The golden spice is prized for its anti-inflammatory powers. Find out more about why you should add this superfood, er, super spice, to your diet now. Plus, fun ways to cook with it.
What is Turmeric?
This golden spice comes from the curcuma longa or curcuma domestica plant, which is native to South Asia. The bold spice comes from the root-like section that grows under the soil, called a rhizome. The rhizomes are boiled and dried to make turmeric powder, which is sold on its own and also incorporated into many curry powder blends. You can also find the fresh version at some specialty grocery stores.
The Health Benefits of Turmeric
One teaspoon of turmeric powder contains just nine calories, but the golden spice is truly a star because of its anti-inflammatory molecules, including one called curcumin. Turmeric powder is about 3.14 percent curcumin, suggests one study published in Nutrition and Cancer. “Turmeric and curcumin, the most active constituent of the spice, have been the subject of thousands of studies,” says Maribeth Evezich, MS, RD, MBA, a dietitian based in New York City. “This research shows that curcumin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as well as antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal and immune modulating activities.” You could benefit from up to a teaspoon a day.
Curcumin may also have artery-clearing effects. In one study from Taiwan, people who consumed curcumin extracts daily significantly reduced their levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in just 12 weeks. Other research published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science links curry with eye health saying people who frequently consumed curry were less likely to have high myopia, an eye condition that can cause vision loss.
Got gut problems? Turmeric might help. In a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, curcumin reduced inflammation in the guts of people with inflammatory bowel disease. What’s more, turmeric can act as a natural pain reliever, as one study from Thailand found curcumin extract worked about as well as ibuprofen to relieve pain among people with osteoarthritis.
How to Use Turmeric
Sprinkle turmeric powder on vegetables like cauliflower before roasting, recommends Evezich. Simmer the spice into soup or add it to the water you use to cook rice or lentils. Add turmeric to smoothies and juices or saute with scrambled eggs or tofu. If you prefer (and can find) the fresh root, use a grated tablespoon as a substitute for a teaspoon of the dried form, says Evezich. To maximize the benefits of turmeric, combine it with fat, such as coconut oil, she adds. This helps distribute the spice evenly into your dish. Add black pepper for more flavor and power. The seasoning can boost your body’s absorption of curcumin
Turmeric Tea
Ingredients:
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon honey
hot water
lemon
Directions:
1. Mix turmeric and honey into a mug to make a paste.
2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over and mix, and add a squeeze or slice of lemon.
To read more about this article, please see original article at this link: https://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/diet-tips/health-benefits-turmeric