Turmeric: A Spice with Many Benefits

Turmeric is a spice commonly used in many South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. It is a bold ingredient that adds a slightly bitter, peppery flavor to dishes. Similarly to its relative ginger, the rhizome (or root) is the most commonly used part of the plant, but the leaves are also used in certain cuisines. The root can be used fresh to make pickles or extract juice, but is more often dried and then ground into a powder form.

Turmeric is also distinctive because of its vibrant, orangey-mustard-yellowish hue which often lends its color to many dishes. In fact, the spice is actually used as a natural food colorant, and is also used to dye Buddhist monks’ robes in some Asian countries.

While its color and flavor are definitely some high-quality characteristics of turmeric, its true beauty lies in its health benefits. Turmeric has been a central part of Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian medicine) for thousands of years to treat a truly immense range of diseases that includes skin conditions, liver diseases, and allergies. The active ingredient in the spice is called curcumin, and this ingredient along with other components of turmeric have recently been the subject of heavy research by scientists. Preliminary results of this research suggests that phytochemicals in turmeric are linked with having an effect on diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. The spice is also a known anti-inflammatory, which is important for patients who suffer from pulmonary disease, and contains anti-fungal and antibacterial compounds.

Curious about this beautiful, bright spice? Here are 5 recipes you can try at home to start reaping its health and flavor benefits:

• It’s one of the many spices used to flavor the delicious Indian dish, chicken tikka masala – try this quick and easy version!
• Add it to millet and veggies to make a delicious gluten-free side
• Spice up your sweet potatoes with this simple dish
• Egyptian red lentil soup packs a flavorful and healthy punch. Added bonus: it’s vegan!
• Turmeric even finds its way into breakfast in this spiced oatmeal smoothie

Have you ever tried turmeric before? 

Feature iamge: h-bomb via photopin cc

Photo: Steven Jackson Photography via photopin cc