WHAT IS TURMERIC AND WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
You know turmeric is a great way to spice up a dish, but did you know it’s also a powerful Ayurvedic antioxidant?
It’s a lot like vitamin C (and other antioxidants) in that it can minimize cell damage from excessive production of harmful free radicals. Turmeric isn’t just the latest fad—its benefits have been known about for hundreds of years. In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric has been used to support many health goals, including joint health!
Research backs this up—apparently, active compounds found in turmeric, known as curcuminoids, provide antioxidant support and may even impact cell signals related to healthy joint function. These curcuminoids are also what gives turmeric its trademark bright-yellow color.
So, you know what turmeric does now—but do you know exactly it is? It’s a plant—related to ginger—that’s grown throughout India, Asia and Central America. We use its underground stems that are dried and made into powder. This powder is what goes into teas, extracts, foods—even cosmetics. Turmeric can be ground into a paste, and it’s a major ingredient in delicious curries!
Are you ready to give this superfood a try? This Roasted Turmeric Cauliflower makes a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish. Or if you’d prefer something a little more refreshing, sip on this this Iced Golden Blend Oat Milk Latte!
Even if you don’t love the flavor of turmeric, you can still benefit from its awesome antioxidant properties. Dried turmeric leaves can be made into capsules and tablets, so you can easily take them as a supplement. Look out for the extract sold in a variety of doses, or consider a complex that combines turmeric extract and turmeric powder together in one capsule!
