Turmeric is having its moment. From skincare to golden lattes (seriously, even Starbucks attempted their turmeric drink), turmeric is a hot commodity. This spice, once only found in Indian cooking, has emerged in the west as the latest health craze with a long list of benefits to back it up. Turmeric is right for you – In this article, We discuss what makes it worth incorporating into your health routine.
Turmeric is good for you – Understand the benefits.
Trends aside, this root has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to soothe inflammatory conditions and support healthy functioning digestion, joints, liver, brain, nervous system, circulatory system, immune system, and blood sugar levels.
Turmeric is known to be tridoshic, supporting Kapha, Vata and Pitta constitutions. It is primarily known for igniting Agni (digestive fire) and is especially beneficial to Vata and Kapha doshas.
It has an affinity for blood and is particularly helpful for rakta-dhatus (blood and plasma of the circulatory system). Because of its powerful effect on blood, turmeric has a positive impact on both blood sugar and blood pressure. However, take care before consuming large amounts of turmeric. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, taking blood thinners or platelet inhibiting medication.
Using turmeric in your cooking is an easy way to incorporate this spice into your lifestyle. It is easy to add to sautéed veggies, rice, and pairs nicely with poultry or stews. If you aren’t particularly fond of the taste of turmeric, mask the flavor in smoothies.
A simple, warming way to add turmeric into your routine is to add about 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric to a warm mug of milk. A traditional Ayurvedic drink called golden milk, it is often consumed before going to sleep. Feel free to add in warming spices of ginger, cinnamon, and a hint of black pepper. For a hint of sweetness, add a small amount of honey or maple syrup. See the end of the article for the recipe.
Consuming turmeric in cooked dishes and drinks will help, but if you are looking for the maximum benefits of this root, you need to take it in supplement form.
Turmeric supplements abound, but you need to look for an ingredient called curcumin. Curcumin is an active substance found in the turmeric root that supplies all the fantastic benefits. An average root only contains about 2% of curcumin, so it’s essential to look for the more potent curcumin when considering supplements.
The bioavailability of curcumin is limited, meaning the bloodstream does not readily absorb it and therefore, may not work as well. Studies show that curcumin paired with black pepper will increase the absorption rate. When searching for a supplement, it is essential to look for both curcumin and black pepper to ensure you are receiving a high quality and effective product.
Curcumin and black pepper found in YouVeda My Healthy Digestion, My Healthy Joints, and My Healthy Immunity.
Turmeric Recipes from YouVeda
Golden Milk Recipe
Serving Size: 1 Cup
Ingredients:
1 Cup whole or 2% milk or dairy-free alternative
1/2 – 1 Teaspoon high quality, ground turmeric (adjust the amount to taste)
1/2 Teaspoon powdered ginger or fresh grated
1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon or 1/2 cinnamon stick
Dash of fresh cracked black pepper
Optional:
1/2 -1 Teaspoon honey, maple syrup or agave
Method:
Gently heat 1 cup of milk on the stovetop using caution not to scald. Add in spices and allow to simmer on low for 5 minutes, stirring often. Stir in sweetener of choice (optional) and pour it into a mug. If you use grated ginger or whole spices, strain the Golden Milk before consuming.
Author – Kelly Driscoll (YouVeda Wellness Contributor)
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