Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric root grows wild in Southeast Asia but it’s originally from India.  It comes from the ginger family and is found in curry dishes around the world.  It has a very long history of medicinal use dating back 4000 years.  Turmeric is commonly used as a spice in cooking but has had its place in religious ceremonies and natural and pharmacological medicine.  Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine have used it for years.  Turmeric contains high levels of manganese, iron, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin C, and magnesium.  Its popularity has seemed to resurface with golden milks, lattes, teas, and incorporated into dishes like cauliflower, quinoa, and chicken.

Turmeric has an amazing reputation for its anti-inflammatory properties, and for good reason.  Curcumin is one of several active curcuminoid compounds found in turmeric which is the orange gem of the turmeric root.  Curcumin is largely responsible for assisting in the prevention of several types of cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, degenerative disorders, and Alzheimer’s.  In addition, curcumin and turmeric are safe to use and have very few side effects.

The benefits of turmeric are really long reaching. It has been extensively tested and researched and continues to receive excellent reviews.   Turmeric has been shown to contribute to:

• Fighting inflammation
• Preventing or slowing of blood clots
• Improving acne and psoriasis
• Decrease pain
• Neutralizing free radicals
• Reduce depression
• Studies have shown it to be helpful in prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in rats
• Studies have shown it to decrease the spread of cancer, reduce the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, and help destroy cancer cells.

With all the outstanding benefits of turmeric, it can be very difficult to absorb into the bloodstream so it is critical as to what kind of turmeric you are ingesting.  Piperine, which is found in black pepper, is necessary to absorb the curcumin so make sure to always include it into whatever you are cooking.  The same holds true for taking it in supplement form. I personally use a liquid that has black pepper and is highly absorbable.  I use it daily and will increase my intake in the event of injury or inflammation.  Be careful when using turmeric as it can stain very easily.

Give yourself a cup of health and enjoy my recipe for Golden Milk.  It is a delicious warm beverage that is Newport Beach Cleanse, AIP, Low FODMAP, Paleo, Keto and low lectin friendly.

Golden Milk Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened full fat coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of honey (Omit for AIP, Low FODMAP, and Keto)

Instructions:

Place all ingredients into a sauce pan and heat while stirring until fully combined.  Serve warm.

Serves 2

You can use fresh turmeric and ginger root, just strain after cooking.

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