I adore turmeric, I love finding it in the local markets and taking it home to create delicious curries, warming teas and tasty dips. Turmeric has a mild taste and vibrant colour which boasts delicious health benefits! You can find turmeric in my pantry and fridge ready to be enjoyed, and utilised as food as medicine.
So, whats good about it?
Turmeric, the root of the Curcuma longa plant has been used traditionally as a powerful anti-inflammatory. Over the past decade turmeric is growing in popularity, this I am very excited about! Research also suggests that turmeric can benefit our natural liver detoxification pathways, cholesterol metabolism and is a natural source of antioxidants! The inclusion of the ginger provides delicious digestive support, helping to settle an upset tummy and improve overall digestion.
Turmeric as anti-inflammatory support
What is so wonderful about turmeric, is that it is able to be used for a wide range of therapeutic benefits! It can benefit conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system such as osteoarthritis.
Turmeric has been found to support inflammatory digestive conditions such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis as well as female reproductive conditions such as PMS, PMD, and endometriosis!
Who should use Turmeric?
This one is simple – most people! but if you are unsure always speak to your health professional. I recommend my clients to use turmeric in its most natural form – fresh. I know this isn’t always available so organic dried is the next best thing. You can now find fresh, dried, paste and drinks at most grocery and health food stores – just remember in its most natural form is always best.
For therapeutic and condition-specific supplementation (such as osteoarthritis), a high dose supplement may be prescribed in the short term – however, you are able to enjoy the fresh/dried root while taking a supplement.
As turmeric can have a mild blood thinning effect, its best to consult your healthcare professional if on medication.
How to enjoy the benefits of Turmeric?
Turmeric can be added to most dishes, added into stock with your vegetables, sprinkled into the rice cooker with your quinoa, added to smoothies, raw food unbaking, recipes, curries, soups, juices, kombucha, kefir, hot milks, cold milks – the options are endless!
Turmeric has increased bioavailability when consumed with a good fat, this means that the body is able to absorb it better- think coconut cream, coconut oil, macadamia oil, avocados, nuts and seeds. When you next add a little turmeric to your recipe think about what good fat you will include.
I N G R E D I E N T S
1 cup almond milk (fresh and homemade, or if in a rush I use Pure Harvest Organic Almond milk)
1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder (or fresh if you have available)
1/4 teaspoon organic cinnamon powder
pinch of organic ginger powder or 1/2 cinnamon stick
pinch of ground black pepper
pinch of chili powder (option but delicious)
1 nob of ginger, skin removed – optional: grate ginger
a little honey for sweetness
M E T H O D
- In a small saucepan, place all the ingredients and simmer on a low heat.
- Continue to stir the golden milk until desired heat
- If using grated ginger, use a strainer to remove ginger pieces
- Pour into a gorgeous mug, sit back and sip slowly.
Health and Happiness,
Alyce x