Nourish - What’s the Scoop on: Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Turmeric is a highly powerful herb with a plethora of amazing health and healing properties. It’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and loaded with nutrients. This makes it a wonderful tonic for anything from regular colds and flu through to gastroenteritis, arthritis and even menstrual cramps.
In this blog, I will touch on just some of its fantastic properties and some ways to incorporate it into your life.
No.1 – High in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. These free radicals are an unavoidable part of life, resulting from:
- exposure to pollution
- smoking
- secondary smoking
- consuming burnt food
- alcohol
- environmental toxins
- metabolism in our own bodies, and more.
Turmeric contains high levels of antioxidants such as curcuminoids (often abbreviated to curcumin). These result in the pronounced yellow colour known for giving curries and spicy dishes their characteristic golden colouring.
This herb contains potent antioxidant properties that help protect cellular DNA from damage. Additionally, they help to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidation and repair cellular damage that has already occurred.
Free radicals are known to be one of the big causes of ageing, so you could arguably call turmeric quite the beauty herb.
No. 2 – Anti-inflammatory
Turmeric offers significant anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as pain-relieving properties. This makes it a great herb for all matter of things. Think bone and joint health, menstrual cramps, acne, toothache or sore muscles.
In fact, if the body is not able to repair effectively, the body’s inflammatory responses and mobility can become impaired. Over time chronic inflammation can lead to cellular damage and irregular cell repair. This, in turn, can cause problems, for example, arthritis.
Luckily, however, turmeric is recognized as a fantastic natural treatment for inflammatory conditions including arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
No. 3 – Lover of your Liver
Traditionally, turmeric has been used to help treat jaundice and generally support the liver. This powerful herb enhances the activity of certain substances that protect the liver against the damaging effects of free radicals and toxins.
Turmeric helps to improve circulation through the liver, increasing bile and enhancing both phases of liver detoxification.
The breakdown of dietary fat is also improved as a result of the curcuminoids increasing bile flow. Additionally, they encourage antiplatelet activity, therefore helping to reduce cholesterol and plaque.
No. 4 – A Friend of your Immune System
Turmeric is a well-known anti-microbial. Scientific research shows that has the ability to inhibit pathogenic bacteria, viruses and fungi. This makes it a great herb to help fight fungal infections, including Candida. Furthermore, it’s an amazing overall immune-supporting herb to help ward off colds and flu.
So how do you take it?
You can take turmeric in capsule or spray form, in a paste, tea or latte. You can even drink it as a vinegar, add it to a dressing, dip or ferment it!
It should be noted that it’s preferable to take it alongside long or black pepper. This improves the absorption of its nutrients and phytonutrients.
Supplement:
Tea/Latte:
- Drink Pukka Turmeric gold tea or Yogi Tea Organic Turmeric Chai for a delicious tea.
- Indulge in Pukka Turmeric golden latte or Sonnentor Turmeric Vanilla Latte with some Oatly Barista for a nutritious warm latte.
Cook with:
- Turmeric Merchant Whole Root Turmeric Paste as the base to a soup, curry, dhal, stir fry or anything else you want to boost with turmeric!
- Use Golden Ghee to fry off your onions or add to a hot beverage. Ghee is clarified butter commonly used in India as a traditional cooking medium and Ayurvedic preparation.
- Add some Turmeric Powder to smoothies, curries, stews, soups, homemade hummus recipes and more!
Drink it:
- Swig some Fire Cider – I tried to make a blog post without mentioning this, but it’s just so darn good for you I couldn’t do it! See my previous blog here for the recipe.
- Juice – make a juice:
Anti-inflammatory Juice Recipe
- 2-3 large carrots
- 1 orange
- 1 apple (optional)
- Inch sized piece of ginger
- 1 lime (skin removed)
- 1/2 inch sized piece of turmeric
Juice all ingredients and enjoy!
Emily Nöth
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*Please note that while we are knowledgeable about our products and nutrition, this blog should never be a substitute for medical advice and attention.
Please remember that you should always obtain the all-clear from your doctor before starting any new supplement plan or diet if you’re on any medication.
Caution must be taken when on anticoagulants, immunosuppressant and NSAIDS so please do check with a doctor before adding turmeric to your diet.
