Turmeric has been advocated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities for many years. It comes from the ginger family and is primarily farmed in India. It has long been used as a culinary additive as well as in traditional medicine for skin illnesses, respiratory problems, joint pain (particularly arthritis), and digestive problems. Turmeric was once employed as a perfume, a textile dye, and a fragrant pick-me-up in medicine.
Turmeric is widely available in all major grocery stores as a root vegetable, ground spice, or pill. Today, health gurus, dietitians, and sports nutritionists are ardent supporters of this Asian superfood, with some suggesting it helps reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis. Others suggest it can improve brain function and help people overcome depression. Turmeric is also recommended by holistic beauty therapists and physicians for use in face masks to help decrease acne and scars. Some claim that turmeric essential oil can aid in the treatment of skin disorders such as rash, itching, tinea, and ringworm, and skincare businesses sell products containing turmeric essential oil as an active ingredient to help with skin imperfections and brightening.
Incorporating Turmeric Into Your Diet
Turmeric is one of the key components in curries and other Asian-inspired dishes, so there are plenty of ways to incorporate it into your diet. Rice, scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, soups, and tea all benefit from the addition. Turmeric is commonly consumed in lattes, turmeric shots, smoothies, and juices, with the latter being one of the tastiest and simple options available.
Turmeric is best juiced with fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples, but vegetables like carrots, ginger, beets, cucumber, and celery are also great for promoting a healthy, balanced diet.
This drink is so tasty that one research claims that drinking it is comparable to an hour of exercise!
Ingredients:
- Two cups of coconut, or filtered water
(An excellent source of electrolytes such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium). (3) - Two tbsp grated organic fresh turmeric (or 1/2 to 1 tsp dried turmeric powder)
- One tbsp grated organic fresh ginger
(Said to have similar benefits to garlic, with none of the aftertastes, ginger is low in Cholesterol and Sodium. A good source of Vitamin C, Magnesium, Potassium, Copper, and Manganese). (4) (5) - Juice from one orange.
(Full of vitamins and minerals and especially high in Vitamin C) (6) - One medium carrot
(Packed full of Vitamin A, carrots are said to be good for the skin, hair, and eyes). (7) - One tbsp raw honey or real maple syrup
(Honey and maple syrup are excellent sources of carbohydrates, natural sugars, and calcium). (8) - Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne or cinnamon (optional)
(This adds a little bit of heat or warmth to your juice)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth.
2. Strain, cool, or simply drink at room temperature if you want.
*Note: To avoid any undesirable stains, please be sure to wash your hands, worktops, and chopping boards after using turmeric.
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