The Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric may very well be the new matcha, or chia, or collagen. Turmeric lattes are popping up on menus all over, it’s being added to juices and smoothies and even infused into cocktails.

What’s the deal with this vibrant yellow medicinal root? Do the benefits of incorporating turmeric into your diet live up to the hype?

In short, yes, there are over 10,000 published studies proving the benefits of turmeric, especially from the widely known active compound, curcumin.

Benefits of turmeric include:

• Fights inflammation (which is the root cause of SO many health issues from chronic pain to autoimmune disease to weight gain and more)
• Reduces depression symptoms
• Promotes liver detoxification
• Reduces the growth of fat cells
• Improves skin appearance (both your “glow” and how well you heal from acne, wounds, burns, etc)
• Works as a natural pain reliever

One of the main reasons I think turmeric is super cool is because it’s probably already in your kitchen! Or if not, at least available at your local grocery store. You don’t need to place an order on Thrive Market or Amazon, or search high and low in your health foods store – turmeric is affordable, and accessible to almost all. You can totally use the basic spice, or you can take things up a notch with a fancier fermented powder, like New Chapter’s Fermented Turmeric Booster Powder (which I’m recently obsessed with).

To take the turmeric from this blog post and into your everyday life I’m sharing three recipes plus a few must-know tips below:

• Add pepper to boost the benefits – You’ll want to add a small amount of black pepper to any dishes you make with turmeric as it increases the bioavailability of the curcumin.
• Turmeric stains! – Turmeric, especially fresh turmeric, can turn your hands and clothes (and countertops!) a vibrant yellow color, so if you’re worried about staining, I recommend wearing gloves and an apron when handling the fresh root. You’ll also want to be careful with the dishes and kitchen utensils you use.
• A little goes a long way – Turmeric is a powerful herb. We tend to think “more is better” especially with healthy food, but really a little goes a long way.

Now for the recipes:

• Cool Golden Mylk Latte – My new favorite way to use turmeric is in this superfood latte, which uses the New Chapter Fermented Turmeric Booster Powder.
• Immunity Boost from Go with Your Gut – This drink is my secret weapon for when I start to feel a tickle in my throat. Not only is it packed with immune boosting ingredients (including turmeric!) but it’s also deliciously refreshing.
• Miso Turmeric Tahini Dressing from Go with Your Gut – This flavorful sauce instantly makes any salad, bowl or plate feel like a restaurant worthy dish.

If you make one of these recipes, I want to see it! Snap a photo and post your drink or dish to social media – make sure to tag me @robynyoukilis and #YourHealthiestYou so I can see your golden creations!