Time for Turmeric!

There have been many studies done on the healing properties of turmeric. The compound in turmeric, called curcumin, is proven to be one of the most anti-inflammatory compounds in the world. More effective than aspirin and ibuprofen, and without the harmful side-effects.

Why are anti-inflammatory foods so important?

Many chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes have an inflammatory element to them. Chronic inflammation in your digestive tract plays a part in Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis. If someone has chronic pain it means there is inflammation in the body. The word chronic here is important because acute or short-term inflammation is part of the healing process during injury, but chronic or long-term inflammation left unchecked causes damage to the tissues of the body and is a major risk factor for many diseases.

To help keep inflammation in check include other anti-inflammatory foods such as oily fish, ginger and berries; and reduce your intake of inflammatory foods such as refined carbohydrates and processed food.

Here are 3 easy turmeric

recipes that I use on a regular basis:

1. Turmeric Milk

This is a comforting, warming drink which is lovely to have in the evening.

Instructions:

Make a turmeric paste which will last in your fridge for up to two weeks by adding 1 cup of water and half a cup of turmeric powder to a pot and gently heating for around 6 minutes. Add 5 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil and 2 teaspoons of black pepper. Mix ingredients and leave to cool before storing.

To make turmeric milk heat up 1 cup of milk (plant or cow's milk) with half a teaspoon of turmeric paste. Pour in to a mug and add honey and cinnamon to taste.

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2. Turmeric & Orange Smoothie

You can play around with the ingredients, depending on how many people you are making this for.

I made enough for two and added 2 oranges, one cup of nuts (I used a mix of macadamias and cashews), half an avocado, 2 cups of coconut milk, a scoop of protein powder (I used pea protein) and a pinch of black pepper. Please note measurements aren't exact!

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3. Zingy Turmeric & Avocado Spread

Blitz an avocado with 2 teaspoons of turmeric (I used a mix of fresh and ground), a good squeeze of lemon juice and some olive oil.

This goes well on toast or on top of a rice dish or as a dip.

Enjoy the recipes and health benefits!