How to Eat Turmeric: Benefits and Tips for Incorporating it Into Your Diet

Introduction

Turmeric is a spice used in cooking that has been gaining popularity due to its many health benefits. It’s a bright orange-yellow color and has a warm, peppery flavor. It’s usually sold as a powder and is often used in curries and other Indian dishes. In this article, we will explore how to eat turmeric and some of the benefits of adding it to your diet.

Create a Turmeric-Infused Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to get your daily dose of turmeric. What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
• 1 banana
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) honey (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy!

Add Turmeric to Your Soups and Stews

Soups and stews are another great way to incorporate turmeric into your diet. What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground turmeric
• 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the turmeric and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the broth, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.

Make a Golden Milk Latte with Turmeric

Golden milk lattes are a delicious way to enjoy turmeric. What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup (240 ml) almond milk
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) honey (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Combine the almond milk, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk until combined and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
4. Stir in honey, if desired, and pour into a mug. Enjoy!

Sprinkle Turmeric on Salads and Veggies

Turmeric is a great way to add flavor and nutrition to salads and vegetables. What You’ll Need:

• Salad or cooked vegetables of your choice
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare your salad or cooked vegetables of choice.
2. Sprinkle with turmeric and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Use Turmeric in Curries and Other Indian Dishes

Turmeric is an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes. What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) ground black pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice or naan bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the tomatoes and chickpeas. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve over rice or with naan bread. Enjoy!

Conclusion

Turmeric is a flavorful spice that can easily be incorporated into your diet. It has many health benefits, such as being an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. To get the most out of turmeric, make sure you buy quality turmeric powder and store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Additionally, try to purchase organic whenever possible.

To incorporate turmeric into your diet, you can create a turmeric-infused smoothie, add it to soups and stews, make a golden milk latte, sprinkle it on salads and vegetables, or use it in curries and other Indian dishes. With a little creativity, you can easily add more turmeric to your diet and reap the health benefits.