Turmeric in all it’s glory
What IS Turmeric?
- Turmeric is a flowering plant of the ginger family, which grows in Asia & Central America
- Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and has powerful anti-inflammatory properties
Some of the MANY Benefits of Turmeric
- Potent Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory (relieving joint pain and stiffness)
- Natural pain reliever (arthritic pain, orofacial pain in mouth, jaws & face, Neuropathic pain, burn, wounds)
- Lowers blood pressure
- Improves liver function
- Improves digestion & gut health
- Beneficial in depressive disorders, working as an anti-inflammatory agent, antioxidant and neuroprotective agent
- Natural blood-thinner, which decreases blood clots (important to stop taking turmeric at least 2 weeks prior to a surgical procedure, to avoid too much blood loss)
- Speeds up post-operative recovery
- Reduces symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Disease)
- Can improve blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity and pancreas related beta cell function
- Reduces oxidative stress occurring in hyperthyroidism
- Regulates immune system responses, particularly beneficial in managing autoimmune symptoms
Side Effects of Turmeric
- Blood thinner; increased bleeding (therefore best to avoid turmeric supplements before surgery, then resume using at least 1 week after)
- Can stimulate contractions in pregnant women
- Increased menstrual flow
Best way to absorb
- The bioavailability of turmeric (which just means the body’s ability to absorb) is best when combined with black pepper
- Adding a good fat (coconut cream/milk, butter, etc) can increase the bioavailability as well
How to incorporate Turmeric on the daily
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Seasoning your roasted veggies
- Seasoning your animal protein
- Sautee your veggies or breakfast eggs
- Salad dressings (extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, turmeric powder or freshly grated turmeric)
- Face mask (recipe coming soon)
- Warm Golden Milk (dairy free milk such as coconut or almond milk, ginger, black pepper, and optional honey)
When purchasing turmeric products, watch out for
- Added starches
- Added sugars
- Ingredient on Turmeric product should include black pepper, turmeric and not much more
As with any alternative therapy, speak with your doctor before you use turmeric to treat any health condition that you may have.