5-Minute Guide to Turmeric and Your Health

Is turmeric a magical super spice or just the latest food fad? It has played a major role in Eastern medicine for thousands of years and now it’s finally showing up in supermarkets and research journals worldwide.

If you like Indian food, you’ve probably been eating turmeric regularly. It’s a main ingredient in curry, and it gives mustard its golden color. It’s closely related to ginger and has a bitter flavor.

Commonly used for pain relief and its anti-inflammatory qualities. Turmeric also has powerful antioxidant effects which can help support a healthy immune response to general inflammation throughout the body.

Benefits of Turmeric:

1. Reduce inflammation. Turmeric contains a chemical called curcumin that appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest that it controls arthritis pain as well as ibuprofen.

2. Strengthen bones. Certain forms of turmeric may even help preserve bone mass. The National Institute of Health is investigating whether it can provide protection from osteoporosis.

3. Manage cholesterol. Some experts already recommend turmeric for lowering unhealthy LDL cholesterol and increasing healthy HDL cholesterol. It’s especially helpful with a diet low in saturated fats and high in soluble fiber.

4. Quit sneezing. Do you have a cold that won’t go away? Turmeric may relieve symptoms such as runny noses and congestion.

5. Treat depression. Turmeric also shows promise for managing depression. That’s because mood disorders may involve inflammation as well as changes in brain chemicals.

Ways to Use Turmeric:

1. Boost digestion. Unfortunately, our bodies are not very effective at absorbing turmeric. You can aid digestion by consuming it with black pepper and fatty foods like oil.

Turmeric Paste Recipe: 2 cups water + 1 cup turmeric. Slowly boil to create a paste. Add 1 T of fresh ground pepper, 1/3 cup coconut oil and stir well. Store in a jar in the fridge. Eat a spoonful in the morning and at night.

Want to take the easy route? You can purchase my favorite organic essential oil blend here. Sign up as a preferred customer to save 25% off retail!

2. Wash up. Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects, turmeric may make your skin look and feel younger. Check labels to find turmeric in soap and cosmetics or find recipes online for making your own products.

3. Smell nice. Do you like woody and earthy scents? You can find turmeric in some perfumes or as an essential oil for your aroma therapy.