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3 Ways to Get Turmeric in Your Diet

How to get more turmeric in your diet through food, beverages and supplements.

3 Ways to Get Turmeric in Your Diet | Healthy Food | Natural Remedies | Anti Inflammatory

 

Isn’t it fascinating that a spice that has been revered in Asia for thousands of years for cooking, dyeing and medicinal properties is now a darling of the health food industry here in the United States? We’ve had turmeric in our spice cabinets for ages because it makes a great tasting curry but suddenly the health benefits of turmeric are all the rage.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, and its active compound curcumin is known to:

  • Reduce inflammation – making it good for joint pain, nerve pain and even arthritis.
  • Boost brain function – helping with memory and even Alzheimers disease.
  • Lower risk of heart disease – by improving function of the endothelium, regulating blood pressure and clotting.
  • Fight heartburn – by suppression of stomach acid and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Increase antioxidants – by neutralizing free radicals.
  • Treat or prevent cancer – by slowing down growth of cancerous cells.

 

 

Recipes using turmeric via mindfulmomma.com

How to Get More Turmeric in Your Diet

With all those benefits, it seems like getting more turmeric in your diet is a good idea! Here are 3 ways to do that:

Cook with Turmeric

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Turmeric is a popular kitchen spice, especially in curry dishes. It has a slightly bitter flavor that mixes well with other spices. In fact, if you have a jar of curry powder in your kitchen, it most likely contains turmeric. Here are a few ways to to add turmeric to the foods you eat regularly at home:

  • Mix a couple teaspoons into soups, stews and stir fries
  • Add to a smoothie
  • Sprinkle a bit on your popcorn
  • Made a homemade curried nut mix

You can find turmeric in the spice section of most grocery stores and often in bulk at the co-op. My favorite source for turmeric: Simply Organic Turmeric Powder

If you don’t already have a favorite recipe using turmeric, here’s a little inspiration for you:

Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric & Cumin

Coconut Green Curry Lentils

Chicken Curry with Apples (great “starter curry” for kids)

Turmeric Cauliflower Chowder

Orange Turmeric Cake

Turmeric Golden Milk Ice Cream

Golden Milk - to get more healthy turmeric in your diet

 

Drink Turmeric

Beverages made with turmeric have been super trendy. Temple Turmeric makes an excellent turmeric elixer in many flavors – I tried a couple at the Natural Products Expo and they were delicious!  You can also make your own turmeric drinks:

 

turmeric root by Melanie Cook via flickr cc

Take a Turmeric Supplement

All this talk of health benefits has me wanting to get a dose of turmeric every day. But because I don’t cook curry or drink turmeric beverages every day, I sometimes take a supplement. Here are a couple I’ve tried and recommend:

And if you’re more of a DIY’er, here’s an intriguing recipe for homemade turmeric supplements made with honey.

Do you get enough turmeric in your diet?

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Sources: Organic Authority, Care2, Huffington Post

Note: Please consult your doctor for all medical advice. 

(Photo credits: Steven Jackson, Rachel Hathaway and Melanie Cook all via flicker cc as well as Temple Turmeric for product shot.)

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About Mindful Momma

Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.

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  1. Cyndi says

    I cook with it a LOT. I’ve found that a small amount, in almost any dish, works. It’s really nice in soups, sauces, salad dressings, stir fries, etc. One of my favorite uses is to sprinkle some on scrambled tofu … it gives it an “egg” color and boosts the flavor. In fact, it would be a nice touch on real egg scrambles or quiches. Just a pinch in a food isn’t too overpowering in flavor and adds great nutrition. Be aware, though, that too much tends to make a dish taste salty. But that salty quality can be quite useful when trying to reduce sodium.

    Reply

  2. Lisa Sharp says

    Thanks for all of the great ideas! I really want to start making more Indian food to get more turmeric in our diet. My husband has bad knees and I have Fibromyalgia so it would be extremely helpful for us. My husband does take turmeric capsules each day.

    Reply

  3. diane says

    I just bought a big container of fresh turmeric and I am juicing it with carrots and apples. Fairly tasty actually!

    Reply

  6. Lori Popkewitz Alper says

    I cook with turmeric all the time. I tend to add a little Indian flare to almost every vegetable dish by using a combination of turmeric and other spices. My husband and I love the flavors along with one of our kids. We have two more who we still need to convince. I’ve never thought to add it to a smoothie. I’ll have to give it a try!

    Reply

  9. Karen says

    I have found that the ground tumeric is a taste that I just don’t care for but do love fresh tumeric. I cut a few slices then chop it up and toss it in the pan when I am stir frying veggies. It really adds flavor.
    I also love turmeric hot tea. Just a little slice or two dropped into hot water. It really is good.
    Thanks for a great article.

    Reply