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What’s So Special About Turmeric?

This powerful spice contains many uses and impressive benefits. Turmeric is a common spice used in many dishes around the world, especially Indian cuisine. Benefits such as reducing inflammation, containing antioxidants and comprising anti-cancer properties are just a few reasons why we should incorporate Turmeric daily.

About Turmeric

Turmeric comes from a plant in the same family as ginger. Turmeric powder is dried and ground rhizome of the plant. Flavors of warm, bittersweet, earthy combinations makes this spice unique. Turmeric is a focused source of the phytonutrient curcumin. Curcumin has powerful properties including anti-inflammatory assets and promotion of optimal liver function.

Turmeric has been harvested in Indonesia and southern India for more than 5,000 years. It used to be known as the “Indian saffron” because of its bright yellow color similar to the prized saffron spice. Turmeric has been used throughout our history as a medicine, textile dye, and condiment.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

1. Antioxidant
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. Helpful for arthritis
4. Promotes liver function
5. Brain booster
6. Protection of the heart
7. May help fight against cancers and diabetes

Provides anti-inflammatory protection

Turmeric has been in the Indian and Chinese medicine system as an anti-inflammatory agent. There has been several studies of the ant-inflammatory effects linked with the phytonutrient curcumin. The anti-inflammatory effects of this phytonutrient curcumin have been shown to be comparable to potent prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.  

Promotes Joint Health

Due to Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, people with joint problems find relief when using this spice on a regular basis. Some recent studies have shown patients who have rheumatoid arthritis who take Turmeric lengthen walking time, reduce swelling of joints, and reduce morning stiffness.

Promotion of Optimal Health

Turmeric promotes to overall health such as liver detoxification, inhibition of radiation-induced damage to chromosomes, and inhibits some cancer producing chemicals in body. Turmeric’s curcuminoid phytonutrients also help diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and diabetes.

Use Mindfully

Turmeric is considered safe to eat in moderate amounts. Ask your doctor before taking Turmeric capsules or supplements because it can negatively interact with several medicines.

It’s recommended that adults should incorporate roughly 3 grams total turmeric into a diet per day. The amount varies further when the plant is powdered or liquidized. For powdered turmeric, no more than 1,800 mg per day should be ingested. Fluid extracts shouldn’t exceed 90 drops and tincture shouldn’t exceed 120 drops a day.

The Best Way to Store Turmeric

Turmeric is available year-round. Keep this spice in a sealed glass container in a cool, dark, dry place. Turmeric is kept fresh for about 6 months. If you buy fresh Turmeric rhizome (plant), then it should be kept in the refrigerator.

The Best Way to Consume Turmeric

The Turmeric powder should be added at the end of the cooking process. Turmeric is best absorbed in the body if you combine black pepper and a fat soluble substance.

Piperine in black pepper has been shown to increase absorption and the effects of Turmeric because it will increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Curcumin in turmeric is more easily absorbed when taken with fat.

Turmeric is fat-soluble, which means it dissolves in fat, and in order for the body to be able to absorb it, you have to add some fat. Some examples of fat-soluble substances are almond milk, avocado oil, coconut milk, and extra virgin olive oil. 

Where to Purchase Turmeric

You can sometimes find fresh Turmeric rhizome in the refrigerated area at your local supermarket. You can find Turmeric powder generally in the spice section either prepackaged or in bulk. The nutrient-rich way to pick out powder Turmeric is to purchase in bulk because you can select the amount you actually need.

You can also purchase curry powder which contains about 20 different spices, herbs, and seeds. The Turmeric is a main substance in this powder and is responsible for the yellow/orange color.

Tip: It is always recommend going to your local farmer’s market to see if there is any organic Turmeric for purchase.

Ways to Consume Turmeric

Listed below are some ways to incorporate this powerful spice into your daily lives.

1. As A Salad Dressing

Add some extra nutritional value and an orange yellow hue by adding some Turmeric powder to your salads. I like creating my own salad dressing by using extra virgin olive oil, Turmeric powder, black pepper, sea salt, and the juice of half a lemon.

2. Golden Milk Tea

This drink is best for those cold cozy nights or mornings. You will need 2 cups of warm milk (whole, almond, pecan or coconut), 1 tsp. of Turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper and 1 Tbsp. of raw honey for that extra sweetness. Add cinnamon sticks for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Sunshine Smoothie

Want something cool and refreshing? Try this Sunshine Turmeric smoothie. You will need 1 cup of your choice of milk (almond, coconut, pecan, whole), 1/2 cup frozen pineapple, the juice of 1 orange, 1/2 tsp. Turmeric powder, a pinch of black pepper, and about 1 tsp. of grated ginger root.

4. As a Plain Ol’ Spice

This spice can be added to many dishes. I enjoy having Turmeric powder added to my vegetables, eggs, stir fry’s, meats and soups.

5. DIY Turmeric Lime Bath Bomb

Ingredient List

1/8 cup turmeric powder, 1 cup aluminum-free baking soda, ½ cup citric acid, ½ cup organic corn starch, 2 Tbsp. Epsom salt, 2-3 tsp. of an essential oil (tea tree, lavender, or vanilla), 3 tsp. melted coconut oil ,1 tsp. water, added slowly (using a spray bottle would help), zest of 1 lime, silicon mold tray (preferably round).

Directions

1. Whisk together dry ingredients: turmeric, baking soda, citric acid, corn starch and Epsom salt. Slowly whisk in the coconut oil and your essential oil. Gently mix until well combined. Add half lime zest, saving the other half for later.
2. Start slowly spraying mixture with 1 tsp. of water. Add only a little bit at a time to keep the mixture intact. Too much added will create your mixture to fall apart.
3. Mix together with your hands. When you’re able to grab a handful and the mixture sticks together without immediately falling apart, it is ready. Use gloves due for the protection of staining hands.
4. Portion out the remaining lime zest into each individual molds. By adding lime zest to each mold first will develop a prettier bath bomb outcome. After adding the zest, add your bath bomb mixture into each mold by pressing down and packing each mold.
5. Let sit  for 1-2 days. After completion, remove on bath bomb at a time from mold tray. Keep each created bath bomb in an airtight container.
6. Add 1 bath bomb to a warm bath and enjoy. 

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