Rightfully named “The Golden Spice”, turmeric is one of the most popular spices around the world. Frequently used in the Asian cuisine, turmeric has been used for quite a long time for its medicinal benefits as well. It may also be mentioned in the Bible, as many experts think that the “gold” brought to baby Jesus as a gift is in fact turmeric.
The Health Benefits Of Turmeric
The spice contains a variety of powerful compounds as well as antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. Turmeric contains a lot of fiber, vitamin C, E and K, as well as minerals including calcium, zinc, copper and potassium. The golden spice also contains a nice amount of protein. Here are some of the main health benefits of turmeric:
May Assist In The Treatment Of Cancer
According to recent studies, the main active compound in turmeric is called curcumin and has shown powerful anti-cancer potential, especially against leukemia, breast cancer and colon cancer cells. Of course, much more research is needed before we can conclude anything, but for now the results are promising.
Assists In The Treatment Of Depression
Consuming turmeric on a regular basis will flood your body with antioxidants that have anti-depressant properties.
Treats Arthritis
Due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can relive the pain caused by various inflammatory diseases including arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Reinforces Your Immune System
The lyposaccharides in turmeric have antibacterial and antiviral properties and are great for strengthening your immune system. Add some turmeric in your meals and you will definitely become more resistant to infections in a short time.
Accelerates The Healing Of Wounds
Due to its antibacterial, antiviral and antiseptic properties, turmeric can accelerate the healing of minor wounds and help your skin recover.
Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Consume turmeric every day to relieve your blood pressure and regulate your cholesterol levels, effectively keeping heart disease at bay.
Promotes Weight Loss
Not only will turmeric improve your digestion and metabolism, it will also stop your weight gain and keep your weight in check afterwards.
Keeps Your Liver Healthy
Turmeric is one of the best spices for your liver – it will detoxify it of toxins and help your liver heal and recover.
May Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease
Newest studies have shown that turmeric can keep your blood and oxygen flow to the body in proper shape, effectively reducing the risk of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Here are 7 turmeric-based recipes which will surely improve your overall health:
Turmeric tea
Ingredients
- ½ a teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 cup of water
- A bit of black pepper
- A bit of honey
- A bit of lime juice
Directions
Brew your tea as the usual, add the lime juice, black pepper and honey, stir well and drink the tea warm.
Turmeric juice
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ a lemon
- A pinch of sea salt
Directions
Juice the lemon in a glass, add the turmeric and salt, stir well and drink the juice fresh. It’s best taken in the morning as a nice energy booster.
Turmeric scramble
This one’s simple – add a few pinches of turmeric in your morning scramble to improve your overall health.
Turmeric soup
Ingredients
- 4 cups vegetable (or bone) broth
- A handful of grated turmeric root
Directions
Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the turmeric and simmer the mixture for 15 minutes. Take the turmeric out in the end, add a pinch of black pepper and eat the soup warm.
Turmeric smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon hemp seeds
- ½ cup almond milk (coconut milk is a good alternative)
- 1 ½ cups frozen mango chunks
- 1 teaspoon maca root powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
- A bit of black pepper
Directions
It’s simple – add everything in a smoothie maker or blender and drink the smoothie right away.
Golden milk
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
- ¼ cup water
- A pinch of cinnamon, clove and cardamom
- A cup of coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons honey
Directions
Mix everything in a bigger pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then continue boiling for a few minutes and drink a cup of warm golden milk before going to bed.
Turmeric kefir
Ingredients
- 1 gallon water
- 1/3 cup dry turmeric root
- A cup of ginger chunks
- A cup of sugar (organic)
- ½ a cup water kefir grains
Directions
Peel and chop the ginger and turmeric, then add them to a pot of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, lower the heat and continue cooking for about 60 minutes. Transfer it to a glass bottle and leave it to cool down in your fridge. Once cold, add the sugar, mix well until it dissolves and add the water kefir grains in the end. Now, transfer the mixture in a pot again and cover with a cloth, then leave it for 3-5 days in a warm spot. If the mix is tangy and fizzy after that period, you can consume it right away.
