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Let's Talk Turmeric!
Health | March 01, 2016
Foods have trends just like fashion, and right now the spotlight is on delicious turmeric.
If you haven’t heard of it, turmeric is a plant native to Asia and related to the ginger plant. Like ginger, the turmeric root has been prized for thousands of years as a spice and for it’s health and wellness benefits. The root is bulbous and tubular with a bright orange interior. When processed and dried, it makes the orange powder that is often used in Indian cooking. It’s the spice that makes your leftover curry stain your tupperware bright yellow 🙂
Turmeric has a somewhat spicy, bitter, slightly mustardy flavor that also brings ginger to mind.
Although recent studies have some mixed results, many people believe (and studies have proven) that turmeric has some amazing benefits. Curcumin, the active substance in turmeric is thought to be a excellent antioxidant, improve digestion, fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, lower bad cholesterol, and even prevent and fight cancer.
Reducing inflammation in particularly important for people who lead very active lifestyles. Studies show that less inflammation means enhanced athletic performance and reduced recovery time for damaged muscle fibers. And the Cleveland Clinic tells us that reducing inflammation can help keep us free of serious diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s and depression.
Turmeric is safe for the general population, but if you have gallstones, diabetes, are breastfeeding, or taking blood thinners, please read the following precautions from the University of Maryland Medical Center.
So, how can you use turmeric? So many ways! If you’re just looking for the health benefits but don’t enjoy the taste, you can get turmeric supplements in capsules at any health food store. But if you’d like to eat it (which I highly recommend!) you can use the fresh root, or buy it powdered in the spice aisle. If you use the fresh root, please be aware that it will stain absolutely everything bright orange. Like beets, the color will end up on you cutting board, kitchen island, hands, and clothes. Just in case, here are a few great ways to remove turmeric stains.
Turmeric is wonderful when added to savory recipes, like my Power Greens Breakfast Casserole or my Turkey Egg Meatballs (add turmeric to the coating). It’s also fantastic added to any white fish recipe. If you prefer to drink your turmeric, you can add some to your tea (you can sprinkle the powder in or add a few slices of the fresh root). I’ve also tried and loved this wonderful after-dinner digestive drink created by L.A. chef, Jessica Koslow (although it’s a little high in sugar).
And finally, one of the best ways to incorporate turmeric root into your life is to throw a fresh, peeled root into your homemade chicken broth as it cooks.
It’s fun to try new foods. Why not try some turmeric and see how you like using it? I’d love to hear what you think, if you enjoyed it, and how you used it. Share your favorite recipe, too.
If you’re a long time user of turmeric and you’ve reaped some of it’s many touted health benefits, I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Hello to all of you guys,
I just wanted to tell you how bless you are that you are able to swallow, eat or drink.
Remember hiw I tokd you I was going to the surgery?
Well, for 2.5 yearsvnow, Ive had a tracheostomy tube (you may not have heard about it, but this is a metal tube put in your throat so you are able to breath). Ive had this because of some illness that caused my airway to close completely.
I came to London to be operated on by a greatvsurgeon, but I had complications and now not only do I still have the tracheostomy tube in, I also cannot drink or eat, Im fed by nasogastral tube for over 2 months.
I cannot tell you how devastated I am. I lost 10 kilos, I havent been doing any workout, I am just a shadow of a woman I used to be.
I just wanted to say-do not take anything for granted and be happy about every little thing in your lives.
I do not know if I ever be able to join you again.
I miss you so much…
Love you guys
Xoxo
Magda
Private Member |
tx
Magda,
This breaks my heart. We never interacted but I’ve always read and enjoyed your comments and participation in the community, and your absence has definitely been noticed. I’m wishing you all the best for a full and speedy recovery. Your words that we should never take our health for granted are powerful.
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Stephanie for all support. It means a world to me.
Kisses
Private Member |
manchester, united kingdom
Oh so sorry to hear this Magda, I hope you will find strength to get through this and heal quickly, We have all missed you in the Zgym!! I am rooting for you Magda keep strong and never give up on hope!!! much love
XoXo
Abbey.
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Hello Abbey,
Thanks a million for your support. Its soeasierfor me to keep my head up, but such positive comments make it easier.
Thank you 🙂
Private Member |
uk
I’m sorry to hear about the complications. I remember you saying you going for a surgery. I wish you a speedy recovery and don’t give up! 🙂
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Katarina!
Greetings from London
Private Member |
You’re absolutely right. We take a lot of things for granted. I hope you make a recover soon!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Nia 🙂
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
Hi Magda, this is a really hard time you’re going through but you have to hang in there. Do you want me to give you a Skype pep talk? Sometimes it helps to have a lot of people to talk to 🙂 You’ll be fine again, we’ll be praying for you.
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Zuzka, that is the nicest thing Ive heard this year :*
It would be great to talk to you! But the Internet in the hospital is so slow I cant even watch your workouts and get a facebook connection 🙁 not to mention Skype…
But theres one thing I would like to tell you-if it wasn’t for your diet, workouts and attitude, I wouldn’t take 2 months of antibiotic treatment, 5 operations and shi** food. The docs keep saying how incredibly strong my body as to function pretty normally after all i’ve been through.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
You would think that strong, fit body and healthy diet are only good for your looks, and it turns out that it may literally save your life.
I miss you so much
Xoxo
M.
Private Member |
curitiba, parana, brazil
Hi dear, now I read your comments here. It is very sad to know what happened to you but I know how strong you are and this is nothing for a true warrior like you. I want you to just visualize everyday you doing your workout along with Zu, visualize and feel yourself doing it daily. Even if you can not get up, just do it mentally and feeling it inside your body, heart and soul. I bet you will be out of this hospital soon (I will dare to say in one month). And without any tube in your body. Just believe in yourself and believe in your power, your will and your strength. Life is an workout and even if we are tired and feeling like giving up, we need to finish it and beat our personal best. You will be your personal best now! It is your time girl! Come on, get up and come out of this stronger than you entered. I will be counting the days to read good news about you. And I will meditate for you daily. Just keep us updated. And do not forget your daily visualization…see you soon, take care!
Private Member |
ponte vedra beach, fl
Just getting caught up on all of this. I am so sorry 🙁 Do you have family there with you during this time? You will get through this and come out stronger than ever inside and out. I wish there was something more I could do to help. Stay positive. Stay strong. You will be back in the zgym before you know it. <3 <3 <3 <3
Private Member |
finland
We love you Magda and we know you will be back soon!!
Ill pray for you and i will work out for you too!
You are a strong beautiful women, nothing can bring you down!!
Stay positive 💕💕
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Love you too guys. Cant believe how supportive you all are :*
Love and hugs:***
Private Member |
curitiba, parana, brazil
Hey Magda…nice to see your comment here again! I was wondering how are you. We have been doing a burpee challenge for your recover. Every day one burpee (ladder day by day) till you come back home so better you go home fast ok! Hahahah…we are in number 10 today! Let us keep going and give us a good news soon! Hope you are feeling better now…see you dear, take care! With love from all of us!
Private Member |
lethbridge, alberta, canada
Oh Magda how sorry I am to hear that. I have always enjoyed reading your comments and will always remember your graceful wheel picture 🙂 You have such a wonderful and contagious spirit about you. Whether or not you are able to do the workouts, never leave the community Magda. You are a part of it to many more people than you know. Will pray for you, try to keep your spirits up. You are beautiful both inside and out 🙂
Susan
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Susan, it means a lot to read your supportive comment. It really makes a difference. Im so happy you remember me 🙂
Thank you again, cant wait to workout with you again.
Private Member |
lethbridge, alberta, canada
I have been fighting a bug for a couple of weeks, some sort of bronchitis/respiratory thing that is going around. I haven’t been exercising at all but in reality I should have been at least doing some stretches, bunny slope, poyo, something 🙁 I gave myself a talking to the other day and thought…”if Magda could have the chance to exercise right now, she would do it so don’t be so sucky now get back to it!!!!!” I do realize I need to rest but I also need to move my body off of the couch and get it moving again! See, you are an inspiration 🙂 Hope you are feeling well!
Private Member |
ellijay, ga, united states
I’m so, so sorry to hear this…I don’t even know what to say! 🙁 I remember you talking about going in for surgery, but had no idea. Hold on to the encouragement the doctors have given you about your body’s strength. I’m hoping that means your body will continue fighting for your healing! I’ll be keeping you in my prayers for a quick and full recovery. You have a lot of people rooting for you…we miss seeing you in the ZGym!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Christin.
I will fight till the end. Thats what warriorz do 🙂
Thank you for your comment.means a lot
Kisses and hugs for you :*
Private Member |
perth, western australia, australia
I was thinking of you just this lately that i haven’t seen you here for a while. I know and understand exactly what you mean as i used to be ICU nurse for long time, have inserted hundreds of nasogastric tube into patients, nurse lots of patients with tracheostomy. Yes they all felt so much of frustration and anger and losing hope and confidence. I know what you’re going through. i really hope and pray you get better everyday.
I like to thank you for your comment as i came right in time to remind me how lucky i am, just what i needed to be reminded of all belssings i have. I better start counting them and appreciate all that i have and the ability to do things that i want to. Just that i think we all once in a while need to be reminded of how lucky and how much blessings we already have, and to appreciate everything we have.
Thanks Magda, hope you get better everyday.
xoxo.
Private Member |
This makes me so sad to here!!! I’ll be praying for you while you recover from these complications and that your body will come back stronger than ever!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you Mary! :***
Private Member |
I’m sorry. I can’t even imagine. Thinking of you and hope you have a full recovery.
Private Member |
lodz, poland
:*
Private Member |
oh, i am so sorry, i never saw this, i am so sorry that you are struggling like this. but you’re on top now, with all these people doing burpees for you, how could you not be!
you are sailing over the hurdle!!
i will do my best burpees ever, thinking of you!
Private Member |
lodz, poland
Thank you my sweet Zoe :* i hope burpees really do the trick 🙂
Love and hugs :*
Private Member |
i have zero doubts 🙂 :*
Private Member |
switzerland/, france
Hello Magda,
I am so sad I didn’t caught up on you earlier and obviously touched by your situation though we don’t know each other.. I know how hard it can be, but don’t let things take you down. Your “reality” may be different in the future, but please don’t let go. I mostly hope you will be able to eat and drink again and become independent of hospital cares again.
My nephew was born with part of his colon not working (no muscle movement) and bowel could not move and he could not poop properly. It look several years and surgeries to fix this. It was devastating for the parents, but he was lucky somehow it happened before he was 3 years old and will not remember these tough times anymore.
So sometimes it takes time, wishing you all the very best luck and recovery. Laila.
Private Member |
Oh my goodness! I am so sorry to hear this and pray that you get better soon. Do they know the illness that caused your airway to close? I only ask as I had a client who over the period of 6 months or so she found it harder and harder to breath(we joked for awhile that the air was thin down on the floor as she tried to do pushups). It got really frustrating…and scary as she wasn’t able to breath well at all. She ended up having to go to specialists in Stanford to have laser surgery done and had another one a year and a half later as the scarring returned. No one really seems to know what is causing it. Sure hope she doesn’t have to have a tube like that put in. I can’t even imagine. You are quite the inspiration in this community(or at least to me)…especially with those back bends you mastered. Best wishes that you are recovering now.
Private Member |
Oh Magda! I had no idea what was going on! I haven’t been on lately reading comments…workouts only…and I’m just now seeing this based on the killer legs comments. I hope you are doing better!!! Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery!
Private Member |
Turmeric is yummy in a morning drink with fresh lemon juice and honey, but it is almost impossible to get turmeric stains out of the cup, and it makes teeth very yellow, which is the only minus.
Private Member |
perth, western australia, australia
HI, now that i just read your post just right in time as i’m sipping my Turmeric mocktail with apple cider, cinnamon powder, lemon juice and turmeric powder:) i think might just try this every few days to see how i improve generally. If you know what effects does it bring, i like to know.
Cheers:)
Private Member |
tx
I love using Turmeric. I use it in many food recipes and love turmeric milk.
Private Member |
I don’t like the taste but I do sprinkle it on my food sometimes and use it in a rub for my baked tofu or tempeh. I can’t taste it as much that way.
Private Member |
sydney, nsw, australia
*Random unrelated to turmeric comment alert lol.
I’m really feeling uninspired lately and I’m looking for new ways to self improve. Just wondering if you’re reading any interesting books at the moment? A video on your most inspiring books related to health, fitness and well-being could be fun :).
Also, I’m really interested in learning more about the kinesiologic stretching we’ve been doing. Where did you learn it from and what’s the science behind it?
Private Member |
About a few days before this post came out I started using turmeric a little more… I actually started putting it in my morning coffee (about 1/4 tsp with a splash of blk pepper).. with some cinnamon.. and coconut oil… and i LOOOOVVVVVVEEEE it. any more then 1/4 tsp is not yummy, but 1/4 tsp is perfect…. and I tried the “golden milk”, which I also found yummy.. except I used cinnamon instead of honey… I dunno, my sister has been sick for a long time (over a year, but we recently found out it was cancer =( ) Anyway, last summer she was making a juice that include ginger and turmeric and while she was drinking that all the numbers in her labs greatly improved.. especially the marker for inflammation.
Private Member |
switzerland/, france
turmeric is the main component of curry , so I swap them in recipes with curry. I usually use it in pumpkin soup, but could be in any stew/curry mix.
Private Member |
We go through turmeric by 2 lb bags and buy apple cider vinegar by the gallon. I’m always surprised when I have to buy more. The things they put in the air in the name of climate change has us detoxing.