The Power of Turmeric

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General Health
The Power of Turmeric

The Power of Turmeric

Turmeric has been used in traditional cooking for hundreds of years, but did you know this root spice has many more health benefits than just a great flavour to add to our meals?

Turmeric is a very strong natural anti-inflammatory, this is because of its active compound curcumin, which is responsible for all of turmeric’s amazing health benefits. Curcumin has been found to increase the natural anti-oxidants in our bodies.

An anti-oxidant is a molecule that stops “oxidation” of other molecules, which stops the release of “free radicals”. These free radicals go around our body causing damage to our cells, either triggering poor cell function or death of the cell; this ultimately causes increased inflammation. Therefore, with curcumin increasing the natural anti-oxidants in our body, this fights inflammation by stopping it before it even begins.

There are many conditions associated with high levels of inflammation in the body, some of these include chronic pain and arthritis, hormone imbalances, thyroid disease, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, heart problems, weight and gut problems, and anxiety and depression.

Because all of these problems listed above have some connection to inflammation, turmeric may help. Turmeric decreases inflammation rapidly and safely and can help detox your body without any major side effects, and can be consumed as part of a daily diet. Be sure to always consult your health professional before you start taking high doses of any supplement. Although turmeric is relatively safe, in high doses it can interfere with blood thinning medication (warfarin, aspirin etc) as turmeric also has blood-thinning properties.

Turmeric can also help support digestive health; however can also lead to gut irritation when taken in high amounts. Turmeric causes the stomach to release gastric acid, generally aiding in digestion, however in some individuals it may causes increased reflux and indigestion.

Below is a recipe I have tried and tasted which is really easy to make, and can have more or less of the spices depending on your required taste! However when making this latte or any turmeric recipe it is essential to add a few grinds of fresh black pepper. This increases bioavailability (absorption level into the blood stream) of turmeric by up to 2000%, to ensure you get the most out turmeric’s wonderful properties. Why not try the power of turmeric today?

GOLDEN TURMERIC LATTE

2 cups almond, coconut or cows milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean extract
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
Good pinch black pepper (important)
1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon raw honey (optional – or more if you’re a sweet tooth!)

METHOD

Combine milk, honey, vanilla, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon in a pot.
Place over a low heat and whisk until combined.
Heat the milk and aromatics until hot.
Pour the milk into 2 serving cups and enjoy.

Serves 2.

For more recipes and information on turmeric visit this website: