or sweetener. I will share my Golden Milk recipe in just a minute. 

How about curries? Turmeric is a staple in curry dishes. Add it to your curry base along with other spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger for a flavorful and aromatic dish.

Roasted Vegetables are an easy way to use this spice. Sprinkle turmeric over roasted vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or potatoes. It adds a beautiful color and a hint of warmth to the dish.

Here’s an idea: put it in your eggs! Stir turmeric into scrambled eggs or sprinkle it over a fried egg. It adds a subtle flavor and a lovely golden hue….it does stain, so be careful of that. 

Add turmeric to rice while cooking to create vibrant yellow rice. You can also toss in some whole spices like cardamom or cloves for added flavor.

Enhance the flavor of soups and stews by adding a pinch of turmeric. It goes particularly well with lentil soups or creamy vegetable soups.

You can get creative and make a turmeric-based marinade for chicken, fish, or tofu. Mix turmeric with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your choice of herbs for a flavorful marinade.

Why not Combine turmeric with olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a bit of Dijon mustard to create a unique and flavorful salad dressing?

I love turmeric teas. Steep turmeric along with ginger and a hint of black pepper in hot water to create a soothing and aromatic tea.

You can also Add a pinch of turmeric to your favorite smoothie recipe. It pairs well with fruits like mango, pineapple, or banana.

Keep in mind, turmeric has a slightly bitter taste, so start with small amounts and adjust to your taste preferences. Also, combining turmeric with black pepper enhances its absorption, so add a dash of black pepper with your turmeric when you can.

Now, here’s my recipe for TURMERIC GOLDEN MILK….I use this as An anti-inflammatory drink and sleep aid!

Ingredients:

•  2 cups unsweetened milk of choice
•  1 tablespoon raw honey
•  1 tablespoon coconut oil
•  1 teaspoon ground turmeric
•  1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•  Dash of nutmeg
•  Dash of black pepper

All you do is: 

1. Mix all of the ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. 
2. Cook at a simmer for about five minutes or until all the ingredients have come together, revealing a smooth consistency and golden-yellow color. Pour into a mug and garnish with cinnamon. Enjoy!

So, there’s maybe more than you ever wanted to know about turmeric….but I hope the message is clear….turmeric is nothing short of a miracle spice, and one you can access easily during your next trip to the market…for better health, start incorporating this wonder root into your diet.

Until Next time, I wish you good health!