Turmeric (most known for its use in curry) is a super spice used in Indian cultures for cooking and healing. It is one of the most beloved and researched plants of all time. Its active component is curcumin and it has been used since ancient times to heal the mind and body from ailments such as depression, pain, dementia, cholesterol management, diabetes and more. Scientists have concluded after extensive years of research (which includes over 5600 published studies and peer reviews) that the ancient plant has over 600 potentially preventative and therapeutic uses. It has also been proven to be as effective as many prescription and over the counter drugs including Lipitor/Atorvastatin (cholesterol), Prozac (depression), Metformin (diabetes), and pain relievers such as aspirin and ibuprofen, amongst others. Even more impressive, 54 studies have indicated that curcumin can kill off cancer cells.
So, we’d say adding turmeric to your diet is a pretty good idea. Here’s how to get your daily dose of this super spice:
Supplements
If you don’t love the taste of turmeric, you can get all the benefits by taking a daily supplement. The great thing about supplements is they’re convenient, concentrated, and require no preparation.
Smoothie
Add a dash of ground turmeric to any smoothie recipe. The sweetness of the smoothie will counter the spice. This is especially good for people who don’t like the taste.
Juice It
Fresh turmeric root is excellent for juicing. Similar in appearance and texture to ginger, it’s a great super boost for any juice recipe.
Turmeric Anti-Inflammation Juice
- 2 lemons with peel cut away
- 5 pieces celery
- 1 apple
- 2 medium or 4 small carrots
- 6 medium pieces turmeric
(or 1 teaspoon powdered turmeric per 8 ounces of juice if fresh is unavailable) - 1 inch piece of ginger
- 5 sprigs of mint (or a handful of cilantro)
Turmeric Tea
Turmeric makes excellent tea and is especially delicious combined with ginger for a spicy, super antioxidant treat.
Turmeric-Ginger Tea Serves 1
1 cup water
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Splash of milk or soy milk
Honey or maple syrup, to taste
In Eggs
Eggs and turmeric are natural allies and there are many recipes online for turmeric eggs and frittatas.
Spiced Kale Scramble: Serves 1
2 pasture eggs
1 cup chopped kale
1.5 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp butter
salt and pepper to taste
1. Heat the butter in a skillet. In a separate bowl whisk eggs.
2. Add chopped kale to the skillet and cook until slightly wilted. Then add whisked eggs.
3. Add turmeric, garlic powder, salt and pepper and cook. That’s about it! Pretty easy! Serve with toast if you want.
As a Mask
Yes. Weird but true! Turmeric is excellent for detoxifying the complexion, exfoliating and unclogging pores.
Radiant Skin Mask with Turmeric (via Mommypotamus)
Ingredients
- ½ cup garbanzo (chickpea) flour
- 1 ½ Tbsp ground turmeric (Note from Mommypotamus: Regular turmeric is fine for most people, but some people have reported that it stains. A patch test is recommended. Alternately, you can use kasturi turmeric, which does not stain)
- 5 drops of your favorite beneficial oil.
- 1-2 tsp filtered water
Directions
- Mix the flour and turmeric and save in an airtight container until you are ready to prepare your mask.
- To prepare the mask, mix 1 Tbsp of the flour mixture with 5 drops of oil and enough water to make a paste.
- Smooth the mixture on your face and neck, avoiding the eyes.
- Let the mixture remain on your face until it dries (about 15 minutes) and then wash it off in the shower.
- Make sure you remember to take your shirt off before you put this mask on. Avoid getting this mask on your clothes because it might stain!
You can download the entire turmeric study database here: Downloadable Turmeric Document.
photo credit: Blaine Arin
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