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Healthy Living

Turmeric: The spice of life

───   12:30 Thu, 30 Jun 2016

Turmeric: The spice of life | News Article

Long used as an anti-inflammatory in Eastern medicine, turmeric is once again generating quite a buzz as a health food, cropping up in everything from smoothies to lattes. We break down all you need to know about this golden spice.

There’s quite a buzz around turmeric at the moment. The marigold-coloured spice – a key ingredient in Indian and other Asian cuisines – is cropping up in everything from smoothies to muffins to lattes and even showed up on Google's 2016 Food Trends Report, earning the "rising star" designation. Internet searches for turmeric increased by 56 per cent between November 2015 and January 2016.

What is turmeric?

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a member of the ginger family and is native to southern Asia. When not used fresh, a powder can be made through the grinding of mature turmeric rhizomes (underground stems). The spice has a distinctly earthy, pepper-like aroma, sharp taste and golden hue.

What are some of the key health benefits?

Traditional medicinal uses include the treatment of liver disease, skin problems, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, sprained muscles, joint pains, and general wound healing. Its benefits have been well documents in medical literature, and curcumin - one of the well-studied bioactive substances in turmeric - has been found to promote health and protect against a wide array of health conditions. It is also loaded with many healthy nutrients such as manganese, iron, vitamin B6, fibre, copper and potassium. Anti Ageing Food and Fitness Nutritionist Rick Hay is a big fan of turmeric and its anti-microbial properties and anti-viral actions.

"It is a great all round health tonic that has some good research behind it - even with regards to some serious ailments and cardio vascular problems," he told Cover Media.

How much turmeric should be had day?

Rick advises that people can take one teaspoon of turmeric daily, though you could take another if your immune system is low. The health properties of turmeric are still effective no matter what form, but liquids tend to be stronger. It is also possible to buy capsules that contain extra curcuminoids – as these provide even more health benefits.

How can I add turmeric to my diet?

With notes of ginger and orange, turmeric adds just the right hit of flavour to all kinds of recipes. A great way to start is by adding a pinch of the spice to scrambled eggs, a frittata or tofu scramble. Or simply toss with roasted vegetables, add to a pot of plain rice or sprinkle it over sauteed or braised greens like kale, collards, and cabbage. While turmeric root is great in juices or smoothies, a pinch of the ground spice is good too, with the flavour well masked in this method. But if you're trying to give up a serious caffeine habit, now is the time to swap your morning espresso for a turmeric latte.

Rick suggests that one turmeric latte per day is a good health option, and adding a dash of Manuka honey as a sweetener for even more health benefits.

"Turmeric lattes will boost your intake of phytonutrients - which is a good thing if your immune system is compromised or if you just want more natural energy during the day," he explained.

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