Leaderboard Banner

The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Turmeric

by Amie Valpone
For easing inflammation in the body, nothing compares to this rich golden powder

There’s more to turmeric than simply spicing up a curry recipe. Research, as well as personal experience dealing with a decade of chronic illness, has shown me that turmeric works wonders for inflammation.

What is inflammation?

Many of today’s health conditions are caused by inflammation. Everything from diabetes, IBS, arthritis, autoimmune diseases and cancer are related to a proinflammatory state in the body.

Inflammation is caused by many things, including poor nutrition, stress, pathogens and environmental toxins. Our diet can exacerbate inflammation or calm it down. Processed foods, refined sugars and hydrogenated/trans fats contribute to inflammation, while foods such as turmeric, berries, garlic, ground flaxseeds, walnuts, flax oil, cold-water oily fish, ginger and oregano are anti-inflammatory foods, and fight the inflammation in our bodies, relieving pain and helping us feel better.

Why it Works

Turmeric’s natural anti-inflammatory qualities enable it to reduce pain and curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is an antioxidant, which plays a role in helping to prevent chronic diseases. Antioxidants help protect us from free radicals that we’re exposed to via X-rays, pollution, sunlight, smoking and alcohol.

How to Use It

Turmeric’s roots and bulbs are usually boiled and dried to form a powder. You can find this sold in bulk or in spice jars from brands such as Simply Organic and Frontier Co-op. You can also purchase fresh turmeric (it looks like an orange ginger root). Sprinkle turmeric on your roast chicken or add it to your soup for an antioxidant boost. You can also add it to a cup of hot tea, salad dressing, marinades and dips such as hummus for flavor.

Supplements & Drinks to Try

Gaia Herbs TurmericBoost, a new powder, gaiaherbs.com; Simply Organic Ground Turmeric, simplyorganic.com; Organic India Turmeric Formula, organicindiausa.com; Temple Turmeric chilled turmeric drinks, templeturmeric.com; Numi organic turmeric hot tea bags, numitea.com.

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

Here’s an easy recipe for roasted cauliflower that is perfect to serve in autumn.

Serves 2

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets

3 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon sea salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

                                                                                                                 Elena Veselova / shutterstock.com[/caption]

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

3 tablespoons sliced almonds

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, toss cauliflower, olive oil, sea salt and pepper to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Toss the florets halfway through, after 15 minutes.

Remove from oven; toss with lemon juice, turmeric and almonds. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven. Transfer to a serving bowl and toss with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

You may also like