Good day! Today we have a nutrient-packed anti-inflammatory: Turmeric.
The Latin name for this plant is Curcuma Longa.
Turmeric is in the same family as ginger, and is just as delicious! Much like ginger, it also has some really helpful medicinal properties in its root-like rhizomes. (But rhizomes aren't roots! Although they do look like roots.)
Turmeric is packed with nutrients, is an anti-inflammatory, good for heart health, and good for relieving arthritis. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a natural compound that gives turmeric its bright color, and is what makes this plant such a potent natural anti-inflammatory. Curcumin inhibits enzymes involved with inflammation, which allows it to decrease pain and inflammation, similar to aspirin and ibuprofen.
It's recommended to eat turmeric in its raw rhizome form, which you can grate into smoothies (a smoothy with fresh turmeric and mango is amazing), or grate or chop some up alongside ginger and add to your meals. But for convenience's sake you can often find turmeric in powder form! Which you can also add to a smoothie, or add into your meal along with your regular spices.
Have a magical day,
Jenny
PLANT INGESTION WARNING!
As with all herbs and plants you plan to ingest, never ingest them before doing your own research and/or talking with your doctor - it’s possible that medications you take or health conditions you have could have a negative effect if paired with turmeric. Better safe than sorry!
Photo credit goes to The Gourmantic Garden
