Turmeric has received a lot of attention last year from bloggers, nutritionists, dieticians and holistic health enthusiasts. It has created quite the buzz due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help with inflammation and even reduce build-up to prevent heart disease.

This amazing spice contains compounds (chemicals found in certain foods that promote health) called curcuminoids. The most powerful of curcuminoid is curcumin. Curcumin is the antioxidant to end all antioxidants. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory compound that can bring relief to people suffering from joint pain.

In addition to its antioxidant properties, studies have also shown curcumin to be anti-tumor, antibacterial, and antimicrobial. Many detox recipes have been made using Turmeric to promote healing of the stomach, gut, and liver.

Turmeric History

Turmeric is native to India and other Asian regions where it has been harvested for over 5,000 years. This spice comes from the Curcuma Longa plant, a close relative to ginger root. Mostly used in Indian cuisine (usually in curries) and medicine. Recent studies have shown that it is a powerful healer – something we all need.

Thousands of years ago, one of the world’s oldest forms of holistic medicine was born called Ayurveda. This involves cleansing the body from undigested food through plant-based drugs, special diets, massages, mediation, yoga, life style changes and more. In Ayurvedic cooking (and all curries) Turmeric is the star of the show.

Check out some of our favourite things about Turmeric:

• Sprinkling one gram of Turmeric on your breakfast could improve memory.
• Studies have suggested curcumin reduces the risk of dementia.
• It can aid digestion, and has been found to protect the liver and stomach lining.
• A rich source of vitamins C, E, B6, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
• Reduces the risk of blood clots and prevents the build-up of plaque in the arteries.
• Helps with irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea by destroying fungi and bacteria.
• Because it has strong antibacterial properties, it can help treat urinary tract infections and boost immune system activity.
• Can apply to the skin and is effective on everything. This includes cuts and burns to acne, eczema and psoriasis by speeding up healing and cell repair.
• When taken with meals, it can positively affect insulin and triglyceride blood levels.
• Curcumin lowers the production of prostaglandins (responsible for inflammation, pain and swelling) in our bodies.

How to get more Turmeric in your diet:

• Add it to scrambled eggs. Use a pinch of the powder in scrambled eggs or tofu scramble.
• Have a cup of Turmeric Tea with the Root or Powder.
• Sprinkle it on your vegetables. This lovely spice’s warm and peppery flavour works well with cauliflower, potatoes, and root vegetables.
• Try adding it to your rice. A dash of the powder brings color and mild flavor to a pot of plain rice or a fancier pilaf.
• Make Vegan Golden Milk with Turmeric and Almond/Soy/Cashew Milk.
• Add it to your favorite smoothie. A teaspoon will be beneficial without changing the taste of your beverage too much.
• Make your own spice mix. Add equal parts Turmeric, coriander, and cumin in a salt shaker on your table, and sprinkle it on everything!
• Immune Booster! Mix one part powdered Turmeric to three parts raw honey. Eat a teaspoon of the mixture every two hours to boost immunity and lower inflammation. This is only if you are getting sick.
• Make sure to add to your curries! When you’re cooking, it’s a good idea to mix it with some black pepper or oil (or both!) as this has been shown to increase the availability of curcumin so that your body can use it.
• It is especially great for homemade food colouring. It is best to stay away from artificial dyes like Yellow #5 and Yellow #6, when it is so easy to make your own with Turmeric. Boil water, whisk in enough powder to create the yellow shade you want, and boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Allow it to cool and store it in a glass jar in the fridge.

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