The bright golden-orange spice in curry and mustard comes from turmeric, a tasty herb with numerous health benefits.
HEALTHY BENEFITS OF TASTY TURMERIC
Turmeric is an excellent source of iron, manganese and vitamin B6. Additionally, curcumin, an active component in turmeric, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, turmeric has been used to treat allergies, heartburn, digestive ailments, and arthritis.
Today, it’s gaining research attention for prevention and treatment of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
According to a recent study, a daily intake of turmeric helps blood vessels dilate fully. It also helps protect the arteries from inflammation – a primary cause of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and a risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
EASY WAYS RO GET TASTY TURMERIC IN YOUR DIET
Sprinkle turmeric into soups, dressings, over meats, roasted veggies, scrambled eggs, or smoothies.
To help your body maximize absorption of turmeric’s key compounds, add it to healthy fats (e.g., olive oil) while they are warming.
If heart disease runs in your family, or you have other risk factors, ask your health practitioner about taking a curcumin supplement. Ideally, look for one with high bioavailability, meaning it’s easy for your body to process and absorb from the digestive tract.
ZESTY HEART HEALTHY SALAD DRESSING
Get out of a rut with your salad dressing by making your own and adding turmeric, a wonderful root herb recognized for anti-inflammatory benefits.
The lemon and honey provide a tangy flavor while the combination of garlic, mustard, and black pepper give this dressing zest. It’s such a magical combination for your taste buds you might find yourself using it for much more than just your leafy greens!
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons organic extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 t. raw honey
- 2 t. turmeric
- 1/2 t. stone ground mustard
- 1/8 t. ground black pepper
- 1/4 sea salt
Instructions
Food process all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Store in the fridge.
Substitutions
Instead of honey, use an equal amount of 100% pure maples syrup or coconut nectar. To make it sugar-free, use a pinch of stevia or monk fruit (adjust sweetness as needed).
Have you tried tasty turmeric? Share in the comments below!
References
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Oliver, J.M., Stoner, L., Rowlands, D.S., et al., “Novel Form of Curcumin Improves Endothelial Function in Young, Healthy Individuals: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study,” Jl of Nutrition and Metabolism (2016) Article ID 1089653, 6 pages, 2016. doi:10.1155/2016/1089653 Accessed: 9 Aug 2017: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jnme/2016/1089653/
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Pizzorno, Joseph E. (2013). Textbook of Natural Medicine. St. Louis, MO Elsevier.
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Johnson, R.L., S. Foster, Low Dog, T. and Kiefer, D. National Geographic Guide to Medicinal Herbs: The World’s Most Effective Healing Plants. (2012) Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Photo Credit
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Anna Pustynnikova/bigstockphoto.com
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Elena Veselova/bigstockphoto.com
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