Everyone is talking about this yellow powder that has potential to solve many more health issues than you can possibly imagine.
Turmeric is an Asian spice that belongs in the ginger family and is a source of potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamins C and B6. It has been a crucial ingredient in Indian cooking for years and has just recently gained worldwide popularity, the kind that has made it a constant find on shelves across stores, a kitchen essential and the newest addition to Starbucks’ range of flavoured lattes.
Having being described as “one of the most powerful herbs on the planet” by some and “one of the world’s healthiest foods” by others, it is only wise that we all fall in love with this yellow wonder.
Turmeric’s major component is curcumin, a powerful, medicinal substance that has anti-inflammatory properties, helps fight cancer and diabetes, aids digestion, combats heart diseases, works as an anti-oxidant, works magic on the skin, reduces bloating, calms severe menstrual pain and essentially, solves more than a handful of life’s problems.
Now that we may have fully convinced you that turmeric should be your new best friend, here are five ways to incorporate it in your daily lifestyle for optimal results:
A pinch or two in your cooking
Plus all that turmeric can do for you, it is a cooking spice that dates back to over 5,000 years. It is easy to cook with and has potential to add that golden vibe to your meals. There are no limits to how it can be used – either as a root or in powder form.
As you would with ginger, you can peel the skin off and grate into your chicken, lamb, beef etc or add a pinch of the powder to your rice, soups, curry, salad dressing and more popular these days, your smoothies.
Face mask and more
Beauty experts are literally wilding out over turmeric this season and you cannot blame them. Your skin will thank you over and over if you add turmeric to your daily skin regimen.
As an anti-aging treatment, for exfoliation, for lightening dark spots, clearing out blackheads, pimples and acne, we can only but scratch the surface of the expansive range of good turmeric can offer your skin.
Using your pantry essentials – lemon juice, honey, yogurt, coconut oil etc – as base ingredients, a turmeric paste will work wonders on your skin.
Turmeric tea
Turmeric tea has potential to ease health conditions such as Alzheimers, athritis, obesity and chest pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties help boost the immune system and protect the brain. Its principal component, curcumin also contains anticancer properties and has been found useful in the treatment of brain, bone and breast cancer.
You just have to add two teaspoons to 4 cups of hot water, strain into another cup and there you have your turmeric tea.
Healing paste
Because turmeric serves as a natural analgesic, heals wounds and soothes burns, you can mix the powder with water or essential oils and apply to the affected parts.