I’m sure you’ve heard that turmeric is known as a superfood. But what exactly is it and what does it do? Does it really live up to the hype? Turmeric spice is a member of the ginger family and is commonly used in medicine and cuisine in Asia and India. Its bright yellow-gold color gives any dish or drink a beautiful glow. Keep reading to learn more about what makes turmeric so powerful and what benefits it offers.
The secret ingredient: Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that gives it a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. It’s been used in Indian Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for generations to treat a variety of health conditions such as inflammation, digestion problems, and chronic pain. It has recently been introduced in Western medicine as a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory agent.
Health Benefits
Inflammation: Turmeric is famous for being an excellent anti-inflammatory spice, meaning it helps reduce inflammation within the body and help repair itself. Inflammation is the source of many chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis. Inflammation is also notorious for causing weight gain and can often make it difficult to lose weight.
Antioxidants: Antioxidants help protect your body against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Oxidative stress ages the cells in your body at a quicker pace, leading to degenerative diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Antioxidants help to protect your body from free radicals and minimize your body’s oxidative stress.
Digestion: Turmeric is known to help promote a healthy gut by decreasing gut inflammation and improving overall gut health. Without proper gut health, your body’s metabolism can’t function at its optimal level, making weight loss difficult.
How to Use it
Turmeric can be added to a variety of different dishes and even drinks! Adding a teaspoon to any soups, stews, curries, teas, and smoothies can give you the boost you’re looking for. It gives any dish a subtle hint of spice and helps give dishes a richer, deeper flavor.
Try our recipe for Seared Turmeric Chicken Lunch Bowls for a delicious way to incorporate turmeric into your meal plan!
Where to buy it
Turmeric can be found in most local grocery stores. Check the spice aisle for bottles of turmeric, you can’t miss its beautiful golden hue!
If you’re looking for a way to not only spice up your dishes but also give your immune system a boost, then turmeric may be a great option to try! It’s excellent flavor, and healing properties makes the title “Superfood” very fitting. Let us know on Facebook if you’ve tried our recipe or used turmeric in any dishes, we would love to see all the different ways you use this unique spice!