Is turmeric a part of your diet? If not, you may want to think about how to include it.
Turmeric is known to help with over 150 conditions including lung and liver diseases, metabolic diseases, stress reduction, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular diseases.
The main active ingredient found in turmeric is called Curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It is incredibly helpful in the treatment of arthritis.
One of its most impressive qualities is the ability to increase neural stem cell growth which plays an important role in repairing damage to the brain. It can help to reduce inflammation in people who suffer from Alzheimer's, stroke and depression (it is thought to be as effective as Prozac in the treatment of depression).
Turmeric Root only contains around 3% curcumin so if you're looking to treat a specific condition, it's a good idea to source a high quality turmeric extract containing organic ingredients.
Turmeric is fat soluble so if you are adding it to food, it's best absorbed with bit of fat. In order to increase absorption of the curcumin, it needs to be mixed with black pepper as this increases absorption.
A quick easy way to make a turmeric drink it to add a few teaspoons to a pan of your favourite milk along with a little black pepper, bring it to the boil and then let it simmer for 5 or 6 minutes until is starts to thicken.
Something else to try is to make some Turmeric Paste and then add a spoon to smoothies, drinks, savoury meals etc.
Making Turmeric Paste
Ingredients
30g Turmeric Powder
1 tsp (2g) cinnamon (optional)
200ml filtered water
4 or 5 turns of black pepper (approx 1 gram)
20g coconut oil
Place all ingredients in pan (apart from coconut oil), bring to boil then simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
Take off heat, stir in coconut oil , pour in jar and once cooled, keep in fridge.
Paste will last between 5 and 7 days
Uses for paste - add to smoothie, curries or make a warm drink by adding warm milk of your choice and/or hot water.
Why add cinnamon?
Cinnamon has incredible anti-inflammatory properties, it lowers blood pressure, balances blood sugar and reduces fasting blood sugar levels so it's great for anyone with type 2 diabetes.
Ceylon variety is better quality