Turmeric is a yellow spice native to India derived from the turmeric plant. Turmeric is from the ginger family and offers fantastic health benefits. Curcumin is a bioactive compound found in turmeric that has medicinal properties.
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help the body fight chronic inflammation, reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other ailments. The plant also has antioxidant properties that help the body wade off free radicals.
It also increases the amount of BDNF, a growth hormone in the brain. This aids neuron growth and reduces degenerative processes associated with aging. Curcumin can reduce heart attack and cardiovascular complications by 17 percent. Research also shows that curcumin helps treat asthma, lung cancer, and pulmonary disease.
With such excellent benefits, turmeric is a must-have in your lifestyle routine. There are many unique ways to incorporate turmeric into your life.
1. Turmeric Tea
Taking turmeric tea is one way to infuse turmeric into your diet. The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric tea helps with osteoarthritis pain and reduces swelling. This attribute also helps to improve liver functioning. It also plays a vital role in food digestion.
To prepare turmeric tea, you can use a prepackaged spice or grind the dried plant, then:
- Boil 1 liter of water
- Add two teaspoons of turmeric
- Simmer for 10 minutes
- Sieve the solution into another container
- Add honey, milk, lemon, or black pepper (piperine)
Curcumin is absorbed slowly into the bloodstream. Research shows that black pepper or piperine aids absorption by almost 2000 percent. Turmeric tea also helps manage irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes. With all these benefits, turmeric tea could easily replace your afternoon coffee.
2. Skincare
Turmeric can be incorporated as a skincare mask or as a spot treatment. It is naturally being infused more often into skincare products. It removes acne from the skin, prevents skin redness and hair loss. Curcumin improves collagen deposition and improves wound healing time.
It also eliminates free radicals and reduces UV damage through its antioxidant properties. You can also create your DIY recipe for skincare treatment. You can mix honey, lemon, and turmeric into a paste and apply for clearer skin.
3. Turmeric Gummies
It is important to note that the amount of curcumin in turmeric is usually not enough to meet our nutritional needs. So, health practitioners often recommend supplements. Turmeric gummies are another effective way to get your daily dose of the herb. You can consume turmeric gummies before your workout sessions or on your morning runs.
Turmeric gummies are a fast way to incorporate turmeric into your life. You don’t need any preparation and can consume it on the move. Turmeric gummies also contain ginger. You can enjoy the benefits such as weight loss and low blood sugar that ginger offers.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Turmeric can spice and give your vegetables a whole new flavor. Roasting your vegetables gives an appealing caramelization to them. A sprinkle of turmeric before roasting your veggies can be a game-changer for your taste buds. Plus, you get the value of two in one.
This way, you lower the risk of eye and digestive problems and optimize the immune system’s functionality. You can also add a little olive or coconut oil. It is a great recipe that you can enjoy all year long.
5. Add Color
You can use turmeric as a food dye to add color to meals. You can utilize the color directly by stirring the spice into meals. If you want something more potent, you can add a teaspoon of turmeric into half a cup of boiling water. A little makes the food yellow, more gives it an orange color.
It is what gives curry its color. You can also use it to showcase an egg-type color in eggless dishes, such as in tofu-based recipes. When making omelet, scrambles, or eggless salad, a spoon of turmeric can brighten things up.
It is suitable for vegetarians as it helps them add color and flavor to their meals. It would be ideal for vegan mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower with cheese, mushrooms, and corn cakes. The bright color it gives to food makes it more appealing.
Get With Turmeric
Creativity is key to getting the most out of turmeric. Experiment with your meals, your skincare routine, and see how the quality of your life improves. Have you been looking for avenues to bolster your immune system and reduce the risk of heart disease? Turmeric offers a fantastic solution.