What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a beautiful plant who’s medicine is found in it’s glowing golden roots. Well known for its anti-inflammatory effects, This golden beauty is native to India, and can be found in many warming dishes like curry. As one of the most well-studied herbs, it’s safe to say it has become one of the most popular herbs as well. People have been using turmeric in both food and medicine for centuries, and it is commonly used in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Turmeric Benefits
People are becoming more and more aware of the role inflammation plays in health. It’s at the heart of nearly all chronic illnesses, and it’s becoming more widely understood that if we can get rid of inflammation, we can more easily reduce dis-ease. Luckily, turmeric is a natural (powerful!) way to help do just that.
Turmeric is well-known and studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic properties [1]. These qualities can aid in optimizing our digestive system, detoxification systems, and more.
Turmeric’s powerful medicinal effects are all thanks to its main flavonoid called curcumin. This component is what allows us to get every benefit the spice has to offer all at once. However, curcumin is not easily absorbed into the bloodstream on its own. The best way to help it along is to combine it with black pepper. The pepper contains piperine, which increases the absorbability of curcumin by up to 2,000%! [2]
Our Favorite Ways to Add Turmeric into Your Diet
Being the superhero that it is, you can’t go wrong with integrating turmeric into your diet. One of the easiest ways to use turmeric is to cook with it. Turmeric powder is widely available to buy, and it’s great to sprinkle onto your meals to add a little color and a lot of flavor.
1. Turmeric Tea Turmeric root tea is an easy, and cozy way to help fight inflammation. Simply cut a ½ inch of washed turmeric root and steep in hot water. You can also chop it up smaller and place in a reusable tea bag. With a dash of salt and honey, this is the perfect drink to both wake up to, and wind down with.
2. Curry Dishes Turmeric is traditionally found in curry dishes, and is often what gives it the traditional bright orange hue. Add turmeric powder to any meat dish, rice, or broth to add some spice and flavor. It pairs well with other warm spices like coriander, cloves, nutmeg, chili powder, and of course, staples like garlic and onion.
2. Curry Dishes Turmeric is traditionally found in curry dishes, and is often what gives it the traditional bright orange hue. Add turmeric powder to any meat dish, rice, or broth to add some spice and flavor. It pairs well with other warm spices like coriander, cloves, nutmeg, chili powder, and of course, staples like garlic and onion.
3. Turmeric Latte Don’t knock it until you try it! Best when made at home, turmeric lattes are a cozy and delicious way to treat your body to some warming turmeric. Simply add one teaspoon of turmeric and a few pinches of salt and cinnamon to a mug with some hot water. Use a frother to blend, then add a shot of espresso or a few ounces of coffee, and top with milk of choice. It’s a sure way to start your day on a good note.
4. Turmeric Radiance Tonic Turmeric Radiance helps activate the metabolism, invigorate the core and wake up the body. The warming spices of this tonic make it perfect for a detoxifying morning drink or before meals to stimulate the appetite, activate digestive secretions and ready the body for optimal digestion.
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