Ciao -
Welcome to the promised newsletter all about turmeric, the fluorescent orange hero of spices. Herbs and spices are concentrated powerhouse healers of flavor, antioxidants, and anti-inflammation, exploding flavor into every meal, and turmeric may be the most powerful of them all.
For a great introductory post on this topic, feel free to check out the link below. I encourage reading Episode 1 prior to reading this post to welcome or refresh you to the wonderful benefits of herbs and spices of all kinds.
Turmeric, coined ‘the spice of life’ and ‘powdered gold’, has been a staple in many cultures for thousands and thousands of years for both food enhancement and medicinal properties. Humans, since the beginning of time, posses an innate desire to survive and to thrive; herbs and spices have always been a part of that. With turmeric leading the way in many cultures, herbs and spices were once used as a form of currency, showing their immense value and preciousness for not only physical survival but also for societal survival. In todays world, we often lose touch with the profound healing power of something so simple and Earth grown, like turmeric. Maybe it’s because we use paper money now. (Kidding).
So what is turmeric? A cousin of ginger, turmeric is a rhizome - essentially meaning it is a root. Native to Indian and Asian areas, this root is found growing in any and all rainy, damp soils. Many super stores have both ginger and turmeric root available for purchase, which is great for the most potent and fresh flavor, and incredible in juices. Most commonly in cooking, turmeric is used in a powered form, with the best option being a pure powder blend that should be able to be found just about everywhere.
The health benefits are endless; let’s get into the main takeaways!
Turmeric is a huge benefit for skin - actively battling against acne and irritation by preventing skin cells from clogging pores while simultaneously increasing natural collagen production to prevent skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to lighten hyperpigmentation and scaring which encourages a glowing, even skin tone. Many have claimed that this root has even helped to heal deeper skin issues such as psoriasis and eczema! Holistic medicine shows us that skin issues are a symptom of a deep seeded issue in the body (a post digging into this topic later). As we know, turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that supports the body in fighting its everyday fights, therefore allowing it the potential to be a huge help in all skin issues.
Turmeric being so high in antioxidants also helps tremendously in fighting inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. Holistic practitioners know that chronic inflammation is a breeding ground for all kinds of diseases - heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, metabolic issues. This root can help increase brain functioning and memory, balance blood sugar and lower cholesterol, support healthy eyes and reduce dark circles, fight off viruses and bacteria, support good digestion, increase kidney, liver, and heart function… basically, all of the above. It is a magical little spice right at our fingertips.
Due to the very strong flavor of turmeric, it can be an acquired taste that doesn’t always get a good rap. Personally, my three favorite and delicious ways to ingest turmeric is tossed in hardy dishes like pasta or a stir fry, sprinkled on an egg, and drinking a golden latte. (Your local coffee shop might have a golden latte - they are becoming much more popular!) This superfood is something you can strive to eat every single day and enjoy in many different ways. Pro tip - studies have shown that the chemical combination of turmeric and ground black pepper can increase the bodies ability to absorb the precious properties by up to 2000%!
Hopefully, you are encouraged and excited to implement powerhouse healer of turmeric into your meals to increase general wellbeing. Remember, food is medicine, and food is powerful. Maybe this is the perfect excuse to hit the local coffee shop and indulge in a golden milk latte!
Food for thought,
Lai