Let’s start off by adding a simple easily found spice into your daily meal.
I’m pretty sure you’re going to be surprised to discover that with just a quick pinch of Turmeric, an often overlooked “superfood”, it has an incredible array of health benefits that go way beyond it’s normal use as a natural way to color food.
This herb has been used in Eastern cuisine for centuries. Its active medicinal compound is Curcumin, that gives curry its yellowish tint and distinctive flavor.1
Like red wine for the French (Resveratrol), olive oil in the Mediterranean (Omega-3 Fatty Acids), chili peppers in Central and South America (Capsaicin), and shellfish in Japan (Astaxanthin) – we are only just now realizing the extensive health benefits of turmeric, this East Indian spice.
Studies published in the European Journal of Nutrition focused on the effects of Turmeric on obesity and obesity-related illnesses.
The active anti-inflammatory compound in Turmeric has been found to reduce your body’s formation of fat tissue, stunting fat cell growth, and enhancing your body’s ability to make physically fit fat cells instead of the lazy couch potato kind.2
A pure Turmeric powder or root (not “curry powder” typically found on the spice aisle) is recommended to ensure you’re getting the total benefit of the Curcumin. It can be purchased in extract form as well, giving you a more potent version of this miracle spice.
As with most antioxidants, you can buy Turmeric as a supplement, but I hope you’ll give the natural dietary path a chance first. Your body is better able to digest Turmeric in its natural form.
It is low-cost, safe to use, and proven effective, but Turmeric cannot be your only solution to weight loss and control. It should be consumed in addition to an overall nutrition-conscious diet and regular exercise regimen.
Turmeric (part of the ginger family) is a common ingredient in East Indian and Caribbean cuisine. I add it liberally once a week to my standard egg, tuna or chicken salad to give it a more exotic flavor.
Always use a bit of freshly ground black pepper when you’re working with Turmeric to boost the overall effectiveness of its fat fighting potential. This increases its effectiveness by 1000 times. Stirring a teaspoon or more into chili, stews, or casseroles (according to taste) will brighten a stuck-in-a-rut meal.
Try this recipe to make your own turmeric tea at home.
Ingredients of Turmeric Tea
- 1 cup almond milk
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp honey
- ¼ tsp ginger
How to Make Turmeric Tea
- Heat the almond milk in a small pot or microwave
- Stir in the spices
- Drizzle the honey on top
Try a clear iced version for hot summer days by combining ¼ tsp ground turmeric, ¼ tsp ground ginger, and lemon juice (to taste) in boiling water and allowing to cool before serving over ice.
In addition to the amazing weight reduction properties, further studies reveal the health benefits of Turmeric include:
- Alzheimer’s disease prevention using Turmeric as a natural anti-inflammatory. Population studies have shown that elderly villagers in India have the lowest occurrence of Alzheimer’s in the world – Alzheimer’s begins with inflammation in the brain.4
- Protection against cancer and the growth of cancer cells.5 It actually kills certain cancer cells so they can’t spread.
- Prevents inflammation that leads to inflammatory bowel disease.
- Reduction of fat cells and inflammation resulting in lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
The health possibilities for this true superfood are endless. So sprinkle away because, it’s also delicious!