Turmeric is a spice that gives curry its yellow color. Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. Americans have become enamored with turmeric because of the touted health benefits. These health benefits come from a compound contained in the spice called curcumin.
Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric. Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory. It has anti-bacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is used to as a blood thinner, and blood detoxifier. It is used as a pain killer and to help with PMS. Turmeric is used to ease the effects of psoriasis and arthritis.
There are so many positive benefits from the use of turmeric. Following are 5 ways to include turmeric as part of your daily diet:
Add a tablespoon of turmeric to your favorite smoothie.
Make a cup of turmeric tea by adding 2 teaspoons of powdered turmeric to 2 cups of boiling water, to sweeten add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, add the juice of a lemon wedge and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Make golden milk by bringing to boil 2 cups of milk or plant based milk like almond or coconut milk with 1 teaspoon of powdered turmeric and 1 teaspoon of ginger. Remove from the heat, let cool for a couple of minutes then add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.
Add a tablespoon to your vegetable soup.
Put equal parts turmeric, coriander and cumin in a shaker on your table and sprinkle it on everything.
Turmeric can be found as a root in the produce section and as a spice aisle at your local grocery store. It is also found as a supplement in your local pharmacy. The best benefits are realized from consuming this spice daily. One use I didn’t mention above is that this spice is used as a food dye. So be careful, the yellow-orange color of the spice easily stains whatever it touches.
Teresa