This ancient and magical spice has been used for its healing properties for centuries in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. This common spice has also been used for thousands of years in both Indian and Middle East cultures. It has more recently bought under the lens of modern research where studies have shown it to have a whopping 500 health benefits!
Turmeric is a rhizome and belongs is the Ginger Family. It contains an active component called Curcumin. Curcumin is where the magic is! It has been the subject of more than 5700 peer-reviewed and published biomedical studies. It is the one of the most researched plants in the world! It is a proven anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
This humble spice has been shown it may help:
- Liver Function
- Joint Pain such as arthritis
- Alzheimers
- Indigestion
- Lowering cholesterol
- Cancer Prevention
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Skin Conditions
- Digestion'
There are many more we could add to this list!
You can buy Turmeric in two forms, its natural raw state and a powder. If you are lucky enough to have a supermarket that stocks Turmeric and can buy it raw it will be cheaper and will also retain all of its active ingredients and importantly its oil which makes it super easy for the body to aborb. A little more preparation is needed to use it but it is worth the effort!
If you do not have this option there are plenty of really good powdered versions of Turmeric that are accessible. A word of advice here, make sure you buy an organic turmeric spice rather than a general curry blend from the supermarket which has little of anything helpful. One important recommendation is to combine it with pepper. This helps the absorption into the body of the curcumin. You can but great quality tumeric already mixed with pepper. We have put links to a few at the bottom of the article.
The great thing about this magic spice is it is so versatile and can be used in so many foods!
- Use it simply as a spice when making curries
- Use is as a seasoning on vegetables or in soups
- Add it to any juice or smoothie
- Add it to scrambled eggs or frittatas
- Take is directly with oil
- As a tea
One of the best recipes for it and our absolute favourite is a golden latte! This is simple and easy to make:
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup of milk (or milk substitute)
- 1-2 teaspoon of fresh grated turmeric root or 1 tespoon of Powdered Turmeric
- Half a teaspoon of cinnamon
- Half a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger root
- Raw honey or sugar
- A Pinch of black pepper ( if your Turmeric powder has black pepper added you will not need this)
METHOD
Warm the milk in a pan. Be careful not to boil. Add the turmeric, ginger and cinnamon. Use a whisk to foam the milk. Continue to stir until heated and the milk infused with the spices. Pour the milk into a glass or cup through a tea strainer or sieve. Stir in honey or Sugar. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Drink immediately.
Enjoy getting to know this amazing wonder spice and enjoy the benefits!
