Turmeric

You guys are going to have to bare with me this week. It’s craziness over here with our remodel, classes starting next week, and studying for my certification exam!!! I’m going to (hopefully) stay as consistent as possible with my blogging…but you just never know. 😉

Lately I have been reading and hearing a lot about turmeric. So I set out to figure what all the talk was about! I had a lot of people mention to me how much they liked my post on chia seeds, so I decided to format this one the same.

So…let’s start with the basic question.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice found in India that’s commonly used in curry. It was used as an herb in medicine for aid with several body systems, including the digestive system to help with digestion, menstrual irregularities, and other kinds of swelling.

(This is how it comes at the store.)

…which leads to the second question.

What is it about turmeric?

1. It is a superfood.
2. It is an antioxidant (a cancer fighter) and anti-inflammatory because of the curcumin  chemical – which is the reason it’s so popular now.
3. Curcumin helps stabilize inflammation and decrease swelling…if your joints have been hurting you, try turmeric.
4. As mentioned above, because of it’s high anti-inflammatory effects, turmeric helps with arthritis along with pain and high inflammation.
5. Turmeric increases dopamine and serotonin which is the “feel good” hormone.
6. One article states that it is better than prozac (treats depression, OCD, and other mental disorders) because it reduces cortisol (the stress hormone) and increases serotonin.
7. In India, Turmeric is rubbed on the bride’s face because it’s used to beautify skin and help complexion as well.
8. Helps support the liver by detoxifying.
9. It produces bile, which breaks down fat and helps move toxins through the digestive tract…we like this. 🙂
10. Helps those with diabetes by suppressing glucose production in the liver. Research found that it improved metabolic function and decreased plaque build-up in arteries.
11. Increases oxygen intake in the brain, which makes the brain function at it’s best. This also increases the release of serotonin and dopamine.
12. It is recommended that the average adult gets 1-3g/day in their diet, which is about 1/4 tsp. That’s super simple to do!

How can I get turmeric in my body?

1. Use it as a spice in your recipes. For instance, put it in your rice and quinoa. FYI: it turns food yellow.
2. Use mustard as a condiment…mustard has turmeric in it. (Hence the yellow and bitter flavor)
3. Drink it in your tea.
4. Toss your veggies in some turmeric and roast them. Throw it in soups. Use it as a marinade. Anywhere that you can disguise it. Be mindful that there is a bitter flavor. My first time I put it in my oatmeal and used way too much that it was so gross!
5. Pinterest recipes. I did this yesterday and there’s a ton.
6. Eat curry.

What are the risks of turmeric?

1. Turmeric can interfere with other medication you may be taking, such as aspirin. If you are on a lot of medicine, be sure to consult your doctor.
2. Mild side effects may occur (diarrhea, indigestion, increased menstrual flow, nausea, etc.) if you take too much. By sticking to the recommended 1/4 tsp a day, there should no problem.

So that’s turmeric! As you can see, there are many benefits. It’s becoming the “new thing” so now i’m wondering do you use it/have you used it before? Do you know anything else about it you want to share??

*FYI: I am not a licensed medical practitioner, all statements have been formed through my own research and thoughts.*