4 Powerful Reasons to Add Turmeric to Your Diet
1. A fantastic nutritional profile
Why is turmeric considered such a “healthy” spice? Check out how much of your daily recommended nutrition you can get from just 2 teaspoons:
- 14% manganese
- 10% iron
- 5% vitamin B6
- 4% fiber
- 3% copper
- 3% potassium
Imagine, just 2 teaspoons of turmeric added to a meal could make a huge difference the amount of nutrients your body receives.
2. Powerful anti-inflammatory properties
Turmeric is a rich source of curcumin, which is what gives it such a rich, orange-yellow color. Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory – one that is often compared directly to over-the-counter medications, without the related side effects. The curcumin in turmeric has been often used in Eastern medicine as an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disorders. Similar scientific studies have shown improvement in mice with inflammatory disorders including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc. when taken on a regular basis. Researchers believe that the anti-inflammatory properties found in turmeric are due to 1) the high concentration of anti-oxidants and 2) the inhibition of cellular inflammatory agents. In addition to inflammatory bowel disorders, turmeric can help with inflammatory joint issues, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, by reducing joint pain and minimizing damage to joints.
3. Anti-oxidant cancer-fighter
The high concentration of anti-oxidants has been shown to be an effective fighter of certain cancers, particularly those associated with the digestive system. The turmeric antioxidants can help to prevent damage to cells in the colon, which in turn helps to prevent abnormal (cancer) cells from growing and spreading. Additionally, turmeric can enhance liver function to remove toxins from the body and restrict the blood flow to tumors.
4. Improve heart health
Turmeric can help to improve cardiovascular health. Adding turmeric to your diet can help to prevent the oxidization of cholesterol, which turns it into plaque. Reducing and limiting plaque in the circulatory system helps to keep blood vessels healthy, as well as cutting the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Using Turmeric
Turmeric is easily found in most stores (it looks similar to a ginger root), but if you purchase it in powder form to ensure that you are buying 100% turmeric so you can maximize its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Turmeric can be added to virtually any savory dish: rice, cauliflower, sautéed veggies, dips, lentils, salad dressing, soups, and curries. It can also be added to smoothies and made into a tea.
Turmeric in Our Meals
We love the health benefits, gorgeous color and taste that turmeric adds to meals. You’ll often find it as an ingredient in our delicious Vegan Meal Delivery meals, like Shiitake Mushroom Yellow Curry.
