I absolutely love turmeric. A root that looks a bit like ginger and what you usually use in curries that turns food bright yellow.
It's also known as Indian saffron, jiang huang, haridra and haldi. Aren't they beautiful names.
It is actually part of the ginger family and like ginger has some amazing properties.
Why is turmeric so good for you?
Turmeric is one of those foods that not only tastes amazing, but also is doing wonders for your body too.
That's because, turmeric contains compounds known as curcumin. These can help with inflammation and inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
It can help protect against infection, possibly allergies and heart disease. It also contains turmerone which could also help brain cell damage caused by Alzheimer's.
That's an impressive list already, but it doesn't stop there.
Turmeric is also being looked at in clinical trials for it's anti-cancer properties.
It's also thought that the curcumin can help reduce cell damage and the signs of ageing.
Feeling blue? Curcumin in turmeric can also help improve our mood.
"One study examining its antidepressive effects found that curcumin was as effective as the drug, Prozac."
Are you sold yet?
Where's that turmeric!!!
Is it good to take turmeric every day?
While turmeric is generally safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking turmeric supplements daily, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
But did you know that curcumin is actually not that easily absorbed by the body. If you want to enhance its bioavailability (ability to ingest it basically), then combine it with black pepper.
Black pepper has piperine, a compound that can increase curcumin absorption.
How can you get more turmeric in your diet?
Have you heard of Golden milk? Its milk blended with turmeric, honey and spices. A bit like an orange Chai tea.
Turmeric supplements is another way to go. But always check with your doctor first. It's not recommended is you have iron definciency anemia, have gallstones or liver disease for example.
The easiest way to eat turmeric is to use it in curries, rice dishes and stews, but don't forget to add pepper.
Why not try a little turmeric scrambled eggs, just add 2 tsp of grated turmeric to your egg mixture and add a little coconut milk before cooking on a stove.
Why not try my Butternut Squash & Cashew Curry.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 onion
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of pulped ginger and lemon
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Fresh coriander leaves and chia seeds to serve
Method
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic, ginger/lemon pulp, and your spices. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add butternut squash cubes to the pot.
- Pour in coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until butternut squash is tender.
- Stir in the chickpeas and chopped cashews.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately with rice or naan bread. I like to add a dollop of yoghurt to the top too!