5 Easy Ways to Add Turmeric into Your Diet
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you might already be familiar with this spice native to South East Asia. Turmeric is a multifaceted spice that takes on many purposes: it’s used as a dye in Hindu rituals, a medicinal herb, and a key spice in cooking. Orange and deep yellow in colour, turmeric contains anti-inflammatory agents, high antioxidant levels, manganese, iron, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C and magnesium.
Turmeric’s warm, earthy scent and taste is known to prevent viruses, alleviate pain and improve digestion. A member of the ginger family, fresh turmeric is a root that has tough brown skin and orange flesh. Just a little bit of this nutrient-dense spice goes a long way. Here’s how to start incorporating it into your everyday diet:
- Add it to Roasted Veggies: A sheet full of roasted veggies is a staple side-dish, especially when the cooler seasons arrive. Instead of sticking with the usual olive oil and garlic, add turmeric and fresh ginger into the mix. Stuck on what to roast? You can never go wrong with cauliflower, potatoes and root vegetables! The smell of your kitchen will leave your neighbour’s salivating.
- Brush Your Teeth with It: We aren’t kidding! Turmeric is a safe and natural way to whiten teeth. This might sound ironic, considering the deep yellow colour of the spice, however, it’s been used for centuries by people who want to whiten their teeth without the use of chemicals.
TIP: Dip your toothbrush in turmeric powder and brush, allowing the turmeric to sit on your teeth for a few minutes. Follow with a mouth rinse and some toothpaste to get rid of the excess!
- Make Tea: One of the simplest ways to use this spice to steep it in some hot water, sip and relax. This is a great way to use turmeric if you’re struggling with a cold.
TIP: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add in ¼ tsp of ground turmeric or freshly grated turmeric – let simmer for 10 minutes and strain before drinking! Add in fresh lemon or honey for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Blend it into a Smoothie: Fresh turmeric is a great addition to juices and smoothies, but powdered turmeric will do the trick too. Add a tsp of turmeric into your favourite smoothie recipe and you’ll reap the benefits of this antioxidant-packed spice. The pungent taste of turmeric will be masked, but the colour of your smoothie might change!
- Snack Booster: Hardboiled eggs, avocados, hummus, nuts, popcorn, etc. Add some turmeric onto your favourite snack! We love incorporating turmeric into our salad dressings – not only does the spice dress up the flavor of the salad, but it feels great adding in extra vitamins and minerals to an already nutrient-dense meal!
Some studies show that turmeric can treat diseases like Alzheimer’s and even prevent cancer. If that doesn’t tempt you to start using this spice more often, remember our favourite turmeric rule: if you can put salt and pepper onto a food, there’s room for some turmeric too!