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Out of all the antioxidant-rich ingredients, I use in my kitchen, turmeric is the one spice I can't live without, mainly because of its anti-ageing, immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. I've recently turned 49 so I'm always seeking out the best ways to nourish my body with foods containing anti-ageing properties. In particular, I love turmeric as it calms my digestive system and reduces inflammation - perfect in supporting my daily IBS protocol.
Curcumin, the potent polyphenol that is extracted from turmeric, possesses a wide range of health properties including being an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-microbial antioxidant.
Some of the ways I enjoy turmeric include making a calming turmeric milk or anti-inflammatory smoothie when my immune system is a little run down. I also love adding turmeric to pan roasted vegetables, nourishing soups, vegetable curry and my anti-inflammatory dukkah that I sprinkle over vegetables and salads.
Most evenings I also like to make a restorative drink of Natural Immune Support that’s loaded with turmeric – so it gives my body the nutrients it needs to rest and recover.
The use of turmeric actually dates back nearly 4000 years where it has been used in the Indian system of holistic medicine known as Ayurveda.
While this dazzling golden spice adds an alluring depth and aroma to my homemade golden mylks and many exotic dishes, it’s also a potent secret ingredient when it comes to good health.
Most evenings I also like to make a restorative drink of Natural Immune Support that’s loaded with turmeric – so it gives my body the nutrients it needs to rest and recover.
What turmeric is best for me?
When selecting turmeric, make sure it's organically grown, 100% GMO free and free from toxins and pesticides. Both fresh and dried turmeric have amazing health properties and I use them both in so many of my recipes. As a general rule of thumb, 1 tablespoon of fresh grated turmeric = 1 teaspoon dry turmeric. The flavour of turmeric depends on the quality you buy. It's a wonderful warming spice, extremely fragrant; slightly reminiscent of orange and ginger. Turmeric is wonderful in both sweet and savoury dishes and my favourite is an anti-inflammatory smoothie made with pineapple and pure coconut or Super Charged Scrambled Eggs for my morning breakfast.
Four amazing health benefits of turmeric:
1. Turmeric is anti-ageing
Curcumin has been linked to the management of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, eczema and inflammatory bowel disease.
This is because it works on a deeper level, including on your DNA. According to a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, turmeric and curcumin have shown potential to prevent DNA damage and help DNA repair. That's good news for preventing disease and slowing down the ageing process.
Turmeric is also a true superfood because it’s classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stressors like environmental toxins, inflammatory foods, and lack of sleep.
According to a study published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, turmeric and curcumin have shown potential to prevent DNA damage and help DNA repair. That's good news for preventing disease and slowing the ageing process.
2. Turmeric is immune boosting
Because turmeric has high antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties, it means it is great for helping to reduce the symptoms of cold and flu. Adding to its impressive list of nutritional benefits, turmeric is rich in manganese, zinc, B group vitamins and iron, which can help support overall health and wellbeing. Even more impressive, researchers at George Mason University have found that turmeric shows promise in combating certain viruses.
Even more impressive, researchers at George Mason University have found that turmeric shows promise in combating certain viruses.
3. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to aid in the treatment of stomach ulcers and reducing inflammation in people with arthritis and colitis.
According to numerous studies, curcumin has proven to have anti-inflammatory effects, many of which may have the potential to aid in the treatment of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, arthritis, Chron’s disease and cardiovascular disease.
When choosing dried turmeric powder, I always visit my local fair trade spice merchant to purchase the best quality organic turmeric. Alternatively, you can get a good quality turmeric in a health food store.
4. Turmeric is full of life-giving antioxidants
Curcumin provides antioxidants, supports healthy blood levels of cholesterol, boosts your immune system, provides essential nutrients and vitamins, provides joint support and supports weight management. Turmeric is also antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-diabetic.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of curcumin have been associated with improved regulation of blood pressure and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.