Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a type of herb that belongs to the ginger family. It is widely grown in the southern and southwestern tropical Asia region. Like ginger, turmeric thrives in warm, humid conditions and well-drained, neutral soil. The plant can grow over three feet tall. It has large green leaves and white or pink flowers.

Turmeric’s rhizome root has a pungent orange flesh that can be used fresh but is most often found dried and crushed into a gold powder. It is commonly used as a seasoning spice in foods. Fresh or dried, turmeric has an earthy taste that magnifies the flavors of other spices. It is widely used in Indian dishes and makes a delicious seasoning for bean dishes, rice dishes, whole grains, soups, stews, sauces, and marinades.

In addition to enhancing the flavor of food, turmeric boasts many health benefits. Turmeric is rich in phytonutrients that may protect the body by neutralizing free radicals and shielding the cells from damage. It has been historically used in ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic diseases. Its effects on health are due to a lipophilic polyphenol substance called curcumin, which is acquired from the rhizomes of the herb.

Curcumin has been shown to exhibit antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. These effects an aid in the prevention and treatment of various illnesses, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, neurological and cardiovascular diseases. To that effect, turmeric has been shown to protect against diabetes, as well as cardiovascular diseases. Data reported in a review shows that curcumin has therapeutic potential to counteract diabetes and its complications. 

The key to obtaining all the health benefits of turmeric is making sure the body is able to absorb the curcumin. Consuming tumeric with fats, such as coconut oil, or mixing a tumeric latte or smoothie with full fat dairy, coconut milk or nut butter will help achieve this. Pairing it with fats allows the curcumin to absorb directly into the bloodstream, thus bypassing the liver. Combining the spice with black pepper will also help increase the body’s ability to absorb the curcumin. A substance in black pepper called piperine, when combined with curcumin, has been shown to substantially increase bioavailability of curcumin.

A delicious way to enjoy turmeric while making its curcumin more bioavailable is to make a golden turmeric latte. You can find the recipe for this wonderful latte below. It can also be purchased as a mix at a health food store.

It’s always best to get curcumin in whole food form rather than from taking turmeric supplements. It has been reported that turmeric supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones. This is likely because the supplements contain much higher concentrations of curcumin than a person would consume simply by eating food seasoned with the spice or by drinking turmeric tea.

In addition to all the health benefits listed above, there is mounting evidence that turmeric/curcumin may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health. Studies suggests that curcumin may represent an effective agent in the treatment of skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and eczema. It has also been shown to improve wound healing. Furthermore,  a clinical study on 28 women in their 30’s investigated the use of an herbal combination gel containing turmeric, rosemary, and gotu kola in improving signs of photoaging, reporting a significant improvement in skin firmness and improvement in subjects’ overall self-evaluations after 4 weeks of daily use. The curcumin in turmeric can also stimulate collagen production and has been shown to lighten dark spots, making skin appear more youthful. Some skin moisturizers incorporate turmeric along with rosemary, and gotu kola.

Warning

Do not consume turmeric or use tumeric products if you are currently taking blood thinners. Check with your health care practitioner regarding the use of turmeric if you are taking any prescription medications.

Golden Turmeric Latte

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup organic unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 tbsp. grated fresh turmeric
• 1 tsp. grated organic fresh ginger
• 2 tsp. organic pure maple syrup or honey
• Pinch of ground pepper
• Pinch of cinnamon

Equipment

• 1 nutribullet or blender
• 1 saucepan
• 1 whisk

Method

 

1. Combine milk, turmeric, maple syrup (or honey), ginger and pepper in a blender. Process on high until very smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Pour into a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat until steaming hot but not boiling.
3. Transfer to a mug. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

If you’re planning on drinking a golden tumeric latte at night you may want to skip the ginger. Ginger is naturally stimulating, meaning it gives a boost to your digestion and other bodily systems. Therefore, it may keep you awake longer.