Can Turmeric Help Against Inflammation?
By Stephen R. Farris
Do you use spices when you cook? Have you ever thought about adding turmeric to your spice list? You might purchase some the next time you go grocery shopping.
Turmeric is a spice that has been around for many thousands of years, and is associated -- mainly because one of its compounds is curcumin -- with having anti-inflammatory properties. It's recommended by the Arthritis Foundation (AF) for patients that have arthritis, to help reduce inflammation, one of the symptoms of the disease. The AF conducted a study in 2016, giving a group of people with arthritis 1,000 milligrams of curcumin. The study showed that it helped reduce their inflammation and pain from arthritis, however, it did not produce enough definitive proof from the results.
But don't let that stop you from adding turmeric to your favorite dishes or drinks. It still shows that it contains anti-inflammatory properties and could quite possibly help in reducing inflammation and certain pain you experience. So what are some of the things you can use turmeric for cooking? Let's find out!
Making Tea
Try this for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon drink, turmeric tea. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric to four cups of hot water and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of cinnamon and a little fresh or ground ginger (both have anti-inflammatory effects), and either lemon or orange juice (freshly squeezed) as an antioxidant and to give it added flavor as well.
Golden Milk
Add a teaspoon of turmeric to 2 cups of milk. You can substitute dairy milk with coconut or almond milk. Add a smidgen of black pepper (helps the body absorb the turmeric) along with cinnamon powder, honey or maple syrup, for taste. You can use it as a drink or as a base for other dishes such as soups or dressings too.
Turmeric Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to start your day. So for breakfast, while you're blending all of your ingredients from berries to yogurt, spinach and other goodies, add a teaspoon or two of turmeric to boost the anti-inflammatory and antioxidants to keep you going throughout the morning.
Other ways to use turmeric in your diet is to take a cup of golden milk and mix that in with your morning bowl of oatmeal, or add some to your scrambled eggs. These are just some of the ways you can spice of your meals or drinks by adding a little turmeric to them.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Surprise, Ariz.