Turmeric is one of the natural miracles, also known as the "golden spice", due to its distinctive, yellow color.
The spice has been commonly added to meals in the Asian cooking for centuries and is believed to have been used as a natural medicine for millennia. It is also said to have been the "gold" given to the baby Jesus by the wise men.
The power of turmeric is due to its beneficial compounds, and it offers strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and antifungal properties.
It is a rich source of potassium, magnesium, protein, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, niacin, dietary fiber, vitamins C, E, and K.
These are some of the health benefits of turmeric:
Boosts the immunity
Turmeric also contains lipopolysaccharide, an ingredient with strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects, so its regular consumption will boost the immune system, and prevent the flu and colds.
Relieves arthritis
Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, that relieve joint pain, and help in the case of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Heals Wounds
The potent antiseptic and antiviral properties of turmeric treat skin conditions and heal wounds and burns.
Protects the liver
Turmeric detoxifies the body, due to the high amounts of enzymes it contains, and thus helps the function of the liver.
Healthy heart
Turmeric breaks down fat and cholesterol, which often cause heart diseases.
Prevents Alzheimer's disease
Turmeric ensures a healthy blood and oxygen flow in the body. Since Alzheimer's is a result of the accumulation of proteins in the brain, turmeric can prevent it, by supporting the blood flow to the brain.
Body weight control
Turmeric breaks down bile, the main component in dietary fat, and creates a feeling of satiety, so it is very beneficial when you are trying to lose weight.
Treats depression
Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is high in antioxidants, that successfully treat depression.
We suggest several recipes that will help you increase the intake of this healthy spice:
1. Turmeric Kefir
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of fresh Turmeric or â…“ cup dried whole root
- 1 cup organic sugar or rapadura
- 1 gallon Filtered or Spring Water
- 1 cup of fresh Ginger
- ½ cup Water Kefir Grains
Instructions:
Peel the ginger and turmeric, and chop them. Pour the water into a pan and bring it to boil. Then, add the ginger and turmeric to the water, cover the pot, and cook for an hour.
Afterward, put the mixture in the fridge to cool, and then just pour it into a large one- gallon glass jar.
Add the rapadura, stir, and add the water kefir grains. Cover the jar, and leave it to sit for 3-5 days.
After this time, store the turmeric kefir in the fridge and you can freely consume it daily.
2. Turmeric Tea
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon fresh grated turmeric
- dash of black pepper
- raw honey (to taste)
- a squeeze of lime (to boost turmeric's bioavailability)
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions:
Boil the water, and add turmeric. Simmer for 5 minutes, remove the pot from the heat, and strain. Add the honey, lime juice, and black pepper, and after 10 minutes, it is ready for consumption.
3. Golden Milk
You can simply add a teaspoon of turmeric to your cup of hot milk, or try the original recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder/fresh grated
- 1 cup coconut or almond milk
- ¼ teaspoon ginger powder/fresh grated
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
- dash of cardamom
- dash of cinnamon
- dash of clove
- ¼ cup water
- 2 teaspoon raw honey
Instructions:
In a pot, mix all the ingredients listed above, and simmer them for a minute. Then, just pour the turmeric milk in a cup, and enjoy.
4. Turmeric Juice
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder or ½ inch turmeric root
- ½ lemon
- sea salt
Instructions:
Squeeze the lemon to get its juice, and pour it into a glass. Add the turmeric and salt, and enjoy it.
5. Turmeric Scramble
All you have to do is to add this spice to your regular scramble and enjoy it for breakfast.
6. Turmeric Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 knuckle chopped/grated turmeric
- 4 cups veggie or organic bone broth
- water
Instructions:
Boil some water, and add the broth and turmeric to it. Simmer for 15 minutes, strain, and enjoy your turmeric soup.
7. Turmeric Smoothie
You can simply add turmeric to your smoothies, or try the recipe below:
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder/fresh turmeric
- 1 ½ cups frozen pineapple or mango
- ½ coconut or almond milk
- 2 tablespoon coconut flakes
- 1 teaspoon hemp seed hearts
- 1 teaspoon maca root
- dash of black pepper
Instructions:
Mix all the ingredients in the blender, until you get a homogeneous and smooth mixture. Enjoy!
Source:
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