
Have you ever heard of turmeric? Turmeric is a spice that belongs to the ginger family and has been used in East India and the Middle East for a long time. It can be used in food to add a peppery flavor to your dish and it also has a plethora of health benefits.
Here is a list of some of the many health benefits:
- Natural anti-inflammatory
- Natural antibiotic, antiseptic and analgesic (speeds up wound healing)
- Helps your digestive system by preventing gas/bloating and can even heal stomach ulcers
- Purifies the blood
- Strengthens ligaments
- Helps improve skin and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema
- Helps prevent many forms of cancer including breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, colon cancer, lymphoma and leukemia
- Prevents progression of Alzheimer’s
- Slows progression of MS
- Can help reduce side effects of chemotherapy
- Lowers cholesterol
- Helps coughs and improves asthma
- Aids in metabolism and weight management
- Prevent heart disease or brain disorders
- Fight depression
So should you take it? It can have health benefits for anyone, even if you don’t have any of the ailments above. Start with a low dose to determine if you are allergic or if your body can handle it. With any supplement, you could have stomach upset if you take too much, too fast. Work your way up to the recommended dose of 500 mg twice daily with food (or cook with it if you don’t want to take a supplement). For supplements, look for brands with as few inactive ingredients as possible. If you are buying the spice, look for authentic and raw.
A great recipe to try:
GOLDEN MILK TURMERIC TEA RECIPE
Prep time: 5 mins Cook time: 5 mins Total time: 10 mins
Serves: 1-2
This Golden Milk Turmeric Tea is a great anti-inflammatory drink!
INGREDIENTS
2 cups non-dairy milk (I prefer unsweetened almond or coconut milk)
½ teaspoon turmeric paste (recipe below)
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger (fresh may be used also)
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon coconut oil
1-2 teaspoons raw honey or 5 drops pure liquid stevia
Turmeric Paste
¼ cup turmeric powder
½ cup water
¾ teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix all ingredients in a small saucepan and gently heat over low heat.
Whisk well to ensure you combine the paste, oil, and spices.
Serve warm. Enjoy!
Turmeric Paste
Mix the turmeric and water in a pan over low heat, stirring until a paste is formed.
Once you have a paste, stir in the black pepper.
Cool and store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Avoid taking if you have a gallbladder disease. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if you should start taking turmeric. If you notice any side effects that may be coming from taking turmeric, stop taking immediately.
Have you ever had turmeric or taken a turmeric supplement? Would you recommend it or are you going to try it? Share any recipes you have that uses turmeric!