If you don't cook with turmeric, start.
This spice is no joke. Its active compound curcumin is powerfully rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory actions. Turmeric is credited with the low incidence of chronic diseases in India where it is a kitchen staple and used morning, noon, and night. In animal studies, turmeric has been found to combat more than 70 maladies, including cancer, heart disease, type II diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, supplemental curcumin is more effective at reducing inflammation than over-the-counter aspirin and ibuprofen, and as effective as some powerful prescription drugs.
That's all well and good if you know what the heck to do with the stuff. It is surprisingly easy to incorporate turmeric into your cooking, without changing your habits too much. Simply adding a teaspoon of turmeric to whatever is on the stove (pot of beans, soup, stews, spaghetti sauce, broth, rice, eggs, etc.) packs a good anti-inflammatory punch without changing the flavor much - though be prepared for the bright yellow hue! Cooking or going out for Indian curries is another (delicious) sure-fired way to get some turmeric in your life. I love our local celebrity, Raghavan Iyer's 660 Curries cookbook for my ventures into Indian cuisine.
You can go the extra mile by drinking Turmeric Tea.
There are many other delicious ways to enjoy turmeric. What's your favorite?
Resource: Healing Spices by Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD
This spice is no joke. Its active compound curcumin is powerfully rich in anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory actions. Turmeric is credited with the low incidence of chronic diseases in India where it is a kitchen staple and used morning, noon, and night. In animal studies, turmeric has been found to combat more than 70 maladies, including cancer, heart disease, type II diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, supplemental curcumin is more effective at reducing inflammation than over-the-counter aspirin and ibuprofen, and as effective as some powerful prescription drugs.
That's all well and good if you know what the heck to do with the stuff. It is surprisingly easy to incorporate turmeric into your cooking, without changing your habits too much. Simply adding a teaspoon of turmeric to whatever is on the stove (pot of beans, soup, stews, spaghetti sauce, broth, rice, eggs, etc.) packs a good anti-inflammatory punch without changing the flavor much - though be prepared for the bright yellow hue! Cooking or going out for Indian curries is another (delicious) sure-fired way to get some turmeric in your life. I love our local celebrity, Raghavan Iyer's 660 Curries cookbook for my ventures into Indian cuisine.
You can go the extra mile by drinking Turmeric Tea.
- Simply bring 4 cups of water to a boil,
- add 1 teaspoon ground turmeric,
- and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, if desired.
There are many other delicious ways to enjoy turmeric. What's your favorite?
Resource: Healing Spices by Bharat B. Aggarwal, PhD