The yellow-coloured spice turmeric has been in use for thousands of years in traditional medicine and cooking. It is derived from the root of the turmeric plant and is commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. In recent years, turmeric powder has gained mainstream popularity due to its numerous health benefits. In this blog post, you can explore why it is a superfood you need in your diet.
What are the Health benefits of turmeric:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Chronic inflammation is often associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Curcumin, the active ingredient found in the spice, is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help reduce inflammation in the body. It is also believed to reduce inflammatory markers in the blood and improve symptoms of conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Powerful Antioxidant:
Antioxidants prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. Curcumin can neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is a leading cause of aging, and it’s also linked to numerous chronic diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.
Brain Health:
Curcumin has neuroprotective effects. It can improve memory and cognitive function in older adults and may even be effective in treating conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s disease.
Heart Health:
Curcumin can improve the function of the endothelium, which is the lining of the blood vessels. Endothelial dysfunction is a significant risk factor for heart disease; improving its function can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cancer Prevention:
Curcumin has been shown to have anti-cancer effects and can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Studies have suggested that it can help reduce the risk of breast, colon, and prostate cancers.
How to Incorporate Turmeric into Your Diet:
Now that you know about the numerous health benefits of turmeric powder, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your diet. Here are some ideas:
- Use it in Cooking: You can add flavour and colour to your dishes. It pairs well with rice, vegetables, lentils, and meat.
- Make Turmeric Tea: It has been a popular beverage used in traditional medicine for centuries. To make tea, boil water and add the powder, ginger, and honey. You can also add black pepper to increase the absorption of curcumin.
- Add it to Smoothies: You can add a teaspoon of powder to your smoothies for an extra boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. The powder pairs well with fruits like mangoes and bananas, adding a unique flavour to your smoothies.
- Make a Latte: To make a latte, heat milk in a saucepan, add the powder, cinnamon, and sweetener, and whisk until smooth.
- Take Supplements: If you’re not a fan of the taste of turmeric, you can also take it in the form of supplements. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement with sufficient curcumin to experience the health benefits.
- Make a Dressing: The powder can also be used to make a flavorful and healthy dressing for your salads. Mix the powder, olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and garlic to make a tasty dressing that can be used on various salads.
- Add it to Rice: Add colour and flavour to plain rice to make it yellow and aromatic. You can also add spices like cumin and coriander to enhance the flavour.
Turmeric powder is a superfood that you need in your diet. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties make it a valuable addition to your daily routine. Whether you use it in cooking, making tea or lattes, or taking supplements, there are numerous ways to incorporate the powder into your diet. So why not add this flavorful and nutritious spice to your meals today?
