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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 đ
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 |
Turmeric helps me a lot.it really helps my lymphedema because it has powerful antibiotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It removes all the harmful free radicals from the body and gives a tremendous boost to the immune system.
Private Member |
santa cruz, ca
I greatly appreciate this comment, as a student in a medical field (TCM). Thank you. đ It also makes sense given how Yu Jin (turmeric) in TCM.
Private Member |
seattle, washington
Mustard has turmeric as one of the main ingredients as well as mustard seed and vinegar.
Private Member |
los angeles, ca, usa
I love turmeric. I use it in cooking meat and add garlic powder too. You don’t need salt. I also use it for seafood like fish and shrimp. I also heard about turmeric benefits but I simply love the taste. đ
Private Member |
ĂstĂ nad labem, Är, ÄeskĂĄ
Ahoj,hitem je,Äistit si zuby kurkumou,jĂĄ to dÄlĂĄm.prĂĄĆĄek naĆedit vodou a sup na kartĂĄÄek.Proti zĂĄnÄtu a bÄlĂ.tedy pak vyÄistit jeĆĄtÄ pastou,nebo mlgat olej z kokosu.tu chuĆ„ mĂĄm rada.
Private Member |
I add turmeric powder in my green smoothie – love it !
Private Member |
curitiba, parana, brazil
Hi Zu…as I said on facebook, I use turmeric since long everyday for cooking. I add it on steamed vegetables, on cooked veggies also with gravy. Also for bakery when preparing tapioca breads and salt pancakes. It goes well on pasta with tomato sauce or directly on pasta to give a nice colour and be healthier also. If you are sick or have cold just add a pinch in water milk with honey and cinnamon! Turmeric, mustard seeds and cumin seeds are must in my kitchen along with coconut oil. See you, take care.
Private Member |
curitiba, parana, brazil
*water milk means hot milk…kkk
Private Member |
mumbai, india
If you want to get The Most out of tumeric and cucurmin active ingredient you have to Combine it with black Pepper; increases the bioavailibility hundredsfold.
Like Fernanda I like to use it for when I get a cold, as golden milk. You make a Paste out of tumeric, Little black Pepper and water by boiling it. Then you add 1 tsp of This to a hot cup of milk (coconut or almond) with e.g. Honey. It’s the Best!
Private Member |
usa
I enjoy turmeric this way too. It really helps me with inflammation and digestion.
Private Member |
This is my favorite drink with turmeric: http://soulfoodliving.com/?p=894
I don’t add any sweetener, though. In fact, I think I will have to make this tomorrow! I haven’t made it for a while and this discussion about turmeric has got me wanting this drink again. đ
Private Member |
uk
I know about the benefits but the taste is not great. I like curry dishes and always add extra turmeric. But other than curry (or egg spread) I don’t think it goes well with any other food. I can’t imagine drinking it in anything. I might give it a go though.
Private Member |
Hi Zuzka: I buy fresh organic turmeric each week and use it in my smoothies just about each day. I also cook with it as often as I can. I love it – it’s so good for you and it adds great flavor too!