Turmeric: Two Things you Must Know about Proper Consumption.

Turmeric is an Ayurvedic spice that is known for its many health benefits!

Benefits of Turmeric:

1. It is most well known as a powerful anti-inflammatory.

2. It nourishes the heart and circulatory system. It helps to warm and stimulate the growth of new blood tissue, aiding healthy function of the heart and strengthening circulation. It is also a wonderful blood purifier. It can be used to stop bleeding from a cut and it will also help that cut to heal quickly.

3. It will fortify and strengthen tendons and joints, relieve joint pain and bring ease of movement back to joints.

4. It will promote clear and glowing skin because of its blood cleansing properties.

5. It promotes healthy liver function.

6. It will also protect and rejuvenate the nervous system; relieving anxiety, uplifting mood and promoting brain health.

7. It improves intestinal flora, strengthens digestion and boosts metabolism.

How to consume Turmeric:

Traditionally, turmeric is added to foods but it can also be taken in a capsule form. I always recommend the traditional way of adding to food, if you do this turmeric can either be bought dried and ground or in its whole root form then chopped or grated and added into your food.

2 things you must know:

1. Turmeric must be consumed with black pepper.

On its own turmeric has a low bioavailability meaning the good stuff is in there, but our bodies struggle to absorb it.

Therefore turmeric needs to be combined with black pepper. When combined with black pepper, turmeric is 2,000x more effective. Pepper is high in a compound called piperine. When consumed together piperine slows down the turmeric from moving through the body too quickly , slowing it down allows the turmeric to be fully absorbed.

Very importantly, one must use only freshly ground pepper. The trouble with pre-ground pepper is that the active ingredient, piperine, evaporates very quickly once the peppercorn is cracked. Pre ground pepper will not the same positive effect on the turmeric absorption.

1. Turmeric must be consumed with fat.

Turmeric is fat soluble. Fat soluble means it dissolves in fats. Without the fats binding the turmeric, the turmeric struggles to make it through the liver and stomach without being prematurely absorbed, and won’t make it into the small intestine where it can be properly absorbed and put into the bloodstream

Please note: That Turmeric shouldn't be consumed in excessive amounts during summer season or if an individual has excessive Pitta Dosha as the qualities of the herb are heating and drying.

Traditional Golden milk latte recipe (haldi doodh)

An easy and delicious way to consume more turmeric is to consume it in the traditional way of making Golden Milk. It can be consumed in the evening to promote restful sleep.

Ingredient list:

½ cup of milk of your choice

1 teaspoon of turmeric

A pinch of fresh black pepper

*you can also add in a pinch of cinnamon or ginger if you like

Directions:

1. Bring milk to a rolling boil (Raw milk is best if possible).

2. Stir in turmeric powder, pepper and other ingredients. Cover and let it steep for 5 minutes.

3. Pour into serving mugs or glass. Stir in honey or sweetener of choice.

4. Enjoy