Nutritional Nugget: Turmeric

by Melissa Vertosick

The root of this South Indian and Indonesian plant is used in curries, mustards, and cheeses. Its flavor is peppery, warm, and bitter.
What benefits do you get by adding turmeric to your diet?

• More than 2 dozen anti-inflammatory compounds are present
  • Curcumin is the most widely known
    • Gives the spice its yellow color
    • Studies have shown that it helps to prevent plaque build-up in the brain (protection against Alzheimer’s Disease)
  • Research is currently being conducted that supports its potential to help with
    • Irritable Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis)
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
    • Cancer Prevention
    • Improving liver function
    • Reducing oxidized cholesterol
• Contains antioxidant properties
• Contains iron, manganese, vitamin B6, fiber, and potassium

How to add it into your diet?

• Add it to rice or other grain dishes
• Use it to spice lentils
• Use it in curry dishes
• Add it to chicken-based soups
• Make a turmeric tea (here’s a simple recipe from Dr. Andrew Weil. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02833/turmeric-tea )

This food can be purchased at the Z’Harmony Wellness Store for your convenience.
Provided by: Melissa Vertosick, CHHC, AADP
Appointments now open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please make appointment at front desk by calling724.468.3999. Visit the S’eclairer website at www.seclairer.com. For more recipes and healthy lifestyle inspiration, visit thewholelifeapproach.com

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