If you're one of those people who still don't know what turmeric is, where it comes from, what its properties are, and how to use it, stay tuned. Here we'll tell you everything you need to know to incorporate turmeric into your diet.
What is turmeric and what is it used for?
Its scientific name is turmeric longa It is a tall plant that grows in Asia and Central America, and its rhizome (root) is used. Most of it is processed to obtain Turmeric powder . It's probably what you've seen in all supermarkets and grocery stores.
It is a very versatile plant and it is used in different sectors such as medicine, cosmetics, gastronomy and industrial food processing.
Its origins are believed to date back to between 610 BC and 320 BC. At that time, it was used as a dye for wool thanks to its intense yellow color. Later, it was adopted by Indian cuisine as Food coloring and flavoring . If you read the ingredients of curry, you'll see that turmeric is one of its main ingredients.
The treasure of Ayurvedic medicine
In short, Ayurvedic medicine is a type of holistic medicine (it has a comprehensive view of the body and mind) which has been used in India for over 5000 years.
Does emphasis on good health and on the prevention and treatment of disease through lifestyle practices (massage, meditation, yoga, dietary changes ) as well as the use of herbal remedies.
That said, you might still be wondering why this plant is classified as a medicinal plant. The reason is that turmeric has all the necessary properties for our bodies to function perfectly and keep infectious diseases at bay. Furthermore, there are other equally powerful spices such as ginger, maca, and spirulina.
Properties and benefits of turmeric
This spice, also known as yellow gold, is a great source of nutrients and substances such as vitamins C, E and K, niacin, sodium, calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron and zinc.
The compounds that give it its great medicinal properties are curcumin, demenoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. Thanks to these, it has properties and benefits for the body such as:
- Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
- It stimulates the immune system
- Improves digestion
- Facilitates weight loss
- It has antibacterial properties
- Excellent antioxidant
Contraindications of turmeric
- Drug interactions: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, can interfere with some medications, such as blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you are taking any medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking any turmeric supplements.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to turmeric, especially if they have allergies to ginger, cardamom, or dandelion. If you experience allergy symptoms, stop using it and seek medical attention immediately.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Although it is considered safe when used in cooking, it is recommended to avoid using turmeric supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of information on its safety.
- Gallbladder disease: It can increase bile production and may cause problems for people who have gallbladder disease.
- Digestion: This spice can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, flatulence, and heartburn in some people. These side effects can be avoided by taking turmeric with food or with black pepper.
Recommendations and how to consume it
Like any spice, you can include turmeric in countless recipes. It is most commonly used in Indian cuisine. However, You can add it to your stews, soups, creams, and sauces . I even use it in stir-fries.
Another of its common uses is as an infusion. This is one of the most effective ways to benefit from the properties of turmeric. Especially for weight loss.
You can also add it to your favorite hot or cold drinks, and even make the famous Golden Milk. Personally, I like to add it to my coffee every morning.
To optimize the absorption of turmeric in our body, consume it along with ginger. , black pepper and a fatty agent (such as olive or coconut oil)
Another use for curcumin is in skin care. Nowadays, many people are concerned about having healthy, spotless skin, and turmeric powder can help you not to worry about this.
Interested in learning how? You can learn how to use turmeric for your skin on our blog, where we share all the secrets and tricks to get the most out of it.
Turmeric with pepper
Curcumin , the active compound in turmeric, is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. On the other hand, black pepper contains piperine, a compound that increases the bioavailability of curcumin.
Combining turmeric with black pepper increases the absorption of curcumin in the body, thus increasing its effectiveness.
Some studies have suggested that take turmeric with pepper It can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve heart health, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve memory and cognitive performance.
Together, these are the key ingredient for an authentic golden milk recipe , a drink that is attributed with benefits and is the best way to consume it.
Turmeric and pregnancy
During pregnancy, it is recommended to exercise caution when consuming any supplement, including turmeric, as there is insufficient research on its safety during this time. It is advisable to avoid its consumption during the first three months of pregnancy, as this is a critical period.
However, you can consult your doctor to check whether or not you can take it, as we said before there is not enough research to reach a clear result.
Some recipes for taking turmeric
- Chicken curry: You can make a curry paste using onion, garlic, ginger, tomato, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and other spices. Mix it with chicken cubes and cook it in a pot. Serve with basmati rice.
- Vegetable soup: You can make a vegetable soup using onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, potato, pumpkin, turmeric, cumin, and cilantro. Cook everything in a pot until the vegetables are soft.
- Turmeric tofu : Marinate tofu cubes in a mixture of turmeric, coriander, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, and olive oil. Cook in a pan until golden brown. Serve with rice or as a side dish.
- Chickpea curry: Cook chickpeas with turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Serve with rice or naan bread.
- Turmeric fried rice: Cook white or basmati rice with a little turmeric and onion. Fry in a pan with olive oil, add vegetables such as carrots, peas, and scrambled eggs.
In conclusion
If you're thinking about changing your diet to a healthier one, if you want to lose weight, if you have intestinal problems, or if you simply want to include an ingredient in your diet that, in addition to color, aroma, and flavor, provides great benefits and properties to your body, turmeric is your ideal ingredient.
