Get in Tune With Turmeric

Turmeric on spoonHave you ever looked at your spice rack and wondered where they came from and if they are good for more than just making your meal more flavorful? Well, when I learned that turmeric has been used for centuries, I had to share its amazing benefits.

Turmeric (which belongs to the ginger family) has been utilized by Indian and Asian cultures for thousands of years for both cooking and medicinal purposes.

In both ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine, turmeric has been used to aid digestive problems, support liver function, relieve inflammation from arthritis and to help suppress pain from many sources. Topically, it has been applied to help heal skin conditions such as eczema and wounds.

The Low Down on Turmeric

  • Color: Bright yellow. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, gives the spice it’s coloring.Stretching
  • What it Does: Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help boost the immune system. The spice also offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • How to Use it Post-workout: Anyone that works out regularly, or is training for any type of race knows that feeling of being stiff and sore the next day. After a rigorous workout or a session with my trainer, I often take a curcumin supplement to help lessen the pain until the soreness subsides. Curamin from EuroPharma is a personal favorite of mine.
Note: Although curcumin is safe to be taken daily, please consult your health care professional before adding any new supplement to your daily regimen.


Add Turmeric to Your Meal
For fast delivery, both turmeric and curcumin are available as dietary supplements, but turmeric can be added to your favorite meal, side dish or even be prepared as a tea! Here are a few ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet:

Tea

Turmeric-Ginger Tea
(Serves 1)

Ingredients

  • 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

Directions
In a small saucepan, bring water to boil. Add turmeric and ginger, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in milk and strain tea into a cup. Add sweetener to taste.


Indian Spice Rub
(Makes about 1 cup)

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons curry powder
  • 3 tablespoons coarse salt
  • 4 teaspoons crushed red pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon dried mint
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger

Directions
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. The rub can be added to the dish of your choosing.


Supercharged Smoothie
(Serves 1)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • ½ cup fresh papaya
  • 1 scoop protein powder
  • 1 (1 inch) piece of fresh turmeric root (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 (1/2 inch) piece of fresh ginger root (peeled)
  • 3 cubes of ice (or as many as desired)

Directions
Combine almond milk, papaya, protein powder, turmeric root, and ginger root in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth.

Do you incorporate turmeric into any of your recipes? Connect with us on Facebook or Twitter and share your culinary creations!

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