Turmeric
I love this superhero spice! A member of the ginger family, turmeric has been used for thousands of years in cooking, traditional medicine, cosmetics and as a natural dye. Its golden colour comes from curcumin, a compound with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory studies. Human research is promising, especially for joint pain, though most studies use concentrated curcumin supplements rather than the amounts we eat in food.
How turmeric can support your health
- Joint comfort Several studies suggest curcumin supplements may help reduce osteoarthritis pain for some people.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds Curcumin helps protect cells from oxidative stress and calms inflammation in laboratory studies.
- Digestion Turmeric has long been used to support digestion, and early research suggests it may help some people with indigestion.
- Brain health Researchers are studying curcumin for memory and mood, with early but interesting results.
- Heart health Some studies suggest curcumin may support healthy blood vessel function and cholesterol levels.
- Better absorption with pepper and fat Curcumin is poorly absorbed on its own. Cooking turmeric with a pinch of black pepper and a little oil, as in a traditional curry, helps your body use it.
- A safety note Turmeric in food is safe for most people. High-dose turmeric or curcumin supplements can interact with blood thinners and diabetes medication, may not suit people with gallstones, and have been linked to rare liver problems, so talk to your GP or pharmacist before taking them.
Turmeric for skin and beauty
Turmeric’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are why it appears in so many skincare products.
Face masks A traditional turmeric, yoghurt and honey face mask can leave skin glowing. Turmeric can stain, so use only a little, and patch test first.
From the inside Antioxidant-rich spices like turmeric are a delicious part of an eating pattern that supports healthy skin.
Weight management
Turmeric is not a fat burner, but it adds huge flavour and colour to meals with virtually no kilojoules, so it helps make healthy, vegetable-rich cooking more satisfying.
Turmeric Cooking Tips
The leaves are used in Asian cookery by using large leaves to wrap around white and red meats, adding a mild flavor during cooking.
The Young leaves and flowers are lightly steamed and eaten.
Turmeric is the base and essential ingredient of curry powder. Make your own by blending peeled root with ginger, garlic, onion, black pepper, and olive oil (the pepper and oil help your body absorb the curcumin), my favorite is Sri Lankan curry base.
Use in dhal and Bean dishes
You can use a little powder to colour biscuits, and it makes a beautiful golden milk latte with macadamia and coconut milk.
Add to Pickles for color i.e. Cauliflower
As a good accompaniment to a meal, add couscous, rice, quinoa, or barley, and some vegetable or chicken stock.
A great additive to soups, dressings and sauces
My favorite Golden Milk Turmeric Recipe for you!
Golden milk Ice cream, chocolate sauce & toasted macadamia nuts
Serves 8, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegetarian
Difficulty Easy
Ingredients
420 ml coconut milk
210 ml coconut cream
1 cup salted, roasted cashew nuts
½ cup maple syrup
2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp. toasted coconut
Method
Soak cashew nuts in water overnight
Blend all ingredients
Coat a high sided pan with coconut oil sprayed greaseproof paper
Freeze
TIP
Remove from the freezer before required to serve as it sets harder than normal dairy ice-cream
Dairy free chocolate sauce
Organic Cacao powder
Cold pressed coconut oil
Maple syrup
Mix ingredients to form a light sauce consistency
Toasted Macadamia Nuts
200gm toasted macadamia nuts
Method
Scoop Icecream using hot water and a scoop
Top with chocolate sauce and roasted macadamia nuts
Your Welcome x
Interesting fact about Turmeric
Turmeric has been held in high esteem in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, and India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of turmeric.
This article is general information about food and wellbeing, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or a qualified health professional about any health condition, medication or major change to your diet.
