What is Turmeric?
Have you ever taken a bite of your favourite Indian dish and wondered how it gets it fragrant flavour and yellow colour? Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that originated in Asia and is now used all over the world, not only because of its wonderful aroma and flavour, but also for its well-known anti-inflammatory healing properties. You can find turmeric in different forms; fresh, powder and even as a capsule supplement.
Properties of Turmeric
How does turmeric work in your body?
Turmeric contains active compounds called curcuminoids; curcumin being the most researched and known for its ability to reduce inflammation and its powerful antioxidant activity. Chronic inflammation is the underlying issue of illnesses such as obesity, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, alzheimer’s disease and many more.
Turmeric and Joint Health
Turmeric helps protect joints against the aging process and is a great for anyone who is sporty and active as it helps with movement, stiffness and inflammation. A systematic review of evidence suggests that taking 1000mg of curcumin/day (supplement form) can help alleviate symptoms of arthritis such as swollen joints, aches and pains (1).
Turmeric and Digestive health
Turmeric has been shown to protect the gastrointestinal tract through its anti-inflammatory action. It helps to aid digestion through increasing secretion of bile from the gallbladder which is key in fat digestion. Different compounds in turmeric help to reduce stomach issues such as gas, bloating and indigestion (2).
Turmeric and Immunity
Turmeric helps strengthen the immune system through its powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties (3) and is great to use throughout winter to give your immunity a boost. Turmeric interacts and modulates cells in the immune system to produce immune responses (4).
Turmeric and Neuroprotection
Research has shown curcumin to have neuroprotective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A reduction of inflammation in the brain can contribute to better memory and mood. Research has shown some potential in using curcumin for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s by reducing inflammation and preventing further damage to the brain (5).
How you can use turmeric everyday
If you are looking to add some spice to your life without burning off your taste buds, turmeric is perfect for you; it's earth, peppery and bitter, with a slight hint of ginger. Add some to your soups, stews, stir fries and everything you can think of! The more you use it in your day to day meals the better chance that you can reap the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric. To make sure you are getting the most out of adding turmeric to your diet, have it with some fats such as coconut oil and add some black pepper as there is some evidence which suggests that piperine (a compound in black pepper) aids the absorption of turmeric.
You can even try making a turmeric latte:
Ingredients
350ml of any milk of your choice
¼ tsp ground turmeric
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
Agave syrup or sweetener (to taste)
Pinch of black pepper
References:
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