5 Ways to Add Turmeric to Your Diet
Ashley Littles
| 2 min read
If you need more than the rich, warm, and golden hue of turmeric as a reason to add it to your pantry staples, here are five promising health benefits, and a few recipes that feature this on-trend spice:
- Natural healing properties. Turmeric has long been used in Eastern cultures as a powerful and natural anti-inflammatory to treat a variety of ailments. Some of those include toothaches, flatulence, and arthritis. It’s pharmacological agent, Curcumin, contains non-toxic properties that also make it a safe and effective treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS.
- Helps prevent heart disease. Research conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that turmeric can help prevent the buildup of plaque that could potentially block arteries and lead to heart disease.
- Can help fight acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties also work against the under-the-skin infection and inflammation that causes pimples.
- Has cancer-fighting properties. Curcumin, the most active agent in turmeric, has been shown to kill cancer cells in laboratory dishes and also slow the growth of the surviving cells. It has also been found to reduce development of several forms of cancer in lab animals and to shrink animal tumors, according to the American Cancer Society. More research will need to be done to prove its benefit to humans.
- Hair regrowth. Studies conducted in a Scotland clinic have reported success in re-growing hair for patients that experienced hair loss as a result of a Vitamin-B deficiency, alopecia, and certain kinds of chemotherapy, according to, www.nutritional-supplements-health-guide.com.
How can you add this natural healer to your meals? Here are a few options:
- As a shareable side dish: Rice with Turmeric & Ginger
- Start your day with a smoothie: Coconut, Clementine & Turmeric Smoothie
- For the sweet cravings: Turmeric & Almond Tea Cake
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly: Basic Almond and Turmeric Salad Dressing
If you’re interested in even more information on healthy food additions, check out these blogs:
Photo Credit: Steven Jackson
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